The Genius of Lenny Breau (1999) User Reviews

Excellent job

[spiritpark · 9/10 · 20 August 2006]

Because of Lenny's issues with addiction, there were tremendous gaps in his life that were not possible to document. Ms. Hughes does a fantastic job documenting everything that is possible and even getting at some of the harder more ephemeral things about Lenny's life. There is a lot of video from the early 60's which shows what a prodigious talent Lenny was. As he went through his later stages in life, those videos, and his participation in the music world, become less frequent and she must rely on the recollections of others. I've purchased and watched this movie dozens of times and come away with something new each time. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Jazz and especially Jazz Guitar. This guy is a legend.

Thoughts on Lenny

[bhhanson · 10/10 · 6 July 2008]

I had the experience of hearing Lenny live as an underage youth sneaking into clubs in the early 70s in Edmonton. I remember being completely mesmerized by the soft voiced man on the guitar,but only vaguely aware of his absolute transcendent ear and ability, and in retrospect, oblivious to the tribulations of his life. Only after his passing, through his recordings, did I realize the absolute joy and melancholy of his work. It was with the first viewing of this film that I was apprised of the actual circumstances of his death, I don't know if his loss should seem even greater to me. To this day I am amazed at the number of guitarists, particularly Canadian, who are unaware of Lenny's music. After having met Lenny's daughter Emily just today, in circumstances that were pleasant, but, for myself, profoundly poignant, I am moved to embrace Lenny's legacy even more completely. I am also mightily surprised that this film has not made a bigger dent on this database. I would recommend screening it to everyone, if only to acquaint yourself with the life of a virtuoso of such celestial talent whose mistimed passing was, for my money, no less a tragedy than the death of a Mozart.

P.S. - I realize that this may not be the best forum to post suchlike, but if you are reading this, be gratified that I'm not selling enlarging ointments or hot stock tips.