Jazz Seen: The Life and Times of William Claxton

The film was true to Claxton and his work. The young boy who played Claxton as a child, Ian McNeely was remarkable. I found his performance endearing with a "devil may care" quality. I have seen several other film performances by Ian McNeely and it has been great to watch him "grow-up" on the screen. I'll be looking for great things from this actor.

Upon further research I have found Ian McNeely to be performing on stage and in college.

Bravo

Dr. Klien Wolfenater Berlin School of Film

William Claxton is a name that is known throughout the world of jazz. There isn't a magazine about jazz that hasn't printed a picture by him, a jazz record label that hasn't used a cover by him, and a photography book that isn't complete without one of his pictures in it. He captured the soul of jazz like no other.

In "Jazz Seen", we find out stories about Claxton, what people think about his work (all good, I assure you), and interesting facts about his life.

This documentary was directed by Julian Benedikt, who proved in his earlier film "Blue Note" that he loves jazz dearly, and therefore loves Claxton's work. The documentary uses little stock footage and no voiceover narration from some celebrity. This fact alone distinguishes it from most of the documentaries out there. All we hear is Claxton, the people who knew him, and the sweet sound of jazz. It makes for a more riveting documentary.

While the documentary is slow at parts, it still keeps one's interest throughout its 90 minute length (with commercials when watching it on Bravo). It provides an interesting look at jazz that isn't often seen...the eye.