Is The Gathering: Roots and Branches of Los Angeles Jazz Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Music, Documentary cinema, the 2019 release of The Gathering: Roots and Branches of Los Angeles Jazz stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into This vibrant documentaty chronicles a multigenerational music project started in 2005 by Jesse Sharps, one of the bandleaders of Horace Tapscott's Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music, Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "This vibrant documentaty chronicles a multigenerational music project started in 2005 by Jesse Sharps, one of the bandleaders of Horace Tapscott's Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra. The film features a stellar cast of players, including some of the hottest emerging talents from the area, and focuses on the Leimert Park district and progressive jazz scene of Los Angeles, covering the history of the music, and the long tradition of community elders guiding the young up-and-coming players on the scene. Featured are some extraordinary performances by local legends Azar Lawrence, Dwight Trible, Kamau Daáood, Michael Session, Ndugu Chancler, and Phil Ranelin, along with rising stars Brandon Coleman, Kamasi Washington, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, and Randal Fisher."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Jesse Sharps provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Thomas Paige is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 89 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Gathering: Roots and Branches of Los Angeles Jazz truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Gathering: Roots and Branches of Los Angeles Jazz explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Thomas Paige respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Gathering: Roots and Branches of Los Angeles Jazz is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jesse Sharps or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Gathering: Roots and Branches of Los Angeles Jazz is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.