-Written by Kyle Bain.
Medeski Martin & Wood are a musical group that intends to improvise all of their music. Their goal isn’t to be rich, their goal isn’t to be famous, but rather their goal is to create music that is unique. Not Not Jazz explores the creative process of this band, as they head off to secluded places in order to find their muse, as they attempt to be something wholly different from the rest of the world.
Not Not Jazz is a good film to have on in the background, a film that can play on while you work out, cook, clean, etc. I say this sometimes as something of an insult because a film doesn’t warrant my full attention, but I don’t mean that at all in this case. Not Not Jazz is compelling, and it possesses an interesting and entertaining soundtrack that transcends it in its entirety. I think the film has the potential to encourage viewers, to give a little boost of energy as it plays in the background.
I know it’s hard to sell the idea that playing in the background is the best course of action for a film, but I genuinely mean this as a positive.
What works for Not Not Jazz is the fact that the individuals present throughout the course of the film are incredibly honest. They are a little weird, eccentric to say the least–but they are honest, completely honest with themselves, their peers, and the viewers. That’s all I really ask for. I may, from time to time, judge you a tad as a result of your quirkiness, but I commend you for being truthful. That’s what viewers find in Not Not Jazz. Billy Martin, John Medeski, and Chris Wood are open about their creative process, honest about their frustrations, honest about their setbacks. Things get in the way of creating new music, but they don’t stop the musical trio–and, even better, they don’t make excuses. I always say that honesty is the best policy, and that is most certainly true of Not Not Jazz.
This really is a simple documentary, one that explores the makings of Medeski Martin & Wood’s music. It’s down to earth, it’s relatable, it’s easily accessible. Not Not Jazz didn’t wow me, but it gave me enough to keep me interested; and with honesty being the primary component of this film, I really don’t have anything bad to say about it.
Directed by Jason Miller.
Starring John Medeski, Billy Martin, Chris Wood, etc.
7/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
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