Bruce Ricker’s 1998 documentary is a portrait in modesty of the legendary guitarist Jim Hall, a man who’s name is spoken in awed tones by anyone who’s ever picked up a jazz guitar. Hall is revered as a musician of rare intelligence and sensitivity, and the film documents his latest studio project By Arrangement, featuring music for brass and strings, with guest appearances by Joe Lovano and Pat Metheny . Opinions on Hall’s impact are readily offered by Lovano and others, and his own contributions are peppered with wryly funny observations on a life in jazz.

Also showing:
Anything for Jazz: a portrait of Jaki Byard

This short black and white film from Don Algrant on pianist Jaki Byard shows a warm, unpretentious man, and assesses Byard’s contribution to jazz. With commentary from Ron Carter and Bill Evans, who died shortly after the film was completed in 1980