Electric Hot Tuna- Live at the Filmore
Executive Producers: Hot Tuna, Guitar Workshops/ Vestapol
Produced & Directed by Jesse Block
Production period: 1994-1995
Following up on the previous Sweetwater production with Hot Tuna, the Octalouie team decided to create another production with their friends Hot Tuna as they returned for a special homecoming at the Filmore Auditorium in San Francisco. Just as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley. Little Richard, and countless others put the spin on blues music to create rock and roll, Hot Tuna returned the favor, going electric for this very special show. Like the Sweetwater program, this program is also available on DVD.
Monterey Jazz Festival
Executive Producer: Monterey Jazz Festival, McCune Audio Video
Director: Jesse Block & Eric Predoehl
Production period: 2002- current
If you’ve attended any of the Monterey Jazz Festivals in the past few years, you’ve probably seen some of Jesse’s work, as he’s been directing television for the big screen there since 2002, which included some unforgetable performances by Sonny Rollins, David Brubeck, Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock and Ornette Coleman, to name but a few.
Here’s a little web-advertisement Jesse produced for the Monterey Jazz Festival to promote a special performance…
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
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.
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.
Chet Fest – A Tribute to the Life of Chet Helms at Great American Music Hall
Great American Music Hall  / Concert Vault LLC, executive producer Craig Larson
Produced & Directed by Jesse Block
2005
When rock promoter Chet Helms passed away in 2005, it was a very sad day in San Francisco. Considered by many as the father of the Summer of Love festivals of 1967, Chet oversaw Family Dog Productions, and was directly responsible for bringing Janis Joplin from Texas to California, where she became famous as the lead singer of Big Brother & the Holding Company. To celebrate his passing, a big tribute concert was assembled at the Great American Music Hall on July 29, 2005, featuring a lot of musicians that credited Chet for much of their success, including members of the Grateful Dead, the Jefferson Airplane, and Big Brother & the Holding Company. With a keen pulse for the good stuff, the Octalouie team was solicited to document this event for posterity, producing some excellent video programming that will eventually be distributed to celebrate the legacy of this great human being.
Groove Is In the Heart!- the benefit concert video
Concert Vault LLC, executive producer Craig Larson
Produced & Directed by Jesse Block
2007
On January 18th, 2007, a group of world class artists performed to support the over 40 year-old Saints and Sinners Foundation, which provides grants to non-profit agencies focused on children. Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell & all-star band, The Werewolves, howled to the occasion with a band that featured such luminaries as Norton Buffalo, Narada Michael Walden, and Jimmy Dillon. The Octalouie team was there to document the event as a showcase for Quicktime.com. With a webcast produced by Craig Larson of Concert Vault LLC, directed and edited by Jesse Block, this event was captured for posterity in 16:9 HDTV.
