Musically Speaking with DJ Soul Sister – ROUND MIDNIGHT

A wistful and tragic portrait that captures the Paris jazz scene of the 1950s, this Academy Award-winning film tells the story of an African American tenor saxophonist (played by Dexter Gordon), who is befriended by an unsuccessful French graphic designer who idolizes the musician and tries desperately to help him escape alcohol abuse. The protagonist “Dale Turner” was based on a composite of real-life jazz legends Lester Young (tenor sax) and the tortured and enigmatic Bud Powell (piano).  The supporting cast features musicians Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, John McLaughlin, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, and Billy Higgins.  (133 minutes, 1986)    CD giveaways courtesy of Concord Music Group and Concord Jazz.