Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story

Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story is a 2014 documentary film directed by N.C. Heikin.[1] The film focuses on Frank Morgan, a jazz saxophonist and the protégé of Charlie Parker. Funding for the film was partially raised through a successful Kickstarter campaign.[2]

Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story
Directed byN.C. Heikin
Produced by
  • James Egan
  • Su Kim
Written by
Story byMichael Connelly
Music byMatt Savage
CinematographyKyle Saylors
Edited by
Release date
  • June 14, 2014 (2014-06-14) (LA Film Fest)
Running time
84 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Sound of Redemption had its world premiere at the 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival.[3]

Synopsis

Frank Morgan was a jazz saxophonist who got addicted to heroin and resorted to theft and cons in order to feed his addiction. As a result he spent a large portion of his life in prisons such as San Quentin. The film looks at Morgan's life via his archived footage and concert performances and through interviews with Morgan and the people who knew him. Filming also took place at the San Quentin State Prison showing the preparation and performance of a tribute concert.

Reception

The Los Angeles Daily News wrote a favorable review for the film, writing "N.C. Heikin's terrific music documentary interweaves a great concert by the late jazzman's admirers and acolytes at the Bay Area prison with a stirring history of both the L.A. music scene and mid-century, African American show business in general. But really, the kickiest part is when it recounts the ingenious criminal schemes Morgan dreamed up to support his gargantuan heroin habit."[4] The Hollywood Reporter was slightly more mixed, stating "Despite a surfeit of talking-head commentary, the film has a strong feel for the emotion behind Frank Morgan's acclaimed bebop."[5]

References
  1. Chinen, Nate (5 June 2012). "Remembering a Jazzman Who Overcame Heroin and Prison". The New York Times. p. C5.
  2. "Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Project". Kickstarter. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  3. Easterhouse, Jim (14 June 2014). "'The Frank Morgan Story' sounds like a fine fit at L.A. Film Festival". Los Angeles Times.
  4. Strauss, Bob (16 June 2014). "LA Film Festival 2014: 'Sound of Redemption' portrays Frank Morgan as master musician, genius criminal". Los Angeles Daily News.
  5. Linden, Sheri (22 June 2014). "'Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story': LAFF Review". The Hollywood Reporter. ISSN 0018-3660.
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