Vince Giordano: There's a Future in the Past

Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks have been playing jazz in the US, and primarily in the New York City area, for over 40 years. This film lovingly explores his decades as a bandleader; his commitment to collecting, preserving and archiving the original sheet music of over 60,000 songs (and what to do with such a collection in his basement?); his perpetual loading and unloading of the band's equipment in his van (there's a lot of lugging depicted); and offers a behind the scenes look at the drains of what old school band promotion still entails, even when you're the Hollywood go-to guy for music of these eras Charming indie film. Other than that you'll smile and tap your toes (and maybe even applaud) throughout, there's such merit in this little gem. Vince and the Nighthawks are consummate musicians dedicated to preserving and honoring jazz from decades ago; this film is a lovely homage to all of them. (They schlep a lot of equipment and they bring joy to everyone who listens to them.) Cross your fingers for wider release of the film, and for someone to ask "How come Vince hasn't gotten a MacArthur Genius Award yet?" and to get that ball in motion.

The movie was fabulous. It was very entertaining and moved along at a nice pace with plenty of music and interesting history along the way. Many of the Nighthawk band members spoke about their experiences with the band as well as a few of the other bands in NYC where they perform outside of their regular Nighthawks gigs. Plenty of action shots helped keep this movie lively & fun. It's enlightening to witness the effort and dedication Mr.Giordano has invested over his lifetime. The library of music and arrangements he has accumulated, along with the challenges presented having to travel and manage an eleven member band are seemingly impossible yet he stays with it year after year. I was so engrossed in the story I didn't want this movie to end, but it did and I am ready for part two if ever it happens. I'll be there if and when it does.