Jazz: The Only Way of Life

Jazz: The Only Way of Life is a 2017 documentary hailing from Switzerland, directed by Jacques Matthey. This film revolves around the life of Jacques Muyal, a legendary figure often referred to as a musical globetrotter in the diversified and captivating world of jazz. Not just a film about music, Jazz: The Only Way of Life, is a true voyage through time, a captivating history lesson about an exuberant musical genre, encapsulating Muyal’s experiences, influences, and likings.

With Muyal at the core of the film - as both its subject and pragmatic protagonist, he leads us through the story with his charismatic personality. He narrates his time in the industry, detailing his life from his early days in Morocco to his career across both Europe and the U.S. He expertly weaves the narrative of his life journey through passion and conversations, revealing the allure of this rhythmic, improvisational music style.

The film does not shy away from sweeping us off our feet with fluid visuals and meticulously curated auditory experiences. One is immediately transported to sultry music clubs, bustling streets of North Africa, dimly lit recording studios, and iconic jazz festivals throughout various decades. The viewer can almost feel the heat of the concert lights and smell the worn pages of Muyal’s extensive record collection.

The documentary excels not only in its delivery of historical context and anecdotes about Muyal’s life and glistening career but also in its deft incorporation of interviews with diverse figures within the industry. The testimonies of various artists, editors, radio hosts, and producers who have interacted with Muyal provide a deeper understanding of his significant influence on the jazz music scene.

The themes that run through the film are not limited merely to the realm of jazz. It also delves into international friendships, cultural amalgamations, artistry, the relentless pursuit of one's passion, all wrapped within a complex tapestry of historical context. These elements come together to create a fascinating portrait of a vibrant individual and the jazz era at large.

Jazz: The Only Way of Life also exhibits a rich array of archival material. The director, Jacques Matthey, uses a vast trove of rare photos, old films, and concert tapes, revealing a panorama of the jazz scene, peppering the film with exciting clips of iconic performances. The whole storyline is stitched together with footage from Muyal’s private collection, taking us on a riveting ride straight into the heart of the jazz landscape, from obscure recording studios to larger-than-life concert stages.

To accompany these visuals, the film is excessively generous in its musical repertoire. Rare performances by jazz stalwarts such as Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, and Sonny Rollins reverberate through the narrative, their tunes enriching each scene to create a powerfully emotive atmosphere. The film lets the music speak for itself, letting it intertwine seamlessly with Muyal's memories, creating a captivating symphony for both jazz lovers and novices alike.

The narrations by Muyal and many of his friends and associates, interlaced with a series of enchanting musical sequences, gripping still photographs, and lively anecdotes, showcase the magic that jazz holds within its soul.

Jazz: The Only Way of Life is more than just a documentary. It's an extraordinary love letter to the genre of jazz. It is an exploration, a celebration of jazz music, of the characters who breathe life into it, and the aficionado who held it all together through his unwavering love and support for the art form. Muyal's tale, fueled by his unfaltering passion for jazz music, is told with sincerity, humor, and warmth, making Jazz: The Only Way of Life a must-watch for jazz enthusiasts and anyone interested in immersing themselves in this musical odyssey. Ultimately, this film is a homage to the timeless and universal language that is jazz - a genre that has moulded and shaped cultures worldwide, truly proving that Jazz, indeed, is 'The Only Way of Life.'