Bring on the Night

Bring on the Night is a captivating musical documentary from 1985 that blends elements of behind-the-scenes footage, concert sequences and in-depth interviews. Directed by Michael Apted, the film serves as a comprehensive look at the formation, rehearsals, and first performance of a band, featuring internationally renowned artist Sting, in his early musical venture after leaving smash band The Police.

The film moves majestically between the realm of personal, behind-the-scenes narrative and the high energy of professional concert performances. The major highlighting personalities in this portrait include manager and producer extraordinaire, Miles A. Copeland III, renowned record executive Gil Friesen, and music critic Vic Garbarini.

Miles A. Copeland III, Sting's manager at the time and brother of The Police's drummer, Stewart Copeland, plays a pivotal role in the film. His presence brings to light the intricate workings of the music business and the mechanics of putting a new band together. Witnessing a band's birth as imagined by Copeland, an industry heavyweight who also co-founded IRS Records, adds a distinctly unique layer of authenticity and insight to the film.

Gil Friesen, a key figure in the music industry and president of A&M Records for many years, also plays an instrumental role in the film. Serving Sting and his new band during their early stage, Friesen's interactions and moments elevate the narrative by lending it a rich infusion of industry wisdom and experience.

Music journalist Vic Garbarini offers his unique perspectives into the world of music and Sting's artistic exploration, providing memorable commentary and insightful interviews.

The heart of Bring on the Night lies in its striking exploration of the birth and growth of a band from its formative stages, right up to its first public performance. The film showcases Sting's move towards jazz influences and his collaboration with numerous exceptional musicians, including the American saxophonist Branford Marsalis, keyboardist Kenny Kirkland, drummer Omar Hakim, and singer Dolette McDonald.

Track rehearsals, band auditions, recording sessions, and personal snippets from the lives of the band members are the film's fabric, unveiling both the creative and logistical challenges of forming a band and setting a new musical direction.

The movie thrives on the palpable tension between the evolving artistic journey and the realism of commercial music production. It triumphantly demonstrates how Sting and his bandmates surmount these challenges to create an exciting fusion of pop and jazz.

Michael Apted's skillful direction illuminates the inner workings of the music industry and highlights band dynamics, avoiding the common pitfalls of hagiography often seen in such rockumentaries. Apted, known for the "Up" series of documentaries, brings the same careful observational style to Bring on the Night that lends the film a honest, direct quality.

Sting's music resonates throughout, with extensive performances that pepper the film. These top-notch, high-energy performances are woven seamlessly into the documentary, highlighting Sting's talent not just as a singer-songwriter but also as a performer, and amplifying the narrative's nuances.

Bring on the Night also conveys a vivid sense of time and place. The first major concert of the band, set in Paris in 1985, forms the film's climax. The live footage offers an electrifying experience and conclusion, showcasing the result of the hard work and perseverance of Sting and his versatile band members.

The film is more than just a showcase of Sting's musical journey. It's also a thoughtful meditation on the art of music-making, the challenges of creative reinvention, and the complexities of the music industry. Moreover, it's an inspiring human drama that traces the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a team of artists poised for a significant musical endeavor.

In its lensing of the ambitious project from a diverse array of perspectives, Bring on the Night remains a timeless, pulsating, and immersive exploration of the music creation process. It stands as a precious document of an important juncture in Sting's illustrious career and a testament to the vivacious and innovative spirit of musical creativity.