Jazz on a Summer's Day (1960) movie poster

Jazz on a Summer's Day

1960 · 82 min · Director: Bert Stern

Jazz on a Summer's Day (1960) is a documentary, directed by Bert Stern. It stars Louis Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson. The 82-minute film holds an audience score of 7.3/10.

Cast
Louis Armstrong Louis Armstrong Mahalia Jackson Mahalia Jackson Gerry Mulligan Gerry Mulligan Dinah Washington Dinah Washington Chico Hamilton Chico Hamilton Anita O'Day Anita O'Day

What Jazz on a Summer's Day Is About

Made by Bert Stern together with the editor Aram Avakian, this film documents the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and counts among the first concert films in cinema history. Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Dinah Washington, Thelonious Monk and Chico Hamilton are on stage; the camera is equally interested in the audience, the town and the yacht races in the harbour. Stern was a fashion photographer, and that sets the film's way of looking: the use of colour, the close shots of faces and the light on the water build a portrait of a summer rather than a concert record. The choice was both praised and criticised; for a viewer expecting to focus on the music it can distract. The sound quality of the recordings is very good for its time. Who it's for: jazz enthusiasts and viewers who like the concert film form. Who it's not for: anyone wanting only stage footage, or looking for a narrative structure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jazz on a Summer's Day about?

Made by Bert Stern together with the editor Aram Avakian, this film documents the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and counts among the first concert films in cinema history. Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Dinah Washington, Thelonious Monk and Chico Hamilton are on stage; the camera is equally interested in the audience, the town and the yacht races in the harbour.

Where can I watch Jazz on a Summer's Day?

Jazz on a Summer's Day is available to watch on digital platforms such as GuideDoc, Kino Film Collection, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.

How long is Jazz on a Summer's Day?

Jazz on a Summer's Day runs for 82 minutes (1h 22m).

When did Jazz on a Summer's Day come out?

Jazz on a Summer's Day was released in 1960.

Who directed Jazz on a Summer's Day?

Jazz on a Summer's Day was directed by Bert Stern.

Who stars in Jazz on a Summer's Day?

Jazz on a Summer's Day stars Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Gerry Mulligan, Dinah Washington.

What is Jazz on a Summer's Day's rating?

Jazz on a Summer's Day holds 7.9/10 on IMDb and 7.3/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 76 out of 100.

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