One of the highlights of the Earshot Jazz Festival every year their partnership with the NW Film Forum and the screening of legendary and newer jazz films.

This year is no exception and the Earshot Film Festival kicks off tonight with almost two weeks of great films.

The lineup of films include the classic documentary Mingus (1968), the rarely seen feature film A Man Called Adam (1966), and animated jazz shorts by John and Faith Hubley (1957-75).

Here at SJS our interest was peaked by a new film about guitarist Pat Martino, Martino Unstrung, which was released last year.

In 1980, the legendary jazz guitarist Pat Martino was brutally silenced by memory stripping brain surgery. Filmed over the past two years, Martino Unstrung is a fascinating tale of music and memory. The film chronicles Martino’s ascent from the depths of amnesia to the peak of artistry once more. Directed by award winning filmmaker Ian Knox, it is narrated by neuropsychologist and author Paul Broks. The film explores the nature of memory, creativity and the brain systems underlying personal identity as it tracks the struggles of this great jazz artist. Interviews with musicians Delmar Brown, Red Holloway, John Patitucci, Les Paul, Carlos Santana, Pete Townshend and others shed light on the impact of Martino’s music.

For more information about the Earshot Film Festival, visit the NW Film Forum website for showtimes and schedule.

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Earshot Jazz Festival