Keep On Keepin' On

Produced by Quincy Jones and directed by Alan Hicks, who—like Jones—is a former student of the film's subject, this beautifully filmed documentary centers on legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry (1920-2015). A member of the orchestras of both Duke Ellington and Count Basie, and also the first African-American to join The Tonight Show band (Johnny Carson presented Terry with an award for being inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame), Terry was 90 at the time of filming. Suffering from ill health, particularly complications due to diabetes, Terry was unable to get around much, but remained an active pedagogue, working from his Arkansas home. At the center of Keep On Keepin' On is Terry's close relationship with 23-year-old jazz pianist Justin Kauflin, a brilliant musician—blind since early childhood—who absorbs Terry's lessons on music and life, which are delivered with love and grace. Hicks's own intimate relationship with Terry and the latter's family allows access to some very personal and even painful moments in the winter of this great man's life. An inspiring, joyful, and also profoundly moving film, this is highly recommended. (T. Keogh)