Ches Smith
Known For & Full Filmography4 Titles
Movie - 2009, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
"Live at the Great American Music Hall" captures Secret Chiefs 3 in concert with what many consider to be the best of their many lineups in 14 years of playing. Shot in 2007 at one of the band's favorite haunts, this film does justice to a group whose live energy usually exceeds the recorded medium. Renowned for their ultra-elaborate productions, Secret Chiefs 3 has also garnered a reputation for the power and immediacy of their live shows. Their fanbase has swelled in recent years and grown accustomed to this live incarnation (the Secret Chiefs 3 bootleg scene is thriving), and they demand an official release! At the show, Secret Chiefs 3 performs a set of both familiar and as-yet-unreleased music. The line-up includes Ches Smith (Xiu Xiu, Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog), Shahzad Ismaili (who also plays with Graham Haynes, Laurie Anderson, and Tom Waits), Timb Harris (Estradasphere), Rich Doucette, Peijman Kouretchian, and Jai Young Kim.
Movie - 2023, 2h 15m • as Self
The complex and revolutionary music and lyrics of Marc Bolan and T. Rex, the glam rock powerhouse behind “Bang a Gong (Get it On)” and other iconic songs. Featuring archival performances and interviews with Elton John, Ringo Starr, and David Bowie, plus filmed musical interpretations by artists such as Nick Cave, John Cameron Mitchell, Joan Jett, Macy Gray, U2, and Father John Misty.
Movie - 2016, 2h 15m • as Self
It took nine years to create two feature films. They were conceived as a movie-diptych about Leonid Fedorov and a group of musicians formed around him.
Movie - 2021, 2h 15m • as Himself
An hourlong documentary film about the making of Ches Smith's ambitious new album, Path of Seven Colors. Haitian traditions inspire the percussionist's exhilarating hybrid of melodic drums, evocative vocals and fiery improvisation.