Notable Jazz Artists Appearing in "‘Round Midnight"

From left: Herbie Hancock, Pierre Michelot, Dexter Gordon, Billy Higgins, Bobby Hutcherson

Based loosely on the lives of expatriate piano genius Bud Powell and saxophone icon Lester Young, Bertrand Tavernier’s beautiful 1986 film about a fading American jazz musician in Paris stars a number of real-life jazz giants in on-screen roles.

• Dexter Gordon plays the lead role of Dale Turner in an unforgettable, Oscar –nominated portrayal. The soundtrack to the film contains Gordon’s last recorded performances
• Herbie Hancock won a GRAMMY for his soundtrack, and appears in a speaking role as the character Eddie Wayne 
• Hancock, guitarist John McLaughlin, renowned French bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Billy Higgins perform as part of Gordon’s house band at the Blue Note club in Paris. Michelot performed with Powell and Young at the real Paris Blue Note in the 1950s as part of a trio called "The Three Bosses"
• Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson plays the role of Gordon’s next door neighbor, Ace, and performs in the film
• Saxophonist Wayne Shorter appears as a musician at the Blue Note club in Paris and during the studio session scene
• The late trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams perform on stage at the Jazz Corner club in New York near the end of the film
• Other notable European musicians appearing in ‘Round Midnight are: trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg, bassist Mads Vindig, guitarist Michel Pérez, trumpeter Éric Le Lann, and percussionist Cheikh Tidiane Fall

For more information on the 8/21 screening of 'Round Midnight, which will be preceded by a panel discussion with Bobby Hutcherson, Dexter Gordon's widow Maxine Gordon, and vocalist Ed Reed, click here.