Jam Session (1942)
In the National Film Registry
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3m 5s
Ellington & Orchestra ignite in "C Jam Blues" performance. Jazz history unfolds.
Made for the short-lived "Soundie" format, played in coin-operated jukeboxes, Jam Session (1942), a short film featuring Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, condenses a captivating live performance into a mere three minutes. This focus on brevity and tight editing reflects a core tenet of experimental film: challenging traditional narratives and exploring the power of the moving image itself.
Beyond its format, Jam Session's camerawork is noteworthy. The static shots, with occasional zooms on individual musicians, prioritize the music over creating a visually dynamic experience. This focus on the aural allows the film to become an immersive document of a jazz performance, a quality often sought after by experimental filmmakers.
Jam Session may not be a prime example of avant-garde techniques, but it demonstrates the experimental spirit's core: a willingness to push boundaries and redefine how film can capture and present an experience.
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