(2007, 60 min.) (1993, 33 min.)
Hallwalls celebrates the work of two eminent musicians who have recently graced our stage. In MUSICIAN (2007, 60min), filmmaker Daniel Kraus documents Chicago luminary Ken Vandermark. The documentary, which is part of the larger WORK film series, features footage from the road, including a stop at Hallwalls in summer 2006 when Vandermark performed with CINC. Vandermark's performance was in the company of two master British improvisers, Paul Lytton (percussion) and Phillip Wachsmann (violin, viola, electronics). The film will be preceded by MARC RIBOT: DESCENT INTO BALDNESS (1993, 33min), German filmmaker Cassis Blush's documentary which uses a captivating blend of experimental techniques to record the guitarist's life, work, and art. Ribot, who came to Hallwalls for a solo performance at Asbury Hall last November, was recently featured on Robert Plant and Allison Kraus' critically acclaimed 2007 release RAISING SAND (produced by T Bone Burnett). He will appear on the Country Music Television show CMT Crossroads on Monday, February 11th. For more information visit: www.cmt.com

MARC RIBOT: DESCENT INTO BALDNESS
"This 1995 documentary peels back a few discordant layers from the life of guitarist Marc Ribot. Schooled in classical guitar, with a voice filtered through Haitian traditions, recondite self-exploration and political commentary, Ribot is an intriguing subject who manages to give a lot away without ever really giving you anything. Director Cassis wanders with him through rehearsal spaces, stages and streets to explore what makes the musician (who later went on to found Los Cubanos Postizos) tick. German director Cassis uses a captivating blend of lo-fi camerawork to explore the avant-garde world surrounding Ribot, while seeming to have a great time herself. In fact, working on the film inspired her to go out and found her own band. After watching this, those in the stranglehold of their own artsy proclivities may feel the same way." (Geoff Girvitz)


MUSICIAN
"Common sense says you can't make a living in America playing avant-garde improvisational jazz. But Ken Vandermark does it anyway. Among musicians, Vandermark's work ethic is almost mythic. The Chicago reed player has released over 100 albums with nearly 40 ensembles, spends over eight months per year on the road, and lives every other waking moment composing, arranging, performing—and trying to discipline his two hyperactive canines. Though Vandermark was the recipient of a 1999 MacArthur genius grant, he still spends most of his life in smoky clubs and low-budget recording studios, hoping people will plunk down hard-earned cash to hear his wholly non-commercial music. Following the artful cinéma vérité style of the internationally acclaimed SHERIFF, Musician forgoes all interviews and voice-overs. It is a fly-on-the-wall time capsule that expertly captures every subtle sound and texture of this most American of art forms." For more information about the other documentaries in Daniel Kraus' PBS series WORK, visit: www.workseries.com