The Sax Man

The Sax Man, released in 2014, is a soulful, touching examination of the life and career of a relatively unknown legendary street musician in Cleveland, Maurice Reedus, Jr. The film dives deep into the vibrant, moving music world of downtown Cleveland, offering a poignant tale about melody, passion, and resilience. The documentary was directed by Joe Siebert and stars real-life personas like Maurice Reedus Jr., Andrea Land, and Sharon Reedus-Sanders. Staying true to its documentary format, The Sax Man offers a genuine insight into Reedus's life, capturing his raw essence and the impact of his uplifting melodies on the city's streets.

Maurice Reedus Jr. is the protagonist of the film. He is known for his iconoclastic appearance and can often be spotted wearing a bright red suit and toting his golden alto saxophone on the streets of Cleveland. He is locally known as the Sax Man, serenading the folks with his mesmerizing tunes, a melody that never seems to recede away but rather morphs into the background noise of the city. The rhythmic cadences and impromptu beats of his saxophone form an integral part of the city's soundscape, enthralling not just the residents but visitors as well.

Through a series of interviews with Reedus and close kin like his daughters, Andrea Land and Sharon Reedus-Sanders, the movie paints an intimate portrait of this prolific street artist. It delves into his early experience with music, his initial struggles to obtain a spot in the music world, and his decision to perform in the streets. The film briskly dives into his past, uncovering the time he spent touring as part of the illustrious R&B group Sly, Slick and Wicked which opened for several music legends like James Brown and Marvin Gaye.

The film is as much a chronicle of Reedus's life as it is a testament to the power of music. Director Joe Siebert presents viewers with the unique opportunity to understand and appreciate the undying determination that drives Reedus to perform and entertain, regardless of his circumstances or the elements of nature. The Sax Man also attempts to explore the dichotomy inherent in Reedus's life in the contrasting fame he experiences — he was a well-known face on the streets of Cleveland, but relatively unknown in the broader music commercial world.

The film showcases how Reedus's music has become a sensory soundtrack for the people familiar with his daily performances. However, it is not all gold and glitter. The documentary manages to subtly underline an ignored socio-cultural aspect, the challenges faced by street performers. It candidly encapsulates the tough time he traversed when he was struck with a hefty ticket for playing music without a street performer's license. Despite this setback, the film emphasizes his sheer determination and passion for his craft. His energetic performances, enthusiasm, and personal struggles make it impossible not to empathize and cheer for him.

A particularly heartwarming aspect of The Sax Man's narrative revolves around his community rallying support in his challenging times. The charming locals spearheaded a successful campaign for a ‘Sax Man Music’ permit, which underlines both his impact on people and their affection for him. This incident reinforces the movie's central theme: the undeniable power of music to create strong communities and connections.

In its entirety, The Sax Man is an homage to the city of Cleveland and its vibrant musical scene, and principally, a tribute to the spirit of the never-say-die artist, Maurice Reedus Jr, and his profound love for music. The film captures the essence of what it means to be an artist, the joys and perils involved, and offers a close look at Reedus's inspiring perseverance to follow his passion against all odds.

The Sax Man is a delightful, encouraging film that would appeal to both music enthusiasts and viewers interested in stories of perseverance, imbued with a genuine spirit of humanity. It is a touching testimonial to the power of music, the strength of community, the ability to stir souls passionately, and most importantly, the indomitable spirit of a man who found joy and purpose in serenading his city's streets.