MONK + MONK IN EUROPE (1968) - Rare Screening of 60s Thelonious Monk Docs!

As part of their August series “SEE•SOUND,” 7th House is proud to present MONK and MONK IN EUROPE (1968), a rare two-part screening of Michael and Christian Blackwood's exceptional 1968 verité documentaries which display the unparalleled genius of the legendary jazz composer and pianist Thelonious Monk!

Remarkable as both records of musical history and gems of late 60s documentary filmmaking, the Blackwoods' pair of films are stunning fly-on-the-wall portraits of Monk and his band — including jazz greats Charlie Rouse, Clark Terry, Larry Gales, Johnny Griffin and more. Filmed (in gorgeously saturated black and white) over the course of 1968, the Blackwood brothers were given the opportunity to spend time with jazz virtuoso, following him in New York, where they captured his quartet's performance at the Village Vanguard and recording sessions for Columbia Records, and Atlanta, where they appeared at a festival organized by legendary jazz impresario (and Newport Jazz Festival founder) George Wein. The Blackwoods then followed Monk and his musicians on a European tour as they traveled through England, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.

The filmmakers then dove through a years' worth of footage and surfaced with these two one-hour films which brim with captivating performance footage and fascinating candid moments, offering a rare glimpse into Monk's genius as a composer, performer, and band leader. Footage from the Blackwoods' films would later make up the bulk of Charlotte Zwerin's fantastic (and better known)1988 film Thelonious Monk: Staight, No Chaser, but this very special evening offers a rare opportunity to go back to the source and see the Blackwoods' original films on the big screen.

Whether you are a documentary lover, jazz afficionado, or admirer of adventurous artists who pushed the boundaries of music — this is a very special evening not to be missed!

MONK, dirs. Michael & Christian Blackwood, 1968, 58 mins, United States, English, unrated, black & white, digital.

MONK IN EUROPE, dirs. Michael & Christian Blackwood, 1968, 58 mins, United States, English, unrated, black & white, digital.

Special thanks to Benjamin Blackwood.

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

ADVISORY DISCLAIMER

With some exception, The Philosophical Research Society’s 7th House Screenings does not typically provide advisory warnings about potentially upsetting content or subject matter, as sensitivities are particular to each viewer. Please be sure to read event listings, research on the web, or visit Common Sense Media, IMDb, and DoesTheDogDie.com for thorough info on content and age-appropriateness. If you have any specific content advisory questions, please email [email protected].

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed within exhibited works are solely those of their creators and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Screenings are intended for educational and entertainment purposes.

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