jeffpsy "Keep on Keepin On" is a documentary that beautifully depicts the relationship between iconic trumpet player Clark Terry, and his protégé, aspiring 26 year old pianist Justin Kauflin. In an interesting parallel, Kauflin went blind at a young age, and aging Terry ("CT") is in the process of losing his sight from diabetes. What comes through in the movie is the kinship between the two men, as well as with other members of the jazz community, as they pass along wisdom through the generations. It turns out that the first "student" that Clark Terry ever had in his long career was a young wet behind the ears trumpet player named Quincy Jones. Kauflin and Terry develop a father-son type of bond, as we watch Terry struggle with health problems, and Kauflin attempt to establish himself as a successful jazz pianist.The one problem I had with the documentary, was that we learn much more about Justin the person than we do about Justin the musician. While obviously he is a highly gifted musician, there was so little footage of Kauflin performing on stage (or with a group), I left the film without any real sense of his strengths as a jazz musician. For example, is a composer? Is he a future bandleader who makes everyone around him better? Is his forte that of reworking the classics? I frankly have no idea. As an example, there may have been many trumpeters who could play faster, or cleaner than a young Miles Davis. But none of them could have produced "Kind of Blue" or "Sketches of Spain". The documentary told me that Justin Kauflin is a great person, but who is he as a musician?

fiona-bishop Speaking as someone who watches many films and documentaries this is the only film or documentary I have ever commented on. If this is not testament to the power of music any film has ever portrayed then I cannot think what could be. If you don't like jazz, you will after this. This is such a perfect story that even a huge blockbuster film could never convey how powerful this film is. The love and respect portrayed by everyone involved in this is impossible to sum up. Probably the most inspirational story I have ever been lucky enough to witness. This intimate film makes you feel a part of the story and the family. This is testament to the power of the human spirit and what faith can do and when I say faith I mean faith in humanity. What you can achieve whatever the obstacles, what you can overcome no matter how hopeless and what others can do to influence, affect and lift you when all else seems lost. I cannot think of a time I was so moved, so inspired and so utterly delighted by any story. The power of love is a magnificent gift and it trancsends all else and this is testimony to all those things. Such a beautiful piece you find yourself digesting every single word and although, as others have said. very emotional to watch...the beauty of it is one of those precious gifts we rarely get to share. I will conclude by saying that I am jealous of anyone who has not had the honour of seeing this yet as it will change how you feel about so many things on so many levels. For me this is an utter masterpiece.

Robert Bullemer We saw the film at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The film documents the life of Clark Terry a master jazz musician and inspirational teacher of many famous musicians including Quincy Jones and Miles DavisThe true story about Clark includes one of his students, Justin Kaufman, a young jazz pianist who is blind and extremely talented. Clark is such a wonderful human being. The story is very positive and up lifting.The director Allan Hicks and Justin Kaufman where at the theater for a Q&A after the showing.

pendergast3 Christmas 2014 came early for me. It arrived Dec. 20 this year when I attended the Norfolk screening of what must be one of the top documentary films of the year. People who know more about films than I, agree, since it made the "short list" of 15 contenders for Oscar. In fact, it was the best documentary I've ever seen. Filmed on a near bare bones budget by a team of three amateur Australian videographers, the film captures the essence of friendship, mutual respect, admiration, the undaunted pursuit of excellence and pure talent. Simply, it's awesome."Keep on Keeping On" is the personal story of two men: one is an aging, world- renowned and arguably the premier trumpet player of all time--the incredible Clark Terry. The other is a budding jazz pianist, a blind but brilliant and brave young prodigy, Justin Kauflin, who lost his sight at age 11. Justin then set his mind to becoming the premier jazz pianist, learned to play and earned admission to the William Paterson School of Music. It was there where the Clark Terry Archive exists that " CT" and Justin met, befriended and established his mentor-protégé relationship with the famous, aging but ill, jazz icon. The film also seamlessly weaves Clark Terry's first student, Quincy Jones, into this story with his most recent, Justin. Keep On Keepin' On is an organic and inspiring true story of a mentorship-relationship that transcends differences...in age, race, illness, and disability. The love, respect and vision director Al Hicks and team have for Clark Terry is palpable throughout!