Right from Ronnie’s opening credits, director Oliver Murray couples amazing footage with a who’s-who cast list, while a sweat-soaked Oscar Peterson plays a mindblowing version of his 1966 standard “Blues Etude.”
Ronnie’s is comprised of a wonderfully curated collage of stills, sound clips, and archival footage that subtly guides us through a number of narrative threads that, together, weave the story of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and its namesake (who was a well-known saxophonist in his own right).
From the club’s humble beginnings as a basement that was home to local musicians back in 1959 to the legendary international jazz hub of the 1960s to the 80s, we watch Scott’s dreams materialize. Seminal artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Nina Simone grace the stage in the movie, but the extended performance footage of Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, and Sonny Rollins paired with archival commentary makes you feel like you’re right there in the club witnessing a musical revolution.
Much of the audience experience comes from stills and soundbites that take us back by bringing Soho, London to life as we take in all of the subplots. Off stage, the film offers a dark side as we catch a glimpse into the mind of Scott as described by those closest to him.
Ronnie’s is a feast for the senses. It’s incredibly visually and auditorily stimulating, but so much so that it’s easy to get lost as countless subplots are revealed through hundreds of photographs and clips; some of the most important details were lost without narration or voiceover to direct your attention. But this isn’t a reason to miss this film—it’s a reason to watch it more than once.
Ronnie’s is a great doc that leaves you feeling both sentimental and excited to get back out and see live music again, and hopefully sooner rather than later.
Victoria Film Festival
Online, February 5 to 14
Various prices
victoriafilmfestival.com
Beautifully descriptive review; I could see and hear the film as you wrote about it, but not too much. I still have to see it!