JazzTown

JazzTown (2021) is a documentary, music film directed by Ben Makinen.

Denver’s iconic and Grammy Award-winning musicians reveal the secrets of their success and longevity in the music business while warning the young lions to whom they pass the torch to stay relevant in a marketplace both treacherous and brutal. The majestic Rocky Mountains tower over a bustling metropolis filled with steamy and romantic nightclubs where jazz flourishes on stage. JazzTown features never seen before live concert footage on historic stages that have now crumbled due to economic stresses of the Covid Pandemic. ~ Dianne Reeves, 5-time Grammy Award winner for Best Jazz Vocalist ~ US Senator John Hickenlooper (former jazz club owner) ~ Ron Miles (Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Joshua Redman, Bill Frisell, Ginger Baker) ~ Charlie Hunter (Snarky Puppy, Christian McBride, Stanton Moore) ~ Art Lande (Mark Isham, Gary Peacock) ~ Ayo Awosika (Session Singer on Soundtracks to: Wakanda Forever, Nope, Dune, The Lion King ... tours with Miley Cyrus,) and many more.

Cast

Dianne Reeves

Grammy Winning Jazz Vocalist

John Hickenlooper

Colorado Governor Hickenlooper

Ron Miles

Trumpet Player Colorado Music Hall of Fame

Charles Burrell

Legendary Bass Player

Mitch Chmara

Electric Guitarist

Charlie Hunter

Electric Guitar-bass

Teresa Carroll

Jazz Singer

Ben Makinen

Filmmaker, Jazz Drummer

Billy Wallace

Jazz Pianist

Art Lande

Jazz Pianist

Dave Randon

Electric Bass

Creighton Holley

Electric Guitar and Singer