He may not be a household name when it comes to the world of jazz, but the influence of Marcus Belgrave is felt far and wide, playing with Ray Charles, Charles Mingus, the Funk Brothers, and more. His life story now gets the documentary treatment with …And Damn He Could Play: The Marcus Belgrave Story, directed by Timashion Jones and featuring narration from Wendell Pierce. Ahead of its DOC NYC world premiere on November 13, we’re pleased to exclusively debut the first trailer and poster.
The documentary features quite the lineup of appearances, including Wynton Marsalis, Don Was, Terence Blanchard, Bert Daring, Bill Meyer, Carl Craig, Charlie Gabriel, Chris Collins, Christopher Smith, Daphne Nitiri, David Ritz, Duke Fakir, Dwight Adams, Endea Owens, Eudora Muhammad, Gayelynn McKinney, Herb Boyd, James Carter, Joan Belgrave, Kasan Belgrave, Karriem Riggins, Mable John, Marion Hayden, Nicholas Peyton, Paul Riser, Ray Parker Jr., Regina Carter, Robert Hurst, Sheila Jordan, Theo Croker, Tonya Hood, and Wendell Harrison.
Here’s the synopsis: “A jazz legend you likely haven’t heard of, trumpet player Marcus Belgrave’s influence has reverberated far beyond the spotlight. Making his professional debut at the age of 12, Belgrave went on to perform and record with the likes of Ray Charles, Charles Mingus, and Motown’s legendary Funk Brothers. Mentored by trumpet icon Clifford Brown, Belgrave in turn became a guiding force for generations of musicians through his work as an educator and mentor, championing Detroit’s artistic soul, and involvement in the groundbreaking arts collective Tribe. His reach can be heard in the artistry of jazz luminaries including Geri Allen, Kenny Garrett, James Carter, Regina Carter, Theo Croker, and Endea Owens, among many others. Though too often overlooked in the broader story of jazz, Belgrave’s legacylives on in the musicians he inspired, the Detroit scene he helped cultivate, and the music that continues to swing, soar, and speak through generations.”
“As a filmmaker from Detroit, I have always been drawn to stories that show the power of reaching and teaching the next generation. The children are our future, and it is only right that we pour into them and pass the baton so they can run and lead us forward. That is exactly what Marcus did through his music and mentorship,” said director Timashion Jones. “This documentary is my way of honoring that spirit and showing the world how one man could be a shattered diamond who shared his light and love for music with people all across the world. His story reminds us that when you invest in others, your legacy continues to play long after your final note.”
See the exclusive trailer and poster premiere below.
