Newswise — American jazz legend Dave Brubeck turns 90 on December 6th, and scholars at the educational institute that bears his name are applauding the release of the new documentary “Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way” on his birthday. The a new documentary, executive-produced by Clint Eastwood, will premiere on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on Monday, December 6th, as part of the cable network’s day-long celebration of Dave Brubeck’s life, legacy and ongoing contributions to the arts.
Steve Anderson, director of the Brubeck Institute at University of the Pacific (Brubeck’s alma mater), helped gather photos, background information and historical notes for the documentary, which takes its name from one of Brubeck’s most famous tunes, “In Your Own Sweet Way.”
“He continues to be a vital inspiration world-wide,” says Anderson, who adds that Dave Brubeck continues to entertain millions of fans around the world--his quartet performed more than 50 concerts in 2010, and Brubeck still creates new compositions. “He’s booked well into 2011 and continues to write, perform, inspire and amaze,” says Anderson. “This documentary will offer new insights to everyone, young and old, about Dave Brubeck’s tremendously significant contributions to history and his impact on jazz, America’s art form,” he says.
“Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way” tells Brubeck’s personal story, including his early musical training; studies with Darius Milhaud, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, featuring Paul Desmond; and the musical revolution caused by his introduction of new time signatures in jazz, such as in the jazz standard Take Five.
The new documentary features interviews with George Lucas, Sting, Bill Cosby, Jamie Cullum, David Benoit, Yo-Yo Ma and others. Also included are previously unseen archival footage and photographs, vintage performances from the Newport Jazz Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival, and a never-before-seen interview with Dave Brubeck and Walter Cronkite. The film also presents new interviews filmed for the documentary with Dave and Iola Brubeck, that captures their longtime romance and artistic collaboration, which started during their college days as students at Pacific.
Patti McCarthy, film professor at University of the Pacific and a co-producer of the documentary, has been actively involved in the film’s day-to-day production with Bruce Ricker, Clint Eastwood, Iola and Dave Brubeck, and the film team since early this year. “I am privileged to have worked with these outstanding talents and be able to help tell the story of one of the greatest musical artists of all time,” she says. “Mr. Brubeck has touched so many lives with his work and music, and Clint Eastwood, as storyteller, has really been able to capture the essence of Dave Brubeck in this film.”
McCarthy adds that the new film will shed new light on Dave Brubeck’s philosophy of music having the power to transform lives as well as to enlighten and entertain. “He has been such an important catalyst for change in our time and is a champion of freedom in all forms of expression, civil rights, social justice, creative imagination, and inspiration,” she says. “Wherever and whenever you experience freedom, you experience Mr. Brubeck’s work.”
According to TCM, the cable network’s December 6th world premiere of “Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way” will be part of an all-day celebration of Brubeck, accompanied by “All Night Long” (1962), a jazz update of Shakespeare’s Othello featuring a great Brubeck performance. The Brubeck celebration will be preceded by a quartet of jazz films: “Blues in the Night” (1941), “Paris Blues” (1961), “Young Man with a Horn” (1950) and “The Strip” (1950).
The Brubeck Institute at University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., celebrates its 10th anniversary, this year. “Our mission is to further the legacy of Dave Brubeck,” says Steve Anderson, “including his ongoing commitment to music, creativity, education, and the advancement of important social issues such as civil rights, environmental concerns, international relations, and social justice.” The Institute achieves its objectives through five core programs: the Brubeck Collection; Brubeck Festival; Outreach Program; Brubeck Fellowship Program; and the Summer Jazz Colony: http://web.pacific.edu/Brubeck-Institute/Message-from-Steve-Anderson.html
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