These are stories that I have felt deserved to be documented in the best possible way. The medium I chose is the documentary format.
The following sections contain information about the subjects, along with some of the key elements that were essential in helping me understand how these stories connect and form a larger narrative.
GEORGE CARUANA
Tony Carr (born George Caruana in 1927) was a Maltese drummer and percussionist who built a distinguished career in the UK after emigrating in 1952. He performed with some of the biggest names in jazz and popular music, including Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Donovan, Sixto Rodriguez and Paul McCartney.
A documentary exploring his life and musical career premiered at Spazju Kreattiv Cinema on 10 October 2024.
Listen to Tony speak about how he got the job with Billy Eckstine in 1954.
Excerpt from Bill Le Sage's Album Road to Ellingtonia.
Photos
CHARLES GATT
Charles Gatt, known as “is-City,” was a Maltese musician and artist from iż-Żebbiegħ. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he performed internationally, served as artistic director of the Malta Jazz Festival, and played an important role in Malta’s music scene.
Charles working
Digitised from VHS tape
Review of Charles Gatt’s “Musical Conversations” project — Times of Malta
MALTA JAZZ FESTIVAL
Established in 1990, the Malta Jazz Festival has become one of Malta’s most important cultural events, featuring internationally recognised jazz musicians throughout its history.
In 2006, the festival underwent a period of change, moving towards a more commercial approach. In 2009, it returned to its original jazz focus, continuing its role as a platform for contemporary jazz.
A selection of posters and programmes from the Malta Jazz Festival.
The first Malta Jazz Festival poster (1991).
Artwork by Luciano Micallef.
Malta Jazz Festival 1997
Artwork by Norbert Attard
STORIES
The following stories form part of Anecdotes of Jazz in Malta, a project that brings together music and film to explore Malta’s jazz history. Produced by Nix Mangiari in collaboration with sugu.tv, the project premiered at Palazzo de La Salle on 2 November 2023.
Early Jazz in Malta
Charles Gatt | Improvisation