“Come along with me…down the Mississippi…”
Most music videos try to make you feel like you’re at a concert performance, with a little background insight from the performer. This documentary of clarinetist/vocalist Rick Bogart takes you into the heart of not only a jazz musician, but into the heart and soul of a man who is playing the music of artists that he most admires.
Sure, there are many enthusiastic moments of Bogart in the “hot” tradition of New Orleans and swing, with sleek clarinet playing and avuncular vocals on pieces such as “Way Down Yonder In New Orleans” and “Blueberry Hill”. But the real treat here is just sitting down with Bogart and have him spin yarns of his days meeting luminaries like Irving Fazzola and Omer Simeon, swimming with Benny Goodman, hanging out with Bird and Miles Davis, and having Frank Sinatra tell him that the clarinet reminded him of success.
The wisdom that Bogart exudes between performance clips is worth two credits at Berklee, as he states “ You’re only as good as your ear” and the fact that younger musicians of later generations enjoy play with him because “no one plays that style anymore” shows that once you find your voice, don’t try to be an impersonator.
This film is refreshing in the sense that it causes the audience to remember that no matter what your craft, what lasts is love and dedication. Bogart plays it like a pro.
https://www.facebook.com/rick.bogart.18
https://tubitv.com/movies/100038564/from-bourbon-street-to-carnegie-hall-rick-bogart