Some of the world’s greatest movie scores were composed by some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians. Extraordinary performing artists such as Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, Chico Hamilton, Sonny Rollins, and Miles Davis have created memorable soundtracks to films ranging in genres from film noir and crime to comedy and drama. The language of jazz also finds its way into memorable film scores by traditional Hollywood composers like Elmer Bernstein, Alex North, and Bernard Herrmann.

What kind of film works well with a jazz score, and is true improvisation possible behind a pre-planned screenplay? Does one haunting jazz-inflected melody influence an entire movie, and do foreign films need different jazz styles?

With fascinating film clips, witty commentary, and gorgeous piano demonstrations, classical and jazz concert pianist and movie fanatic Rachel Franklin delves into the hidden magic of some of the finest jazz-inspired film music.

Through selections from film scores including A Streetcar Named Desire, The Sweet Smell of Success, Alfie, and Birdman she offers a look at the history and craft behind each composer’s work and shares spectacular jazz sounds and some great movie trivia. Fasten your seatbelts…it’s going to be a fabulous ride.

British-born Franklin has been a featured speaker for organizations including the Library of Congress and NPR, exploring intersections among classical and jazz music, film scores, and the fine arts.

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