On a summer's day in 1958, fifty seven of the era's greatest jazz musicians gathered together in Harlem, New York City. The purpose - a now legendary photograph to be taken by top snapper Art Kane. This is the fascinating story of that day and the people, many of whom had never really met before, involved, with home-movie camera clips, some great musical interludes and interviews with many of the participants 35 years on. Narrated by Quincy Jones. find out more...

Amandla! examines the pivotal role music played in South Africa's successful struggle to abolish Apartheid and in particular how lyrics and song became part of the then political activism within the country. The film also highlights the inspirational fight for freedom, where music created an effective underground form of communication within prison boundaries, providing a means of expression and uniting a nation of oppressed citizens. find out more...

Set in South London at the start of the '80s, a time when reggae music was at its peak and racism was rife, we follow Blue, the lead singer for Ital Lion Sound, in the run-up to a Sound System competition. Over the course of the story we see Blue clash, not only with the police and racists, but also family and friends as his anger and frustration finally becomes too much to suppress. A powerful and gritty drama with, as you'd expect, a blinding soundtrack. find out more...

Christina Ricci turns all sexy and slutty and this little temptress is the devil for embittered bluesman, yep he woke up this morning, Lazarus, who needs to pray ter god as he chains her near naked body to the radiator in order to save her soul. This is a strange mix of steam, religion and human values as individuals work together to help heal each other's damaged psyches. An up-lifting tribute to human values, with a great blues soundtrack, in this 'Southern Gothic' adaptation of George Eliot's find out more...

Following Cobain from his earliest years in Aberdeen, WA, through the height of his fame, a visceral and detailed cinematic insight of an artist at odds with his surrou find out more...

Dave Chappelle had a dream, and with his infectious easy charm it was never unlikely he'd make it a reality. Michel Gondry's documentary follows the comedian on his travels through the heartlands of America to throw the ultimate Brooklyn block party. A life affirming and good natured journey punctuated by performances from some of Hip Hop and R&B's royalty; amongst them Kane West, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Cody Chestnutt and the Fugees. Good times. find out more...

Favela Rising documents a man and a movement, a city divided and a favela (Brazilian squatter settlement) united. Haunted by the murders of his family and many of his friends, Anderson Sá, a former drug-dealer, turns social revolutionary in one of Rio de Janeiro's most feared slums. Through music, the rhythms of the street and Afro-Brazilian dance he rallies his community to counteract the violent life offered by the drug armies and sustained by corrupt police. But even as liberation looms trage find out more...

1950, rural Alabama; times are hard for 'The Honeydripper' a club where traditional blues music doesn't pull the crowds, the young cotton pickers and army boys prefering a rival bar with its juke-box, but help may arrive in the help of handsome young Sonny, his electric guitar and rock'n'roll. A lovely piece of independent cinema from the maestro John Sayles; a movie about myth, about family, about change and, above all, about music. find out more...

Djay is a small time pimp listlessly hustling his main girl Nola and dreaming of a less ugly existence. When DJay meets an old school friend he is immediately smitten by the opportunity for escape� the chance to make his name as a rapper. With the imminent arrival of an urban music producer DJay knows his one way out is to do what he does best�make the hustle. Hustle And Flow is not an original tale but it's elevated by some tight, spare, unsentimental direction and an Oscar nominated perfor find out more...

Great doco about the early days of NY hip hop and life on the projects. One of the best features of this film is that it examines the political trajectory of Nas' career through his lyrics as well as the environment and familial situation that gave rise to his stardom. Must see for fans of his music. And anyone interested in the political side of rap music.

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