Category Archives: Documentaries

Documentaries, Educational

The Invisible Worlds of Dr. Stanley Krippner

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“The Invisible Worlds of Dr. Stanley Krippner,” a new documentary by Jesse Block will tell the story of Dr. Krippner’s maverick journey through the realms of the paranormal, providing a look at researches and into insights on topics such as telepathy, precognition, clairvoyance, dreams and dreaming, shamanism and anomalous healing and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Krippner has traveled every continent to participate in mind altering tribal ceremonies or investigate psychic claimants.

Concert, Documentaries, Events, Music

Dark Star Orchestra – Live in San Francisco

The Dark Star Orchestra- Live in San Franciso
Concert Vault LLC, executive producer Craig Larson
Produced & Directed by Jesse Block
Audio engineering by Betty Cantor-Jackson
2007

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Concert, Documentaries, Events, Music

The John Handy project

John Handy

In 1965, John Handy recorded an album that inspired an ocean of adjectives by jazz writers all over the world. “Live at Monterey” was the album that drew overwhelming praise for alto saxophonist John Handy and a quintet that included violinist Michael White, guitarist Jerry Hahn, bassist Don Thompson, and drummer Terry Clarke. Some 30 years later, the band reunited at a special performance at the Storyville nightclub in San Francisco, and Octalouie producer Jesse Block decided to use this moment as a focal point for a new music documentary. As a superb musical performance captured with multiple camera angles, digital multi-track audio, and insightful interviews with the band members, this program promises to be yet another amazing addition to the archives of recorded music.

http://www.johnhandy.com

Concert, Documentaries, DVD, Music

John Cipollina Recoil 3-DVD Box Set

John Cipollina Recoil 3-DVD Box Set
Cippoina Family Trust
Produced by Jesse Block
2010

The long-out-of-print documentary on ‘John Cipollina- Electric Guitarslinger‘ directed by Jesse Block and Jim Draper shall soon be released for the first time on DVD. ‘Recoil,” a 3-DVD set box will include this documentary, and a lot of previously unavailable music and interviews.

This 3 DVD box set provides an almost six hour journey through the Rock ‘n Roll life and music of John Cipollina. Along with the one-hour re-mastered “Electric Guitarslinger” documentary, this captivating documentary features interviews with Jerry Garcia, Bill Graham, Barry Melton, David Freiberg, Nick Gravenites, Gary Duncan, Nicky Hopkins, Greg Douglass, Merl Saunders, Dan Healy, Terry Dolan, Martin Fierro, Rocky Sullivan, Joel Selvin, Charlie Deal, Michael and Mario Cipollina and more. Also included are interviews with John Cipollina from 1984 and 1989.

The Concert DVD includes 19 previously unreleased songs performed by Quicksilver Messenger Service, Copperhead, Link Wray, Thunder & Lightning, Terry & The Pirates and Dinosaurs.

John Cipollina: Recoil is a limited edition release, with a one-time only 2000 unit printing.

It can be purchased directly from the JohnCipollina.com website.

http://www.johncipollina.com/guitarslinger.html

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Broadcast, Documentaries, Events, Web Video

Brainwash TV pilot

Brainwash TV pilot
Brainwash Films
Produced & Directed by Jesse Block; executive producer: Dave Krzysik
2001

The Octalouie team completed a pilot for the new television show titled BRAINWASH. Produced by the people behind the BRAINWASH MOVIE FESTIVAL, this new television series will showcase some of the most exciting new independent short films. Two of the talents currently slated to host this program include Hal Robins, whose credits include TNN’s “Conspiracy Zone,” the Sub-Genius organization, and numerous underground comic books, joined by Ed Holmes, a multi-faceted individual whose work has graced the San Francisco Mime Troupe, the First Church of the Last Laugh, and various motion picture/television endeavors. Jesse Block directed the pilot for this program, and executive producer Dave Krzysik is currently reviewing options for distribution.

Concert, Documentaries, DVD, Music

Brotherly Jazz: The Heath Brothers

Here’s an excerpt of the movie BROTHERLY JAZZ- The Heath Brothers, a documentary produced by Danny Scher, directed by Jesse Block.

Brotherly Jazz- The Heath Brothers” paints a vivid portrait of Philadelphia’s Heath Brothers — bassist Percy, saxophonist/composer/arranger Jimmy, and drummer Albert “Tootie” — through words and music, notably a 2004 California concert that marked one of the last times the brothers performed together. In a series of revealing interviews, the brothers tell their stories. Percy talks about his stint as a Tuskegee Airman, his bass lessons from Ray Brown, and his lengthy tenure with the Modern Jazz Quartet. Jimmy discusses the painful years he spent in prison and how he definitively turned his life around as a composer, arranger, and educator. And youngest brother “Tootie” admits that “had it not been for my older brothers, I might have gone astray and become a doctor or lawyer.”

Containing fascinating archival material about the Heaths’ family life and early professional activities as well as rarely seen footage of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and other bebop figures, Brotherly Jazz also features new interviews with key friends, admirers, and fellow musicians, including: Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock; Taj Mahal; Jack DeJohnette; Peter Jennings; Christian McBride. Brotherly Jazz makes abundantly clear that there’s a lot more to their lives than stellar musical accomplishments. Percy, Jimmy, and “Tootie” are beguiling characters, raconteurs par excellence, and beloved members of the jazz fraternity.

For more information about the film, go to:
http://www.brotherlyjazz.com