Exciting Live Rehearsal for ‘LOUIS’ Soundtrack

Two vibrant rehearsal days in San Rafael merge classic jazz with fresh tones on stage now.

By Sakshi Sakshi linkedin_icon

In a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, jazz icon Wynton Marsalis and his ensemble have spent the last two days in San Rafael perfecting a live soundtrack for the silent film LOUIS. Directed by Dan Pritzker, the film’s score is being brought to life through a unique rehearsal process that balances original compositions with timeless works by Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Moreau Gottschalk. With the keen eye of conductor Andy Farber and the exceptional piano artistry of Cecile Licad, the performance is already shaping up to be a riveting homage to the spirit of jazz.

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Image: Instagram

Rehearsal Details In San Rafael

The team’s efforts have been focused on syncing every musical note with the film’s moving images—a process that requires impeccable timing and a deep understanding of both the visual and auditory storytelling elements. As noted in the caption shared on social media, the ensemble has been “following the click, watching our conductor Andy Farber, and staying locked in together, swinging.” This detailed rehearsal routine highlights the meticulous attention the musicians are dedicating to aligning the live music with the silent narrative of LOUIS.

The session in San Rafael is not just a technical exercise. It is a creative journey where every beat matters. Integrating original music with selections from the early jazz repertoire, the musicians are exploring the interplay between new sounds and classic tunes. The inclusion of pieces by Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Moreau Gottschalk pays homage to early jazz innovations while the original compositions push the envelope in contemporary performance art.

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Image: Instagram

Preparing For Santa Barbara Performance

With the final rehearsal scheduled for tomorrow, the ensemble is gearing up for the road trip to Santa Barbara. The upcoming performance is set for May 17 at The Arlington Theatre—a venue that will provide the perfect backdrop for this innovative project. Interested audiences and jazz enthusiasts can find additional dates and tour details at Wynton Marsalis’ official tour website.

This initiative represents more than just an experimental concert. It is a creative venture that draws on decades of jazz tradition and the visionary approach of artists like Marsalis. Known for his scholarly interpretations and commitment to musical excellence, Marsalis has long been a figure who bridges the gap between rigorous musical discipline and the creative impulse that defines jazz. His career, marked by collaborations at venues such as the Metropolitan Opera and influential awards events like the Essentially Ellington Awards, underlines a journey that is both historic and forward-thinking.

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A Tradition Reimagined

The rehearsal in San Rafael is emblematic of Marsalis’ commitment to keeping jazz relevant and accessible. This project, which uniquely pairs a silent film with a live soundtrack, recalls the early days of cinema when live musical accompaniment was intrinsic to the movie experience. By revisiting this tradition with a modern twist, the performance aims to remind audiences of the timeless power of live music in enhancing storytelling. The presence of celebrated musicians like Cecile Licad further enriches the narrative, adding layers of technical brilliance and emotional depth.

Alongside the high-energy rehearsals, Marsalis’ related social media posts have provided fans with glimpses into his world of constant musical innovation. In previous updates, he was seen going over scripts for prestigious events like the Essentially Ellington Awards Ceremony at the Metropolitan Opera, revealing his passion for blending education with performance. Such insights not only demonstrate his multifaceted role as a performer and educator but also underscore the thoughtful preparation that goes into every project.

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Image: Instagram

The current project for LOUIS is a testament to the evolving nature of live performance in a digital age. The commitment to precise synchronization between film and music creates a rich, immersive experience, one that promises to captivate audiences both in a traditional theatre setting and online. As jazz moves forward, projects like this reinforce its cultural relevance while honoring the genre’s storied past.

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Jazz enthusiasts and new listeners alike eagerly await the May 17 performance in Santa Barbara. The live soundtrack is expected to be a stirring representation of jazz’s enduring legacy—a genre that is as much about innovation as it is about tradition. With each rehearsal and every synchronized beat, Marsalis and his band are not only reviving a historic art form but also inviting audiences into a live experience that transcends time and format.

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Image: Instagram

The blending of original compositions with classic pieces underscores the continuous evolution of jazz. It reinforces that this art form is not static; rather, it is a living, breathing dialogue between past and present. With every meticulous note and every perfectly timed cue, the upcoming performance of LOUIS promises to be both a tribute to old masters and a bold step forward into new artistic territory.

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Image: Instagram
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Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.

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