Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story

7,000 musicians on 14 stages over 8 days… Jazz Fest, New Orleans takes some beating. This scintillating doc traces its first 50 years, its unique roots in the crucible of American music, the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina and incalculable highs from an incredible, eclectic array of performers. Filmed at the 2019 (50th) festival, the movie also features generous helpings from the archives – then again, to see the Marsalis family play is to witness music history come alive. As one interviewee remarks, wandering through this festival, you can’t help but encounter sounds that your algorithm would never have come up with. And then there’s the deep fried food… Tom Jones: “I started to retain water… the doctor said, ’Welcome to New Orleans!’”

Some call it ’the world’s greatest backyard barbeque,’ others ’the most kick-ass party in the world.’ There’s evidence of this and more… Music fans of assorted persuasions will be delighted with the samples served up here.

Todd McCarthy, Deadline

Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story is a high-stepping, hand-waving, spirit-lifting gas. To paraphrase an admonition from a classic Rolling Stones album: This movie should be played real loud. And in venues where people can, if they choose, get up and dance.

Joe Leydon, Variety

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