Koln 75 (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Click

Projector started.

Piano sounds

Click

(Mann)

700 miles from Cologne,

wo Keith Jarrett

gave a concert in 1975,

The Sistine Chapel is located.

400 years

before Keith took the stage,

Michelangelo stood there

a scaffold and painted the ceiling.

Today everyone can

visit the chapel.

But imagine if you had

Michelangelo seen on the scaffolding.

This is something completely different,

not true?

This is not a movie

about "The Kln Concert".

It is not about the mural,

the ceiling or by Michelangelo.

It's about the scaffolding.

Jazz piano music

INSPIRED BY A

TRUE STORY

TOLD

BY VERA BRANDES HERSELF

(Be)

Why do I start here?

Muffled babble

Piano music swells.

(Vera, whispering)

Oh, he came.

sh*t.

(Woman)

Vera, there you are!

(guests)

Happy Birthday, Vera!

50 and still

such a jazz bunny.

With a furry paw

already in the grave.

I brought cake.

- I need something to drink.

- I did too, come on.

(Choral singing)

#Happy Birthday, dear Vera.#

#Happy Birthday to you!#

Jubelrufe

Tired

(Woman)

Network!

No no no!

(Everyone) Speak!

- (Woman) Come on, come on!

Someone hits with cutlery

against a glass.

Excuse me. Good evening.

Um, Vera...

is, like you, um...

probably everyone knows

my daughter.

Spoons are

hit glasses.

When she was young,...

She had a lot of potential there.

Mind.

Good looks.

She could have become a judge.

Doctor. Or diplomat.

But now we are here.

She turned 50 years old.

A good moment,

to take stock. And...

I must say...

It is, without doubt, the greatest

Disappointment of my life.

Click

Lets start again!

Shrill whistle

Film rewinds.

In the music business

it is called "False Start",

if a recording

is stopped in the middle,

if someone messes up or

it doesn't feel right.

My personal favorite is

definitely that of The Cramps.

Intro: I Was a

Teenage Werewolf/ The Cramps

Intro stops.

(Conversation in the recording) "What

What are you doing?" - "Nothing..."

"No! We're recording a shitty album!

f*ck off or sit down!

Nobody stops the damn tape,

when The Cramps are in the studio."

Certainly very lovely people.

How to interrupt a recording,

says a lot about the musicians.

Dylan laughs at the failed

Try to get to "Highway 61" easily.

Intro: Highway 61

Revisited/ Bob Dylan

Laughter in the recording

Song stops.

(Dylan, laughing) "Okay,

Let's try again."

Stan Getz apologizes,

Fleetwood Mac are arguing.

Lee Hazlewood

you can hear spitting.

But Bird and Miles

just whistle.

Whistle

Let's try again.

Younger.

Live Jazz Music

One!

They're quite good.

For English people,

who play jazz, it works!

He owns a club

in London: "Ronnie Scott's".

I wonder,

what he calls his c*ck.

Ronnie Scotts Ronnie Scott?

By Ronnie Scott?

I'm Ronnie Scott and we make

a break before I melt away.

Jubelrufe

He's funny.

So funny

not now either.

I'll be right back.

- Vera, please don't.

Oh, sorry.

What kind of ice cream would you like?

A cold one?

(Woman) This is my ice cream!

- You're a sweetheart.

- (Man) What's that?

Babble of voices

and quiet jazz music

(Isa) How do you do that?

- Was?

Act like you own the store.

- I just pretend.

(One)

Anyway, it works.

Great. Now he's coming over.

Can I

lovely ladies what to spend?

I ask because at the bar

There is supposedly a senior discount.

Shall we?

Clear.

Quiet piano music

How old are you?

I remember when I was 25.

A very long time ago, wasn't it?

Do you like jazz?

- If he's good.

Who do you like?

Coltrane.

Was that it? The list begins

and ends with Coltrane?

Miles... Mingus, Gordon...

Sonny... Monk...

And my jazz?

Of...

need one

better drummer.

Ronnie laughs.

That hurts me now.

- Gut.

Are you like that with everyone?

Or just

with the good-looking ones?

You are an old man,

which takes place in an ice cream parlor.

How would you like

that I talk to you?

Friendly.

- What about grandparents?

I would let my grandchild

never to such a place.

And why?

- Well, too much sax.

With an A.

What were you thinking?

That was bad.

Ah, here we are.

My hotel.

Your hotel?

- Yes.

May I ask you something? - No,

if you can kiss me, right?

Are you booking

a tour for me?

A tour?

- Yes, in Germany.

Why should I?

I'll pay you.

10% of my fee.

Why me?

I've never done that before.

Because to you

definitely no one says no.

Good night, Vera Brandes.

keys rattling

Door is closed.

A tour?

Good night!

The door squeaks quietly.

The stairs creak quietly.

(Father)

You have school tomorrow.

I didn't notice

that it is so late.

- Where have you been?

Bei Isa.

I can smell the cigarettes. I

talk to you, young lady.

Like a wh*re. Come

home in the middle of the night.

Would you mind?

You were in that jazz club,

not true?

If you only have half of the

want to achieve what I have achieved,

you have to take another route

hit, young lady.

He is a dentist.

Open your mouth.

The drill whirs.

screams

Muffled screams

This must be Mr. Knigs

root canal.

What are you doing here?

Hello.

I book a tour

for Ronnie Scott.

"I'm booking a tour..."

I am 18,

can't find a job...

"I am planning fantasy concerts for pensioners,

whom I met yesterday."

(Mother)

Stop now!

Sit down.

Vera sighs in annoyance.

Muffled screams

The door creaks.

(Vera) The best thing about father's practice:

a private telephone connection.

What am I even trying to say?

Hello.

I am Vera Brandes, I...

I book a tour

for Ronnie Scott.

Yes, hello,

This is Vera Brandes,

I am currently booking a tour

for Ronnie Scott.

Will people come?

Of course they will.

Are you joking?

clears throat

Hello, this is Vera Brandes.

I book a tour

for the Ronnie Scott Trio.

"For whom?"

Ronnie Scott, the jazz musician.

Hello?

Hello, this is Vera Brandes.

Sorry for the late interruption.

I am currently booking a tour

for the Ronnie Scott Trio.

A year and a half earlier?

Oh, one second, someone's coming in.

I'll call back right away.

School bell

(Isa) What's wrong with you?

Nobody knows

that Ronnie Scott is famous.

Maybe I'll do

something wrong.

Or it is the practice.

She's so depressing.

If someone from England is in the record store

calls, the boss becomes friendlier.

Then I should call from England.

- You have to get there first.

Could i

beg a cigarette?

Who are you?

Oliver.

I just moved here.

Where did you move from?

- Hanover.

Hanover.

- Hanover.

Both whistle.

What do you do for fun?

We organize

Resistance against

oppressive

political systems.

Do you have any steady friends?

We don't believe

to steady friends.

(Man) Be!

Honks

(Vera) I have to!

Laugh

Who is that?

Her boyfriend.

This goes here

not to school.

No. He goes here

not to school.

Rhythmic music

(Be)

HI!

Pretend you're a club owner.

I'll call you.

And November is not possible, but then,

December 1st would be great.

So you will only

work for that guy?

I will

Concert promoter.

He wants to sleep with you,

you know that.

Shall we try it?

Gut.

Hello.

- You know what?

We do it in English.

All right. Hello?

Hi. I'm booking a tour

for Ronnie Scott.

Who is Ronnie Scott?

- The jazz musician.

Oh, how terrible,

I hate his music.

Please never call again.

Thanks, bye.

Happy music

Manager.

I am the concert...

Boss... Organizer...

Booker... the concert...

Knock

(Brother) Vera, hello!

- I promote.

(Brother) You are there

been in there for 30 minutes.

(Be)

Promoter.

I am the concert promoter

by Ronnie Scott.

You seriously ask whether the

People want to see Ronnie Scott?

Of course they want that.

I will fill the hall.

They will dance.

Knock

Do you know who I am?

Vera Brandes.

The music stops.

Just improvise.

Rufton

Improvise.

"Bunker Ulmenwall, hallo?"

"Hello?"

Yes, hello, this is Vera Brandes.

I'm calling from London.

Can I please speak with your

Speak to a booking manager?

"Am Telefon."

- Great.

I book a tour

for the Ronnie Scott Trio.

It will take place from 9 to 13 October

be in the city.

"The 10th would be free."

- The 10th!

Yeah, okay, great...

"What is your share?"

- How high?

One moment please...

"I'll give you 20%

of ticket sales."

20%, perfect.

Sounds perfect.

"Soundcheck at three, doors open at seven,

Show um acht."

Was? Sorry,

I did not understand.

It is very loud

here in the tour bus.

Soundcheck... - "At seven,

It starts at eight."

"Do you have that?" - Yes, I do,

absolutely. So much so.

Yes, concert at eight.

- "See you then."

Okay, see you then.

Thank you thank you.

Bye.

Holy sh*t.

Guess who is

has booked her first concert!

Sound of horror

Lied: Mother

Sky/ CAN

Driving rock music

This is Vera Brandes from London.

Can I speak to the booking manager?

Yes, hello. I'm booking a tour

for Ronnie Scott.

He will be in town on October 15th.

Ronnie Scott. I'm his agent.

40% of revenue.

Whoever has money has power.

Whoever has power has the right.

See you then.

Vera Brandes, I'm booking a tour

for Ronnie Scott, he's coming...

To obey is to lie.

...on October 13th.

Sound check at four.

Out of the way, capitalists, the

We win the last battle.

See you then.

Can I use the Booking Manager

speak? It's important.

Fantastic.

I'm sorry, what?

I didn't hear you.

(Teacher) So, as follows

summarized...

(Ronnie)

There she is!

You can still make money with jazz.

Apparently.

Apparently.

I have to go.

Bye, Ronnie.

Loud cough

Another triple.

If she comes back.

Driving music

continues.

I would say 50% of

the bar and 10% of the entrance fee.

Explore God within you,

by letting the animal inside you out.

They play standards.

From now on you won't hear anything else.

- CAN?

The newspaper says that means "communism,

Anarchism, Nihilism".

Some say it comes from the

Turkish "an" for "life", "soul".

Do you want to know the truth?

They collected suggestions

in a tin can,

two wrote "CAN"

on their notes. That's it.

Thank you thank you.

The music stops.

(Mother) No, you take care

take care of the water damage!

In two weeks

The Engelmann family moves in.

There is such a strange smell

in practice this morning.

(Vera) Aha.

(Father) Fritz, what are

your plans for today?

Another day

sit around and do nothing?

He's trying hard.

Losers make an effort

Winners get the job.

I'm not a loser. - No?

To me you look like one.

Does this have to happen with cigarette smoking

be at breakfast?

Yes.

Where is she going again?

- School!

So, come in.

It's not big, but...

(Vera) Soon I was earning enough

to rent a small "office".

Light-flooded, best location and

a very reasonable price.

I'll take it.

- Gladly.

(Be) No!

No, the 4th one doesn't work.

Absolutely not!

not for this amount!

Ralph Towner will not be three

Miss concerts and with you...

So, open your mouth.

- What is that?

This is the body of Christ.

Listen to the nice gentleman.

(Vera) I just want to understand why

They think that's my problem.

Very good.

(Vera) I don't complicate anything,

I'm just protecting my artist.

Then listen to me, then come...

You know what? Then drive it!

What are you doing to me?

- Corrupt you.

(Vera) Listen,

that's impossible.

"Miss, that's not how it works!

The concert must take place."

(Vera) Yes, good.

Learn to use it.

Don't yell at me.

Incomprehensible

Telephone voice

(One)

Lesson 2, Floh de Cologne.

Song: Be still/

Floh from Cologne

Fast rock music

(Sings along silently) #You love,

while you're young.#

#Later you get married.#

(silently) #But I want

Don't always just obey!#

#Be calm,

Assembly line baby, get married.#

#But I don't always want

do the same!#

#Be quiet, assembly line baby,

Start a family!#

#But I don't always want

work and do housework!#

#Be quiet, assembly line baby,

Buy a car!#

#But I don't always want to have children,

work and do housework!#

#Be quiet, assembly line baby,

Build a house!#

#But I don't want to

totally verbose!#

#Be quiet, assembly line baby,

TV!#

#But I want

don't ruin my health!#

#Be quiet, assembly line baby,

prepare for old age.#

#But I don't want to...#

#Be quiet, assembly line baby,

work!#

#Work is fun!#

Yells

(Mann)

Be quiet down there!

Nothing can

silence!

Everyone laughs and shouts.

#finishwork

triple the fun!#

#Weekend has

c*ck in mouth!#

The music stops.

Vera hums.

Removed voices

Steps on the stairs

Morning! Get up.

The parents

arguing in the background.

I know what you're up to.

Was?

I know that you are here

you don't sleep at all anymore.

I know that you

have an apartment.

I can ruin everything for you.

- You don't dare.

(Fritz)

Try it out.

You are disturbed.

It's 7:40 a.m., Vera.

- Will you drive me?

Yes.

What do you want?

Work.

Lied:

Hallogallo/ Neu!

Driving rock music

(Fritz) You didn't tell me

that we drive all night.

You pay me for this

not enough.

You want more money?

Then just do

your work.

I don't work for you.

And whether you work for me.

Hurry up!

(Jan, impatiently) Oliver,

get ready now, come on!

Police siren

(Jan)

Schnell, schnell!

(Jan) The.

- Fahr.

Driving music continues.

Incomprehensible

Megaphone voice

(TV announcer)

"They feel oppressed.

These declarations not only

those who are dissatisfied, those who demonstrate."

(Women shout)

"My belly belongs to me!"

(TV announcer) "Most women

want the deadline solution.

Overall,

73 percent of all women,

that the Bundestag

decides on the deadline solution."

(Reporter 1) They have dozens

Jazz artists brought to Cologne.

How do you get along

in contact with so many musicians?

To eat ice.

(Reporter 1) If you are at your age

don't listen to rock 'n' roll?

We dont like being told

what we should hear.

(Reporter 1) Us?

- My friends.

(Reporter 2) Friends from high school?

- Some, yes.

(Reporter 1)

Do you believe in love?

(Reporter 1)

Are you in favor of ab*rtion?

I am... against Nazis.

(Reporter 1)

Do you have a steady boyfriend?

I don't know.

Do you have one?

(Reporter 2) Is it okay if a

Woman uses her appearance,

to gain advantages

to obtain?

If she wants to.

What do you want from life?

Die.

And then become immortal.

(Reporter 2) You are quoting Godard.

Just the wrong way around.

Mocking laughter

I'm more practical.

Music stops.

Give

(Fritz) This is exploitation

the working class!

(Vera) Yes. Look,

that this is straight!

That's just not fair.

I have a high school diploma.

I deserve better.

It's just like Dad says...

(Teacher) Which picture is

for the sentence: "The feminist seed..."

Miss Brandes!

"The Feminist Seed..."

(Father) Where do you think

you're going now? - Berlin.

Jazztage.

I'll be back on Monday.

Absolutely not.

Who gave you permission to do this?

I don't need permission.

- Vera, I'm not paying for this.

I need

nor your money.

You stay here.

- Don't touch me.

(Mrs.) Dr. Brandes.

- Hello, Ms. Menken.

(Mrs. Menken) Is everything in

Is everything in order at your place?

Everything's fine, yes.

It's all ok.

1974, the Ramones are founded,

Disco is about to break through,

but in Berlin

is all about jazz.

Wild jazz music

Shrill sounds

Berlin has the best

Jazz festival in the world.

(TV announcer)

"Jazztage in Berlin.

His picture hung

on every corner of Berlin.

Miles Davis, the

most influential musicians

at the international

Jazz Music,

was the focus

the Berlin Jazz Days."

Wild jazz music

Do you think what I think?

Hm?

Do you think the same as me?

I don't know, what do you think?

If anyone in here

a b*mb explodes,

exists all over the world

no more jazz.

Why would someone detonate a b*mb?

- Because he hates jazz?

I am Michael.

Yes.

I know what this looks like.

But believe me,

soon I will be an important

Part of this story.

This is Miles Davis!

Quiet

(Vera) In Berlin I met Keith Jarrett

see play for the first time.

And the first time

you always remember.

Keith Jarrett plays Reading

of Sacred Books von Gurdjieff.

Emotional music

The music becomes more intense.

The music becomes quieter.

birds chirping

Vera laughs quietly.

The music is real.

She screams loudly.

Laugh

(laughing) Hello!

What are you doing here?

Where have you been?

Did you stay up all night

waited here?

They wanted

not let me in.

Oh no!

Morning!

Here, almost done.

(Neighbor) Morning.

I will have a concert

organize.

For Keith Jarrett.

Keith Jarrett? The guy who plays keyboards

plays for Miles?

Only him.

And a piano.

No band.

No standards.

He's just playing something?

- Nothing. Everything.

He improvises.

- You smell of sweat.

You stink like a pig,

who stayed outside all night

slept. - You're the pig.

kissing sounds

Do you get money for

organize the concert?

If I get a hall

and fill it.

Jan laughs.

Gigi's ice cream parlor?

Vera laughs.

The Cologne Opera House.

- Jazz? At the opera?

1,000 seats?

- 1.300.

For jazz? You have completely

lost his mind.

Do you have Keith Jarrett

ever seen play?

(Jan)

No.

So you can

don't understand either.

Jazz piano music

(Michael) The Cologne Opera

was built in 1902.

The building was

bombed in the w*r

and then, like the rest of the city,

rebuilt in the modern style.

One thing is clear:

A renowned house like this

does not normally host...

Jazz concert?

Not a jazz concert.

A Keith Jarrett concert.

You have to go to the rehearsal room.

- Thanks.

Excuse me, Miss Brandes.

We have a performance.

I just need a commitment.

For January 24th.

Make ten copies.

Impossible, I'm afraid.

Why? - It says "Lulu"

on the schedule.

"Lulu"? - Do you have the

Offers sent out?

The opera by Alban Berg.

Mr. Breuer.

- Yes, what?

Then we'll start after that!

This will be finished at 10 p.m.

Then the hall must be cleaned

and the instruments are stowed away.

We start at 11 p.m.

11 p.m.? In January?

Are you crazy?

Muffled cacophonous sounds

of the orchestra

(Man) Mr. Breuer, do you want

You see the stage design?

- I'll be with you in a minute!

I will fill the hall.

Thanks.

No stage design. No electronic instruments.

No sound system.

Nothing. He and a grand piano.

Your Bsendorfer.

And you pay in advance?

- Naturally.

That makes 10,000 DM.

10.000 DM?

Is this a problem for you?

No.

Of course not.

- Nice.

Very nice.

10.000 DM?

Where do you want

get that much money?

What do I look like?

Great. But 10,000 DM?

I must be young

and look innocent.

If "innocent"

I wouldn't be so sure.

Hello!

sh*t.

(Fritz) Ah.

The Jazz Bunny.

Could i

have an autograph?

I am a huge admirer

Your work... - Where are they?

Why do you look like that?

Hello.

I'm sorry. I didn't know

that they would print this headline.

They want

sell many newspapers.

(Mother) Your director

also read the newspaper.

She refers you

from school.

I'll straighten this out.

Mrs. Vogel's decision

is certain.

I assume

This is the wrong time to look for

to ask for a loan of 10,000 DM?

Vera screams. Jazz Bunny! So

is called my daughter!

Is that what you are now? - Horst! -

This is what we brought into the world!

(Mother) Bravo.

Be!

Be!

(Father) Let her go!

- Vera, stop!

She moans.

Muffled debate

of the parents

Door slamming and footsteps

Audible exhalation

(Father) You came back?

- Yes.

I'm sorry,

that I hit you.

Really. Come here, please.

Vera sobs.

He hums a tune.

Vera hums along.

Is it because of the money?

Is that why you're here?

I told you. Like a wh*re.

I'll pay you directly

back after the concert.

I've already agreed.

Do you know what I did,

when I was your age?

You went to school?

I was sitting on a huge

Headlight that rotated.

And tried,

to locate aircraft,

who came,

to b*mb the city.

I saw it down to the foundations

burn down.

Until there was nothing left.

Nothing.

And on these ruins I have

rebuilt my life.

And now

I have two children.

A loser

and a wh*re.

If I were a real wh*re,

I wouldn't have to ask you for money.

You can run away,

as much as you want, Vera.

You can

organize small concerts

and pretend

like you're a jazz bunny.

But I tell you,

how your story ends:

You will fail.

You will fail

and lose everything.

Then you go

back to school.

And if you are lucky, you will

one day have your own practice.

In the basement of the house,

in which your children live.

But until then you will not

get a penny from me.

Not a single one.

Did you understand?

- Yes.

Board.

Lied: Inside a Silent Tear/

Carmen McRae

Emotional soul music

#Inside a silent tear,#

#I have a silent dream#

#that sometimes sails across#

#the patterns of my mind.#

#For silence follows me#

#and dreams just disappear.#

Music playing

via loudspeaker.

#What is reality#

#and can it be defined?#

#When you're a fool like me#

#it's never really clear.#

The music stops.

What about

happened to your face?

The patriarchy.

Yes?

(sighs) Nothing.

You should go now.

Oh?

Perhaps

you deserve it.

Loud knocking

(Jan, shouting)

Be!

Who is that?

- (Jan) Open the door!

My friend.

Loud knocking

(Jan) Vera!

(Jan, banging on the door)

Open the damn door!

Open the door!

(desperately) Vera!

Be!

Is he there?

- Who?

I heard

you have someone at Gigi's...

what is

happened to your face?

Was that him?

- No, it wasn't him.

Jan, it wasn't him!

- I'll k*ll you!

I didn't know that

she is with someone!

Calm down,

I knew nothing!

Stop.

Something breaks.

Weak whistle

More things break.

Jan screams.

(Otto)

Calm down!

Battle sounds

Mama.

- Apart!

Stop immediately!

- (Jan) Stop!

Who the hell are you?

Who am I?

Who are you?

This is her mother,

You idiot.

Mother?

She is 18!

(Otto)

sh*t, I have to get out of here.

You too!

And you live here all alone?

(quietly) Yes.

You smoke?

Do you have a washing machine?

(quietly) No.

And what

Do you pay the rent?

Mom, you don't have to worry.

I... work.

Hm.

There's a check in here.

This is the money you

for your concert.

You get it

under one condition.

If you dont have the money

can pay back, then...

you give up the music business,

finish school and...

do something

Meaningful things from your life.

Become a dentist.

Yes.

Does Dad know about this?

Not yet.

- He won't agree.

Leave it to me.

If you take the money,

we both have an agreement.

I'll pay you back.

Gut.

clears throat

Nice apartment.

Clears throat again

Jazz piano music

(Interviewer)

"Where did you get your ideas from?"

"The ideas?

Oh, I have

Millions of dreams.

This is all I do:

dream. All the time."

"I thought you played the piano." - "No,

no piano, that's dreaming."

Emotional piano playing

Fast piano music

We have

haven't seen for a year.

I am in Lausanne,

about a story about Keith

Jarrett to write for "Jazz World".

A pretty big order.

Jarrett is just starting

a European tour

with improvised

solo concerts.

What does that mean?

Also...

One can

the development of jazz

as an elimination process

regard.

In the beginning there were compositions

and big bands,

that they played.

Jazz music starts.

The Count Basie Big Band,

ladies and gentlemen.

The bandleader arranges

and conducts the band.

Solos are fixed.

The music becomes more lively.

Ah, look, here comes one.

He plays in a

fixed key

and improvised

on a topic.

He may only use a given

Play number of bars.

Then the bands got smaller.

Quintette, Quartette, Trios.

They improvised

with a fixed chord sequence.

This brings us to

next step in the process...

Live Jazz Music

The bandleader was abolished,

everyone is equal.

They follow a template,

They are called "standard".

SONG THAT REGULARLY LISTED AS

BASIS FOR IMPROVISATIONS SERVES

These musicians bring color

on a stable foundation.

But thats not all.

Because then...

someone decided

to abolish the foundation.

Music stops.

Free Jazz, complete

improvised freedom.

Bass starts.

Nobody knows where it will lead.

It is free and yet requires a

close connection between the musicians.

A virtuosity.

Honestly:

Some things sound shitty.

[BUT NOT EVERYTHING]

The final elimination

dissolves everything.

Keith Jarrett has no one to

Improvise, exchange ideas

and no finished idea,

what he will play.

He is alone.

His head is empty.

Try that.

Yes, you. Stand up!

Wherever you are, in the cinema,

in bed, on your couch,

stand up and sing something.

But nothing you know.

It has to be brand new.

Nothing you have ever heard

what you ever thought

or anything you've ever hummed.

No?

I thought to myself.

Imagine this for an hour

every other evening,

without repetition.

And that you would be so good at it,

that from every concert you give,

actually

an album can become.

You know how difficult that is?

You have no idea!

Here we have

Ana-Marija Markovina.

Fast piano piece

If the world

of the piano is foreign:

Markovina is a famous,

Grammy-nominated classical pianist.

Here she takes Carl Philipp

Emanuel Bach's Solfeggio No. 1.

Pretty impressive, huh?

But look here!

Hey, Ana-Marija, can you play something,

that no one has ever heard?

No? What are you waiting for?

Get started!

Take your time.

It is so much harder

than it seems.

And yet

Keith Jarrett does just that.

Every evening.

He moves away from jazz

and plays pure music.

Nothing is predetermined, except the musician,

the moment and of course...

from Piano.

Loud, fast music

The music stops.

Applause and cheers

Keith groans in pain.

(Keith) How was it?

- (Manfred) It was good.

(Keith)

Where are we going next?

(Manfred) To Cologne.

Eight-hour drive.

f*ck!

You can sleep in the car.

- No, I can't.

We're recording. Martin is from Berlin.

- No no no.

No, cancel on him.

(muffled) Seriously. Cancel him.

It won't be good.

The damn coughing.

If this happens again,

I interrupt.

It won't happen tonight.

Oh... But I'm extra

flew here for that.

I'm sorry.

Please, please, I must

conduct this interview.

He can just

don't talk to anyone.

Okay, when can he

talk to me?

We can do it tomorrow

try in Cologne.

Keith screams.

Morning?

Keith screams.

Come on, help me! Please.

Okay, pick him up, slowly.

Caution. Caution!

We have you.

I try

to find a doctor.

Keith groans.

Hey, Keith, nice to meet you.

I am Michael Watts.

(Doctor) You have back

a 60-year-old factory worker.

(Keith) I once had a car

pushed up the hill,

there is an intervertebral disc

slipped.

(Doctor) Your way of playing

doesn't really help.

You know who I am?

Of course. You have

played for Miles Davis.

This will

on my tombstone.

You should

probably stop.

To play?

To move.

They play well enough.

There's no need for this fuss.

Since when

does he have back problems?

He is a very

withdrawn person.

You are not allowed to write any of this.

- Naturally.

The Huster in the Public?

Does he always complain about it?

You just don't get it.

Then help me.

To reach this level,

he must be hyper-focused

and at the same time

completely relaxed.

He is so in the moment,

that every little thing...

around him...

influenced the music.

Every camera click is like a

Club to the head.

That's good,

that's really good.

You can't use that.

- Yes, no, of course not.

(Keith)

It's okay.

Just stop it!

- Okay.

Here we are.

Keith groans in pain.

Oh God.

(Manfred)

Okay so far?

Okay.

Thanks for your help.

Of course.

If you want,

we can try

the interview

to do tomorrow in Cologne.

Yes.

Yes, Cologne. I just have to find a way

get there.

All right then.

Take care, Keith. Maybe

see you in Cologne.

Wait!

Wait!

Thank God.

Hi, I'm sorry.

The truth is:

I don't have a car.

It's late. Would you

take to Cologne?

No interviews.

- Of course not.

Great, thanks.

Oh my God.

Thanks.

It's nice and warm in here.

(Michael) Shall we go to the bus?

- (Keith) To the bus?

(Michael)

To your tour bus.

Are you with this car

on tour?

Listen, man: Stop!

Yes. I'm sorry. - We have

a long journey ahead of us.

And we will be silent.

Okay, yes.

I can be quiet.

Michael coughs.

Calm piano music

(Michael) When Keith Jarrett was three,

everyone knew he was a child prodigy.

Wherever he went,

he caught people's attention.

At 15 he was already touring with musicians,

who were twice as old.

Art Blakey, Charles Lloyd, Wayne Shorter,

with his own trio...

And finally...

the damn holy grail.

Sound of the recording

quietly in the background

Miles probably asked Keith three times,

before he said yes.

Just imagine that!

Miles twice

be turned down?

As if you were receiving an invitation to

Reject Andy Warhol's Factory.

Or cancel Michael Jordan,

if he wants to bring you to the Bulls in 1993.

Finally, Keith said yes.

And everyone thought: This is it,

he did it.

But here it was:

jumped off Miles' train,

without a record deal

with Columbia,

in Europe,

with a broken back.

I can hear you thinking.

Who are you writing for again?

"Jazz World."

As a freelance journalist.

And, how did you like

the concert?

Me?

- Yes.

You heard it, right?

- Yes, I have.

Also?

- It was great.

Keith laughs quietly.

You can tell me.

I thought parts of it were just brilliant.

- And the other parts?

Some parts sounded like

as if you were working on an idea

stuck.

And have they

constantly repeated.

(Keith, laughing)

For goodness' sake!

You asked. - I didn't know

that Lester Bangs is sitting in the car.

I would like to ask something,

Speaking of which.

(Manfred)

We don't talk.

Was?

I try to understand

Why.

Why?

Why you're doing this here.

What do you do?

Music?

No, I mean,

you could be in New York.

Do you know what Dexter Gordon said,

why he moved to Copenhagen?

Because of the weather.

Very funny.

Keith laughs.

I don't know,

whether it answers my question.

Distant aircraft noise

(Michael)

What do we do at the airport?

(Manfred)

I have to do something.

Get something to eat.

I'll see you later.

(Keith)

I can't eat that.

(Michael) Do you ever play

between concerts? - No, never.

Why not?

- That would be rehearsal.

It would creep in.

- Is that why you don't listen to music in the car?

To become empty?

- I'll try it.

How do you start? You go on stage,

sits down at the piano and then?

I put my hand down.

Is it that simple?

- It is not easy.

But it's a coincidence. - No,

nothing about it is a coincidence.

Is "laying down one's hand"

not random by definition?

Who should actually

Interested in any of this?

The people

are interested in you.

My back is k*lling me.

Keith groans.

You are a follower

of the mystic Gurdjieff.

He thinks we are walking asleep

through life, like automatons.

My spiritual journey

is nobody's business.

I just want to understand.

Understanding is not so important,

as you think.

Have you ever gotten into your car

and drove to work,

without a clue,

how you got there?

And music can wake us up?

- Maybe good music can do that.

Was?

When you play,

you seem to be lost,

you go somewhere.

Isn't that

the opposite of being awake?

Maybe we have different

Definitions of being awake.

Oh, that's good.

(Keith)

Also...

You can't use any of that.

- No, of course not.

He sighs.

I have to pee.

See you in the car.

Snoring

That was a mistake.

Manfred hums in agreement.

Are you crazy?

Should we stop?

No.

Thank you for doing this.

Loud honking

Honks

Michael screams.

Birds chirp,

Cowbells ring.

Quiet

(Michael)

Hey.

Where are we?

(Keith)

Not sure.

(Michael)

Oh, it's cold.

(Keith)

Do me a favor.

Don't say anything.

Just listen.

Birds chirp,

Cowbells ring.

(Keith)

Sch.

Stop thinking.

Gentle piano music

and sounds of nature.

I have one last question.

I know that sentence.

Are you ever afraid of failure?

Every night.

A typewriter

rattles.

(Gus)

That actually happened?

(Michael)

Well, not quite.

Keith and Manfred are from

Lausanne to Cologne, I...

was just not there.

So after fine journalistic

Tradition of storytelling.

The next part

really happened.

ROAD III

THE KLN CONCERRock music

(radio announcer)

"And now from New York:

Todd Rundgren,

'Everybody's Going to Heaven'.

Because already

we've all been through hell."

They are waiting for me.

(Radio announcer:) "You hear

the radio library at WDR."

Lied: Everybody's Going

to Heaven/ Todd Rundgren

Wild Rock Music

I told your girlfriend,

we don't play jazz.

Jazz is dead museum music.

- It's not jazz.

(laughing) Keith Jarrett isn't jazz?

- No.

Aha, what is it then?

- I don't know it.

I thought,

you are the organizer.

Nobody knows. Not even Keith.

That's exactly the point.

So it's jazz.

It is free improvisation.

- Yes, jazz.

He plays whatever comes to mind.

- Yes, that's what you call jazz.

You've never heard this before. Your listeners

deserve to know about it.

Jazz, Jazz, Jazz, Jazz.

Listen,

It's a long story.

But if today I

not sell tickets,

I have to become a dentist.

I can't stand dentists.

- I feel the same way.

So: what can I say?

Say,

that it takes place.

That you dont know what it is,

but that it is "something".

And that this "something" tonight

at eleven in the opera.

If you are currently in Cologne, you should

consider coming,

because nobody knows what it sounds like

or what it will be.

And that something so magical

can arise.

I will say that at eleven in the opera

a jazz concert takes place.

(whispering) Thank you.

I will get a real job

have to find.

"She's still a teenager,

but already

The ultimate femme fatale.

The men fall for her compulsively.

And it ruins them."

Hey, this is my sister,

that you are talking about!

No, that's "Lulu".

This is the opera

before our concert.

How does the opera end?

- She becomes a prost*tute,

brings Jack the Ripper home,

who murders her.

How do you know that?

You have to know the old world,

in order to be able to destroy them.

There she is.

Put me on the corner

from the hotel.

In the opera, ensure that everything

is ready for the sound check.

And we must at all points of sale

look,

that they have cards.

What are you waiting for?

Fahr!

(Keith)

I don't want to.

(Manfred)

You need to do a sound check.

I want tonight

not play.

You rest,

then you will feel better.

(Manfred) There she is.

- That's the organizer?

Do you have those from high school?

- Do not forget,

we come from the airport.

Hi, I'm sorry,

I'm late.

Hi, Im Vera Brandes,

Welcome to Cologne.

How was the flight? - We should go.

- Yes.

Follow me!

It's just around the corner.

Is the grand piano tuned?

- Yes, it should be.

The opera has promised it.

Go ahead.

I'll follow.

What's wrong with him?

(Manfred, sighing)

His back.

We would have the route

should not walk.

Keith clears his throat.

Doesn't look good.

(Manfred) He has the whole

Didn't sleep last night.

Not even on the plane?

Sigh

(Be)

Beautiful, isn't it?

He plays a note.

Incomprehensible whisper

Didn't we say

that the opera

a Bsendorfer Imperial

provides?

Yes, isn't he?

He isn't.

- What is it then?

That is a

half-broken piece of junk.

The...

That's not a Bsendorfer?

This is a baby grand piano,

a rehearsal instrument.

That's not an Imperial? - A

Grand Imperial is three meters long.

It has nine additional buttons

and weighs half a ton!

(Keith)

I'll wait downstairs.

Uh... What does that mean?

This is the wrong piano.

Keith Jarrett will

not play a concert.

This must be a misunderstanding,

I... - Yes.

Wait a minute, okay?

(quietly) sh*t.

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Mr. Breuer?

(quietly) sh*t.

(Woman)

Can I help you?

(relieved) Oh, yes! Thank God,

You are here, you...

The grand piano on stage

is the wrong one.

We need

the Grand Imperial.

He's not on stage?

- No!

Is Mr. Breuer here?

It's an emergency.

Mr. Breuer is today

Unfortunately not in the house.

Who can help me then?

On me,

It's Friday, 4 p.m.

I'm not sure,

whether anyone can do that.

Impossible, I was

Grand Imperial promised.

Mr. Breuer gave it to me personally

insured. - I'm very sorry.

Where do you keep

Your wings open?

Our wings?

I do not quite understand.

The pianos? Where are they kept

the opera opens its pianos?

I don't know it.

A piano is missing!

Where could it be?

You don't need so

to talk to me.

Yes, excuse me,

I'm just trying to...

What's your name?

Sabine Hofmann.

Ms. Hofmann.

I need your help.

Can you

call anyone?

The technical director or Breuer?

There has to be someone.

I suppose I can try.

- Please.

Charged piano music

Nobody answers.

Try Breuer.

Do we really want it

bother with it?

Try Breuer, please.

It's already good.

There we have it.

3...4...2...

5...4...3...

Hello?

Hello? This is

Sabine Hofmann from the opera.

I'm sorry,

To disturb you on Friday,

but I would have to

Speak to Mr Breuer.

Is he perhaps

already arrived?

Oh, no?

Could he

maybe call back?

Yes, thanks.

No no no,

everything is fine.

Everything's fine, yes.

Yes, I wish that

You too,

that you

have a nice weekend.

Goodbye.

Ms. Hofmann,

"Lulu" starts in 2 hours,

the piano on stage is broken.

Keith Jarrett

is not in the opera

on a broken

Playing the f*cking piano!

You don't need to shout like that.

- Yes, I have to scream!

For me

This is about everything.

I need a grand piano.

Here, in the next

two hours.

So he cant

to play on?

On the grand piano that's on stage?

- No!

Swelling piano music

The music stops.

Nobody knows

where the wing is.

Can you tell me what happened to

this one is wrong?

Apart from being upset?

- Yes.

(sighing loudly) One of the

Pedals don't work.

Okay. - The speech of the

Keyboard is unbalanced.

Some keys even stick.

- Yes.

And it sounds

simply not good.

The sound is hollow, it has no

no volume. - Yes.

The sound is too thin

for this hall.

He is simply

not loud enough.

Not for 1,000 people. - What,

if it is the only option?

Manfred

laughs sarcastically.

Even if this is the last instrument

in the world,

Keith will not

play on it.

Piano music

starts again.

Excuse me for a moment.

Ms. Hofmann?

Do you have a phone book?

Ah, you're back.

- I'm back.

Do you have a phone book?

- Of course.

We will need that.

And I need your phones.

And the piano tuner!

I'll be right back,

I'll get everyone!

All?

Who is everyone?

Excuse me? I should

Record a Keith Jarrett concert.

Where should I build?

Thanks.

Oliver laughs.

Everything OK?

- Isa, I need you now.

(One)

Come on, come on!

The piano music

becomes more intense.

We call piano shops.

instrument rental company,

Venues.

Wherever you have a grand piano

have and bring here.

The piano tuners.

- Ah! Thanks!

Bsendorfer Grand Imperial.

As fast as possible.

Try to be professional.

Grand Imperial.

(Oliver on the phone) I need

a Grand Imperial...

Fritz, Isa, Jan, Oliver

confused on the phone

(Jan) Yes, I know, that is

a special concern.

Yes I know,

It's late, I know...

I am very friendly.

(Fritz) A Grand Imperial,

at the Cologne Opera.

I understand that it is the

most expensive piano in the world.

(Oliver)

We need him tonight.

We need him now.

Everyone is talking at once.

Immediately.

Fritz Brandes.

A Grand Imperial.

Can you please call someone?

It's an emergency.

(Isa) You have nowhere...

Understood.

I regret,

to hear that. Thank you.

I have

a wing raised.

Grand Imperial. In the auditorium

the adult education center.

(Jan) Across the street. We can get him.

(Oliver) They're letting us in.

- Yes.

We are on the way.

See you soon.

Come on, I'll meet you outside!

(Be, call)

Yes!

We have

found a Grand Imperial.

We'll bring him here immediately.

- Gut.

Yes, I feel sorry for everything

also very sorry, and I...

Piano tuner?

Yes. - Come with me! - Where to?

To the new wing!

Piano?

- Yes, hello!

Here it is.

(Man) We were just about to

send back to the depot.

I need you to sign a liability waiver

have it signed.

Of course. - (Piano tuner)

Hello? Stop!

(screaming)

Stop!

You can't do that.

- What?

This is not a

Pub instrument.

The transport ruins it.

I have no choice.

Do you have 40,000 marks to spare?

That will cost the repair.

I don't have time, really!

Whatever the problem,

this is not the solution!

What is the solution?

(Voice) Show me

the other wing.

The wing is broken!

Show me the wing.

Please.

Do you want it now

or not?

(Voice) Okay.

- (Vera) Okay. Good.

(Announcement) "At the start of the performance, please

I the ladies and gentlemen

of the orchestra and the

actors on stage."

Piano sounds

And?

- We can fix it.

But for this room...

Said:

"Show me the wing."

We can fix it.

- But not to a Grand Imperial.

This is a rehearsal piano.

- We are piano tuners.

We don't perform miracles.

Ring

Dramatic instrumental sounds

swell.

The sounds fade away.

He won't play.

The sounds

swell again.

(Announcement) "The ladies and gentlemen of the

Orchestra

and the actors onto the stage."

Operations

The music stops,

Vera gasps.

Vera sobs quietly.

She sobs loudly.

She takes a deep breath.

Knock

(Fritz, muffled)

Is that you, you idiot?

No.

(Fritz)

Let me in.

(Be)

Was?

Everyone is looking for you.

What are you doing here?

He doesn't perform, I

don't have the money.

Then the agreement applies.

So you give up?

I wish they had

the 10,000 DM was given.

So what? What do you want

then do with it?

I have some ideas.

Vera laughs.

You know,

that I hate you, right?

Yes. - But if anyone

finds a way, then you.

He will not perform.

- Make him do it.

How should I get him to do that? - I

I don't know. Improvise, improvise!

Look at us.

I...

I look good.

Vera laughs quietly.

Na klar.

But you...

You are Vera Brandes.

Not even 20 years and already

a real jazz bunny.

(Fritz)

They're coming tonight.

Who?

- Mom and dad.

Have me

asked for tickets.

He wants to see me fail.

Yes.

Why are you

suddenly so nice?

Because I

hate even more than you.

Charged piano music

Quiet babble

(Voice) That's it.

How long do you need

to repair this?

Five hours.

And "Lulu" starts soon.

Can you work,

while they play?

During the performance we are supposed

repair a grand piano from "Lulu"?

Yes, back here.

You have one hour between opera and

Concert. They can test it there.

No.

We can try.

More intense piano music

Thanks.

The music

gives way to street noise.

(Mann)

Hey! Watch out!

Calm piano music

sets in.

Hey.

Everything OK?

Will Keith play?

- Perhaps.

Did you get any sleep?

- Maybe I'm sleeping right now.

Don't we all do that?

You asked him,

why he does this.

Why he tours this way.

Far away from home, with the

small car, with his back.

Do you know why we

stopped at the airport?

To return the tickets,

which the organizer sent,

so that we can make money

for the tour.

Sigh of surprise

Artists like Keith

diving maybe

once per generation.

But that

The world doesn't seem to care.

Music for the museum, dead.

Nobody comes.

Is that why Columbia dropped him?

- They want standards.

He is a risk.

In America, business is eating

the artist.

Or?

In Europe we still have

some respect for them.

You mean it is American

Music for a European audience?

It is music

for people with ears.

Michael laughs.

Vera gasps.

(Keith)

Who 's there?

Vera Brandes.

What happened to you?

- I'm sorry, I...

Did you sleep?

I have two days

didn't sleep.

Have you found a piano?

- I'll have the broken one repaired.

That won't help. - Wait,

if you don't play,

then that was it for me

in the music business.

Well, then I'll do you a favor.

- I beg you.

You beg me,

to fail.

I beg you to save me.

If you don't play,

that was the end of my life.

Sorry, I can't.

f*ck!

(Keith)

Was?

Can I ask you one thing?

Since when do you play on expensive

Grand Imperial concert grand pianos

with nine extra buttons?

Do you know what I believe?

I think you're spoiled.

You are afraid.

Inwardly you doubt,

whether you can do it.

Playing a note without knowing exactly

how it will sound.

To really improvise.

Perhaps

you should thank me.

Maybe I can offer you

an opportunity.

An opportunity for what?

To go new ways.

How old are you?

- You're not 25.

I am 18.

- An 18-year-old child.

And you walk through the world,

as if people owed you something.

I only organized one concert.

- On a broken grand piano.

With repaired pedal.

- Pretty cheeky.

I have some experience

with narcissistic men.

Can you in Cologne

drink the tap water?

Yes.

In order.

Only for you,

don't forget that.

For me?

When the pedal is repaired.

You play?

- If it's tuned.

You will play?

And if you leave.

- Yes.

Yes!

You're still here.

(radio announcer)

"In the Cologne Opera plays

Keith Jarrett today

a solo concert.

The young organizer

Vera Brandes says,

It is not jazz that Keith is playing right now,

but everything possible."

Today, 11 p.m. at the Opera,

directly after "Lulu".

Dramatic orchestral music

#Come in

in die Menagerie!#

#You proud gentlemen,#

#you fun-loving women.#

#She was created,#

#To instigate mischief,#

#to lure,#

#to seduce,#

#to poison#

#and to m*rder!#

Loud rumbling

#Without anyone noticing.#

The Opera

continues to run in a subdued manner.

(Michael) It was a

weird dinner.

Like a wake for a disaster,

that was about to happen.

Vera tried to breathe,

Thoughts raced through her head.

Will the piano be repaired in time?

Will anyone come at all?

And Fritz...

Fritz had with this

new feeling to fight.

Something that feels

of love.

Jan kept thinking about the guy,

with whom Vera had slept.

This kept him awake at night.

And Oliver hoped that the piano fiasco

hadn't spoiled his relationship with Isa.

Who eagerly did so,

as if she didn't notice.

So! I have to go,

look after the wing.

See you there.

(Michael) Keith meanwhile...

- Stop!

It's like a sauna here.

There is something

what I have to tell you.

Don't get angry.

Martin is

with the equipment there.

I told you I don't want that.

- He is recording the concert.

This will not be a concert,

but a shitty car accident.

We have already paid him.

- And? Send him home.

We will not publish it.

Promised.

No thanks. - Our famous

Earthbeeren to Love.

Laugh

Oh God.

- Oh man.

What a

damn disaster.

Laugh

Are you sure that the

the right wing?

(Tuner)

The pedal works.

That's a good thing.

Deep piano tone.

We don't have any more time.

Could you go somewhere?

Hm?

They are no help.

Hey, good evening.Keith Jarrett

is playing a solo concert today.

Right now, in 20 minutes...

Just look at it!

- I already have plans.

Keith Jarrett at the opera!

(Woman, shouting) No thanks.

- In 20 minutes!

Wait.

- No.

This concert will

Change your life.

(One)

Vera! What are you doing here?

I have to fill the hall.

- You don't need any notes.

Why?

I have a few more minutes.

Vera, it's sold out.

- Was?

The concert.

The opera house is sold out.

Sold out?

Yes!

- Come on.

Laugh

babble

gong strikes

(Man) Is there another one coming,

or can you take the jacket away from there?

gong strikes

The time has come.

Let's get it over with.

Melodic clarinet music

Other instruments

set.

Vera moans,

Applause erupts.

Orchestral music swells.

Lied: To Love

Somebody/ Nina Simone

Emotional soul music

#There's a light,#

#a certain kind of light#

#that's never shone on me.#

#I want my whole life to be#

#lived with you,#

#lived with you.#

#There's a way,#

#everybody say,#

#do each and every

little thing.#

#But what good does it bring#

#if I ain't got you,

#ain't got you?#

#You don't know

what it's like.#

#Baby, you don't know

what it's like#

#to love somebody,

love somebody,#

#the way I love you.#

Applause

#In my brain#

#I see your face again.#

#I know my frame of mind.#

#You ain't got to be

so blind.#

#And I'm so blind,#

#so blind.#

#But I'm a woman,#

#can't you see what I am?#

#I live and breathe for you.#

#What good does it do#

#if I ain't got you,#

#I ain't got you?#

#Say, you don't know

what it's like.#

#Baby, you don't know

what it's like#

#to love somebody,#

#to love somebody,#

#the way I do.#

#You don't know

what it's like...#

The song

continues to play subdued.

You go?

There are people you

you haven't offended yet.

I would like to tell you something else,

before you go.

You were

a terrible father.

And I will

all the sh*t,

that you have done to me,

never forget.

The names,

that you gave me.

But if I

a disappointment,

I did something right.

(Father)

Goodbye.

(Isa) Are you okay?

- Mhm.

I have you

made a drink.

I need vodka.

- Do we have.

I need a whole bottle.

- We have that too.

Where are we going next?

Baden.

Back to Switzerland.

- No...

Oh God.

How do you think it went?

(Manfred) Tonight?

- Yes.

(Manfred)

It was good.

A recording of the Kln Concert

was published in 1975.

Widely

considered a masterpiece,

it became the best-selling

Solo jazz LP in history.

Vera Brandes founded

her own music label.

She published

Hundreds of records,

organized hundreds of

Tours and live concerts.

Same.

Two.

- Three.

They whistle silently

and laugh.

I would say,

that was a disaster.

#What good does it do#

#if I ain't got you,#

#if I ain't got you.#

#Say, you don't know

what it's like.#

#Baby, you don't know

what it's like#

#to love somebody,#

#to love somebody,#

#the way I love you.#

#You don't know

what it's like.#

#Baby, you don't know

what it's like#

#to love somebody,#

#to love somebody,#

#the way I love you.#

The music is real.

Lied:

Gunther/ Dendermonde

Driving instrumental music