'Tis Autumn: The Search for Jackie Paris

In the documentary film 'Tis Autumn, writer and director Raymond DeFelitta examines the life of crooner Jackie Paris. Early in his career, Paris was the singer of choice for Charles Mingus, he toured with Charlie Parker, and Down Beat voted him best male vocalist in 1953. Yet, Paris never achieved widespread fame, an apparent mystery that DeFelitta sets out to explore, ultimately concluding that, among other factors, Paris hit his creative peak just as what he had to offer was going out of style.

DeFelitta's archival digging has resulted in a film laden with period photographs, stock footage of 1950s New York, a wonderful soundtrack filled with classic Paris numbers, and a variety of interviews with musicians, industry luminaries, and jazz historians including Billy Taylor, James Moody, Ira Gitler, Phil Schaap, and others. The film is also packed with "what ifs," as interviewees speculate on what Paris might have achieved if he had been given the chance. Guided by skillful editing, Paris' talent is unfortunately framed as irrefutable truth, obscuring other important elements of the singer's life that are glossed at best. In particular Paris' relationship with his son and the singer's role as a music educator are briefly touched upon but largely overlooked in favor of the more easily told story of a singer trying to make it in the music business, a story that DeFelitta pursues perhaps a bit too eagerly.

Though commendable for its transparency, DeFelitta's reflexive approach is somewhat distracting as he narrates throughout the film and makes regular appearances in front of the camera. As a result, Paris often comes across as a passive subject who is analyzed and explained by DeFelitta rather than allowed to really speak for himself. Other shooting and editing techniques are also somewhat puzzling. At various points, for example, actors engage in dramatic readings of period newspaper and magazine articles meant to literally bring to life the scant print coverage of Paris' career. Yet, these scenes contrast sharply with the character of the film and actually disrupt the story's intimacy. More constructive, however, is the filmmaker's use of 8mm film as B roll for some scenes, a technique evocative of home movies that reflects the poignancy of Paris' saga.

Despite some problems with presentation, 'Tis Autumn's most important contribution is its record of Paris' last months before his death in 2004. DeFelitta and his crew became quick friends with Paris, as is evident in their on-screen interaction and in the filmmaker's commentary in the DVD's special features. A film like this could not have happened without the close cooperation of Paris and his friends and family. The special features also include some live video of Paris performing at the Jazz Standard, in addition to extra interview footage and a photo gallery. Aimed at a general audience and jazz aficionados, 'Tis Autumn might also be useful in classroom discussions of jazz, celebrity, and the inner-workings of the mid-twentieth-century popular music industry.