Thelonious Monk - Straight No Chaser

Filmmaker Bruce Ricker couldn´t believe his luck. Michael and Christian Blackwood´s extensive 1968 footage of modern jazz pianist/composer Thelonious Monk -- including the very private Monk off stage -- was in excellent shape. The reels were, Ricker said, "just sitting there like the Dead Sea Scrolls of jazz."

Ricker, as co-producer, joins director and fellow producer Charlotte Zwerin (Gimme Shelter), executive producer Clint Eastwood and others to bring these "scrolls" to vibrant life. Their Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser combines the Blackwood footage of groundbreaker Monk in studio, on tour and behind the scenes with new interviews, archival photos and more to create a landmark aural and visual treat.

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