Take Away Blue is an introspective and tender tribute to the iconic American jazz record label Blue Note. Directed by Benoît Toulemonde, this documentary paints a lyrical portrait of the musicians, producers, and fans that have turned the Blue Note catalog into a cultural landmark that transcends genres and generations. Throughout the film, we are treated to mesmerizing performances by some of today's most inventive alternative musicians, such as Canadian singer-songwriter Patrick Watson, French electronic producer Mondkopf, and Belgian jazz pianist Eve Beuvens. They play stirring, stripped-down versions of some of Blue Note's most emblematic compositions, such as Henry Mancini's "Moon River," Horace Silver's "Song for My Father," or Duke Pearson's "Christo Redentor," accompanied by the occasional visual montage or photograph that evokes the music's historical context.
But Take Away Blue is more than a simple tribute concert. Its real strength lies in its ability to connect the dots between Blue Note's past and present, and to explore how the label's ethos of creativity, collaboration, and authenticity has influenced generations of artists across genres and continents. We hear from jazz veterans such as Lou Donaldson, Bobbi Humphrey, or Dr. Lonnie Smith, who share anecdotes about the intense studio sessions and competitive gigs that defined Blue Note's golden age in the 1950s and 60s. We also learn about the ways in which hip hop, soul, and rock musicians have sampled or adapted Blue Note tracks, thereby creating new fusions and dialogues with the original material.
But perhaps the most striking aspect of Take Away Blue is how it manages to capture the emotional resonance of Blue Note's music, even for those who are not necessarily jazz aficionados. By letting the artists speak in their own words and by highlighting the human stories behind the notes, the film taps into the universal themes of love, loss, hope, and longing that the best jazz expresses. Whether it's Watson's delicate falsetto on "Moon River," or Mondkopf's haunting synthscapes on Wayne Shorter's "Footprints," or Beuvens' nimble improvisations on Thelonious Monk's "I Mean You," the music feels both timeless and urgent.
Visually, Take Away Blue is also a treat. Shot mostly in black-and-white, with occasional splashes of color to highlight a particular instrument or mood, the film has a dreamy, filmic quality that matches the meditative mood of the music. The camera often lingers on close-ups of faces, fingers, or instruments, creating a sense of intimacy and introspection that invites the viewer to listen and reflect.
Overall, Take Away Blue is a must-see for anyone who loves music, creativity, or history. It's a beautiful and moving celebration of one of the most beloved and influential record labels in the world, and a reminder of the power of art to transcend divisions and capture the human spirit.
Take Away Blue, a Blue Note Tribute is a 2014 music movie with a runtime of 34 minutes.
