By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Ian McCrudden | Robbie Cavolina
Country: united_states
Year: 2008
Running time: 90
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0843838/
Bruce says: “Anita O’Day was somewhat of a national treasure in her time. What a shame that today so few people are familiar with her music. O’Day’s remarkable career began in 1936 while still a teenager and continued to her death in 2006 at the age of 87. She was the only white singer in a group of jazz icon’s that included Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae and Sarah Vaughan. While jazz buffs know her work intimately the lack of a crossover pop hit has allowed O’Day to remain a well-kept secret. She was the first vocal artist to record for the Verve label and her albums sold well. Her performance at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival is legendary.
“Early in her career she worked with Gene Krupa, Woody Herman and Stan Kenton. O’Day abandoned the slinky gowns that were the trademarks of the big band singers for jackets and skirts that made her seem like one of the boys in the band. She married golf pro Don Carter. Their relationship fell apart as she was constantly on the road during the fourteen years of marriage. During that time O’Day began using drugs and drinking. Constant travel was stressful; drugs and drink provided relaxation, a way to improvise her life. In 1947 she was arrested for possession of marijuana and sentenced to 90 days in jail. Soon she was known as the ‘Jezebel of Jazz.’ After a second divorce she hooked up with drummer John Poole and the two became addicted to heroin. After a near death experience from an overdose in 1968 she kicked her habit. By then, her career was at a standstill and she struggled to make a comeback.
“ANITA O”DAY: THE LIFE OF A JAZZ SINGER chronicles all the ups and downs of her career and personal life with an objective eye. The filmmakers collected an impressive amount of archival footage, including clips from many of O’Day’s performances, an interview with Dick Cavett, and her Newport Jazz Festival triumph from the1960 film JAZZ ON A SUMMER DAY. Annie Ross, Margaret Whiting and John Cameron Mitchell (he opened his film SHORTBUS with O’Day singing Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby) provide insightful observations. The talking heads are not always flattering but are, more often than not, both reverential and loving. O’Day was truly a remarkable stylist. This film is a lovely tribute and provides a great introduction to those who are not familiar with her artistry. 4.5 cats
“ANITA O”DAY: THE LIFE OF A JAZZ SINGER screened at the 2008 Provincetown International Film Festival.”