'Tis Autumn - The Search for Jackie Paris

'Tis Autumn - The Search for Jackie Paris is a 2006 music documentary film that aims to shed light on the life and career of the iconic but ill-fated jazz singer Jackie Paris. Helmed by director Raymond De Felitta, this movie is both a tribute to Paris's incredible talent and a quest for understanding about the circumstances surrounding his career trajectory.

Jackie Paris was widely acknowledged as one of the most distinctive voices in jazz during the postwar era. His smooth performances and melodious vocals endeared him to fans and acclaimed musicians alike. He rubbed shoulders with the likes of Charles Mingus and Lionel Hampton, won an Esquire Magazine New Star Award, and was completely embraced by the New York jazz scene. But despite his initial success, he faded into relative obscurity as quickly as he rose, his star failing to shine as brightly as it once did.

The film was created by De Felitta, a then-unknown filmmaker whose casual encounter with Paris's music inspired him to delve deeper into the singer's life. 'Tis Autumn - The Search for Jackie Paris is as much De Felitta’s endeavour to unlock the mystery surrounding Paris as it is an homage to a largely forgotten figure in the jazz world. De Felitta's journey embodies both fascination and frustration as he encounters obstructions, contradictions, and a lack of tangible information about Paris that seems to mirror the singer’s enigmatic career.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the multitude of questions surrounding Paris are not easily answered. The film traces Paris's colourful but tragic life from his heyday in the late 1940s and early 1950s when he was a popular headliner, through his dramatic fall from grace and subsequent struggles. The journey takes us from the bustling nightclubs of 52nd Street to the sunny coast of California, filled with personal images, archival footage, and interviews with those who knew him closely.

Numerous appearances from musicians, critics, and Paris's friends and family, including his ex-wife, the singer Anne Marie Moss, contrast sharply with the lack of widespread recognition for Paris today. Moreover, legendary director Peter Bogdanovich lends his voice to this tribute, painting a compelling portrait of Jackie Paris. Through his narration and interviews, the film explores the mystery of why Paris, who was once heralded as the next big thing in jazz, wasn’t able to maintain his meteoric rise in the music industry.

The very heart of 'Tis Autumn - The Search for Jackie Paris, however, is the treasure trove of rare concert performances and recordings from Paris. His unique renditions of jazz standards are showcased throughout the film, providing a direct link to his talent and vision. For lovers of jazz and music history, this is an invaluable piece of the puzzle that reinvigorates Paris's overlooked contribution.

Significantly, the film grapples with larger themes— the unforgiving nature of the music industry, the fickleness of fame, and the personal demons that often accompany great talent. 'Tis Autumn - The Search for Jackie Paris gives us a deeply human story couched within the glossy and often ruthless world of show business, raising questions about memory, recognition, and the price of artistic brilliance.

As a whole, 'Tis Autumn - The Search for Jackie Paris is more than just a documentary—it's a compelling narrative that uses the framework of a traditional music biography to provide insight into a story that is somewhat lost in time. With a careful balance between respect for his subject and the drive to reveal truth, director Raymond De Felitta has crafted an unforgettable account that gives Jackie Paris the recognition he so rightly deserves but seldom received.

Overall, 'Tis Autumn - The Search for Jackie Paris is a compelling, engrossing, and profoundly moving film that serves as a striking tribute to an extraordinarily talented man and a stirring exploration of fame, talent, and the fleeting nature of success in the music industry. It's a must-watch for any fan of jazz—and a remarkable reintroduction to an artist who was, in his time, at the very heart of it.