Icons Among Us

'Icons Among Us' is a 2009 documentary television series presented by FilmBuff that takes a deep dive into the world of contemporary Jazz. Although Jazz has been a genre steeped in tradition, this series deconstructs common assumptions and offers fresh perspectives to its evolving landscape.

The premise of the series is laid around the current generation of Jazz musicians, featuring candid interviews, engrossing performances, and backstage footages. These musicians, while rooted in the rich legacy of Jazz, are forging ahead with their audacious improvisations and diverse influences, revolutionizing expressions within this music genre. The show thus, spotlights an era of Jazz that is alive, thriving, and continuing to push boundaries in the 21st century.

Directors Michael Rivoira, Lars Larson, and Peter J. Vogt have artistically weaved together a narrative that recognizes Jazz as a dynamic and ever-evolving art form. 'Icons Among Us', through its four-part series, brings the audience close to the thought process, inspirations, and distinct styles of these modern musicians. This is a compelling watch for anyone who appreciates music, not just for Jazz enthusiasts.

The creators of this series understand the value of context and hence, juxtapose the contemporary compositions with the genre's historical derivation. The commitment of these new-age artists to their self-expression is well-captured in the series and its resonance with the past legends is portrayed, providing a panoramic view of Jazz through the ages.

Each episode in the series provides a thematic exploration of the genre. It's not just about the music, but also about the musicians themselves, their dedication and resistance, criticisms and appreciation, and importantly, their individualistic approaches to Jazz. The series traverses the globe, showcasing maestros from diverse cultural backgrounds and spotlighting the influence of their heritages on their musical style.

The series features commentary from an impressive roster of acclaimed artists, critics, and music aficionados offering their personal experiences and insights into the modern Jazz scene. The appearance of renowned musicians like Terence Blanchard, Ravi Coltrane, Robert Glasper, and Esperanza Spalding among others, offers authenticity and a strong perspective to the documentary series.

'Icons Among Us' pays homage to the traditional sentiments of Jazz while celebrating the relentless innovation that is breaking new grounds. It mirrors the struggle and triumph of artists who constantly redefine their own musical journey. The series beautifully portrays the genre's ability to diverse and yet stay true to its roots, making it more of a living entity, not restricted to bygone years.

Impeccably shot, with fantastic audio-visual quality, the performances scattered throughout the series deliver a visceral experience. They perfectly capture the spirit of Jazz - spontaneous, impactful, and epiphany-inducing. The sounds varying from the spontaneous scribble to well-scriptured notes create a atmospheric backdrop to the laid out narrative.

The incredible soundtrack, curated from the live performances, further fuels the narrative of the series, offering the audience an immersive experience. The camera brilliantly captures the intimate ambiance of jam sessions, the vibrant energy of live concerts and the reflective quietude of a solo practice, thus painting a complete picture of a musician's life.

In a nutshell, 'Icons Among Us' is an insightful exploration of the modern Jazz world, its wide canvas of creativity, and its impact on the current music scene. It's a brilliant chronicle that captures not just the pulsating excitement of the Jazz genre but also the emotional palette of its artists. It's a reflection on how the genre continues to inspire, innovate, and influence contemporary musicians across the globe.

The series is an exhilarating blend of culture, tradition, innovation, and individuality that stands firm on the premise that Jazz, as an art form, is far from stagnant, rather it is contemporaneous, reverberating through the 21st-century musical landscape.

For those who believe in the transformative power of Jazz and those who seek to explore the intriguing depths of this genre, 'Icons Among Us' is a must-watch. The series does a commendable job of presenting Jazz as a medium, an ideology, a conversation, and ultimately, a beautiful kaleidoscope of human emotions and experiences.