Brotherly Jazz: The Heath Brothers

Hailing from Philadelphia-The City of Brotherly Love-the Heath Brothers are amongst the greatest jazz musicians of all time. Since the 1950s, Percy, Jimmy, and Albert “Tootie” Heath have collaborated with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and many others. In BROTHERLY JAZZ: THE HEATH BROTHERS, director Jesse Block chronicles the moving story of their rise to greatness in the world of bebop and jazz. Block compiles archival footage of the boys' youth and their celebrated careers through interviews with the Brothers themselves at the 2004 Jazzschool benefit concert in California-one of their last public performances before Percy's death in 2005. As they reflect on their past triumphs, they also discuss the obstacles-from the racism to drugs to prison-they had to overcome along the way. In between the Brothers' smooth musical interludes, some of their closest friends and enthusiasts (including Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Taj Mahal, Christian McBride, and Peter Jennings) share their experiences with these funny, spirited, and talented musicians. – E.J.B.