A Tuba for Cuba was extremely warmly-received in its world premiere at Austin's SXSW Film Festival. It is well-made and charming music documentary about New Orleans's Preservation Hall Jazz Band's tour of Cuba. It is beautifully-edited with sweetness and joy. The most intriguing part of the film is the connection that film makers and the musicians are trying to draw between the New Orleans Jazz traditions and the Afro-Cuban traditions. Without directly addressing the political issues, they are trying to breakdown the walls that have separated American and Cuba for 2 generations. I'm not particularly a fan of music documentaries which I often find a bit slow and directionless. I think this one had some of the same flaws although it is better than most of the ones I've seen. It may not be everyone's cup of tea. But if you love music documentaries and particularly if you love jazz, I would recommend it.
17 Reviews
A perfect documentary!
ryan-573-6089483 January 2019
This is a must check for anyone interested in culture, music and history. I had the opportunity to see it at the NOFF and was completely blown away. Growing up in New Orleans I was not aware of the similar roots in music that Nola had to Cuba. Once the music starts the language barrier disappears, that's one of the themes of this beautiful doc. Check it out if you have the chance. I give it 1000 stars!!
An Amazing Film About the Universal Language Known as Music
wanderingcameras-8625113 November 2018
This is a beautiful film about the power of music and the shared humanity that exists between every citizen of the world. The story of the world famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band travel from New Orleans to Cuba, (which share a lot of musical and cultural history I learned), to travel across the island meeting Cuban musicians, performing concerts, and experiencing life-changing moments with those they encounter and the places they travel.
Staying away from a trite sermon on the social issues between the two countries or in Cuba itself; the filmmakers instead focus on the bonds that tie all us as people together, and show us some truly amazing music and real life moments along the way. One scene that stands out in particular (without giving anything away) is when an African-American musician has an amazing experience jamming and learning history with an African-Cuban musician, though the two don't speak the same language.
No matter what your feelings are on Jazz, Cuba, or music documentaries, this film will have an impact on you, and make you leave the theater feeling that anything is possible.
Staying away from a trite sermon on the social issues between the two countries or in Cuba itself; the filmmakers instead focus on the bonds that tie all us as people together, and show us some truly amazing music and real life moments along the way. One scene that stands out in particular (without giving anything away) is when an African-American musician has an amazing experience jamming and learning history with an African-Cuban musician, though the two don't speak the same language.
No matter what your feelings are on Jazz, Cuba, or music documentaries, this film will have an impact on you, and make you leave the theater feeling that anything is possible.
History and history in the making
randy-23731 January 2019
A Tuba to Cuba has a double timeline. Covering the band's visit to Cuba to engage with their Cuban counterparts, the film also goes backward in time to tell the story of Preservation Hall's birth in the early 60s in a New Orleans that had little interest in the jazz legends that still lived there but had no place to play or make a living. It's an important story, not only about music but about race in America.
So, engaging with both past and present seems part and parcel in what the film records: the band's embracing a future that for the first time includes original music, music that in character is as traditional as the music that they are known for, deeply rooted in New Orleans syncopated rhythms and forms, but is also informed by Cuban rhythms and forms. They came back from their trips to Cuba and, to the surprise of many here in New Orleans, announced that they had learned something *new* about rhythm--not something masters of the New Orleans tradition would say lightly. The evidence of this learning experience is recorded in the film and in the albums which emerged from their visits to Cuba: So it Is! and That's It! Great film, great albums. Great windows into both New Orleans and Cuba and their considerable music achievements.
So, engaging with both past and present seems part and parcel in what the film records: the band's embracing a future that for the first time includes original music, music that in character is as traditional as the music that they are known for, deeply rooted in New Orleans syncopated rhythms and forms, but is also informed by Cuban rhythms and forms. They came back from their trips to Cuba and, to the surprise of many here in New Orleans, announced that they had learned something *new* about rhythm--not something masters of the New Orleans tradition would say lightly. The evidence of this learning experience is recorded in the film and in the albums which emerged from their visits to Cuba: So it Is! and That's It! Great film, great albums. Great windows into both New Orleans and Cuba and their considerable music achievements.
A Must Watch Film
Sam_Medina4 January 2019
WHAT AN AMAZING FILM! I had the pleasure of watching A TUBA TO CUBA during its domestic premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival 2018. The energy in the packed Paramount Theater was electrifying and to say that this is a great documentary is an understatement. With all of the hatred and hasty political news that's been going on in our World today, A TUBA TO CUBA does a wonderful job putting the root of what humanity should be into perspective. This is a film about LOVE and UNITY. It's a film about how alike we are as a human race. To top it all off, after the movie was over, we experienced a second line parade with over 1400 people down 6th Street. I have never experienced anything like this in my life. I highly recommend you see this without hesitation when it comes to your town. The Director of the film quoted during a Q&A "We want to build bridges, not walls."
A Beautiful Film
implicted4 January 2019
Just when I think I know everything about New Orleans music
rosemarymonroe4 January 2019
I am from Louisiana, half of my family is from New Orleans, and I am a music buff so I do know a lot of the history of New Orleans music. However, there seems to be no end to the depth of New Orleans music history as I keep learning more. This film proved that. If you have any interest at all in New Orleans, jazz music, international music, or all of the above, you will love this film. Even if you just have an interest in documentaries, I feel that this one is very powerful. It will keep you entertained with colorful, New Orleans and Cuban cultural visuals as it tells its story about family roots/history, the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and the bond of music.
Incredible Film
MyloHerrington322 February 2019
Very rarely have I seen a film that moves me like this one. It gives you hope for humanity and focus on what connects us, Music! This doc is beautiful shot and edited with extreme craftsmanship! A beautiful love letter to New Orleans Jazz, I would see it on the big screen if you have the chance!
Just. So. Wonderful. Don't miss this film!!
sabbaticator30 January 2019
This film tells the beautiful story of the inter-connectedness of music, culture and humanity. Preservation Hall is a national treasure and today's Preservation Hall Jazz Band takes the best of the past and blends it with new flavor, making it all new again. Don't miss this film -- it's a feast for the eyes, ears and heart. Brilliant direction and cinematography. And I dare you to sit still while listening to that soundtrack!
Great Documentary Film!
Optimist216 January 2019
If you liked the Foo Fighters "Sonic Highways" series on HBO a few years back, then you'll really enjoy "A Tuba To Cuba!" In the ways the Foo Fighters explored their sound and drew inspiration from their experiences in the cities they visited, A "Tuba to Cuba" is The Preservation Hall Jazz Band's version on steroids.
Beautifully shot in New Orleans and across Cuba, the film provides us a deeper understanding of how music really connects us all. It also gives you an appreciation for The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and their historical significance to the world of music.
The characters, sights, and sounds in "A Tuba to Cuba" make this documentary film and journey worth taking.
Beautifully shot in New Orleans and across Cuba, the film provides us a deeper understanding of how music really connects us all. It also gives you an appreciation for The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and their historical significance to the world of music.
The characters, sights, and sounds in "A Tuba to Cuba" make this documentary film and journey worth taking.
A powerful message about human connection.
KinoQuest23 February 2019
I saw this doc in NY! This is more than just a music film. The filmmakers chose to set aside the antics of politicians and instead encourage us as viewers to look past our differences and try to celebrate and then build on what we have in common. Cuba and New Orleans have seen their fair share of hardships and injustices. Both are a resilient people who, when times get tough, always seem to turn to their music and culture.
Beautiful in all senses
brent-453086 March 2019
Tuba to Cuba is absolutely stunning footage to watch; you could take screen grabs, frame them and put on your wall. The imagery captures the heart and soul of these musicians and radiates to the head bobbing audience. The history of jazz having a link between two similar aged clubs in New Oreleans and Cuba will make your heart warm as we are all together here. Go see this movie!
Sit back and soak it in!
Sasha_Lauren29 May 2019
A TUBA TO CUBA
Jazz -- what is it; what are it's roots and history? After seeing TUBA TO CUBA, I am an enraptured student of jazz and look forward to delving deeper into the depth and breadth of it.
This is a beautiful, uplifting film to sit back and soak in. It's filled with some of the best music one might even wish to hear, along with culture, history, and relationships born from an exaulted creative place, beyond words. The roots of jazz can be traced back to African-American roots in 1835 when slaves would gather in Conga Square, New Orleans, to play music and dance on Sundays. In a city with an eclectic mix of immigrants from Haiti, Spain, African, France, Britian, and more, jazz continued to develop and flourish.
In the early 1960's, Larry Borenstein asked Sandra and Allan Jaffe, a tuba player from Philadelphia, if they wanted to manage Preservation Hall, a traditional jazz music venue in the French Quarter of New Orleans. They did. The Jaffes hired elderly jazz legends, many who were struggling with poverty, racism, and illness and had no place to play or make a living.
A TUBA TO CUBA documents the journey of the Jaffe's son, Ben, (now the leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band), as he and his bandmates travel to Cuba in search of the music that gave birth to New Orleans jazz. The American jazz musicans jam with Cuban musicians in several locations, and discover distinct, captivating sounds, and a unique, rich history in each locale. They are humbled, awed, and inspired, and as a viewer, I was too.
As Charlie Gabriel says, "Musical conversation cancels out complication."
Jazz -- what is it; what are it's roots and history? After seeing TUBA TO CUBA, I am an enraptured student of jazz and look forward to delving deeper into the depth and breadth of it.
This is a beautiful, uplifting film to sit back and soak in. It's filled with some of the best music one might even wish to hear, along with culture, history, and relationships born from an exaulted creative place, beyond words. The roots of jazz can be traced back to African-American roots in 1835 when slaves would gather in Conga Square, New Orleans, to play music and dance on Sundays. In a city with an eclectic mix of immigrants from Haiti, Spain, African, France, Britian, and more, jazz continued to develop and flourish.
In the early 1960's, Larry Borenstein asked Sandra and Allan Jaffe, a tuba player from Philadelphia, if they wanted to manage Preservation Hall, a traditional jazz music venue in the French Quarter of New Orleans. They did. The Jaffes hired elderly jazz legends, many who were struggling with poverty, racism, and illness and had no place to play or make a living.
A TUBA TO CUBA documents the journey of the Jaffe's son, Ben, (now the leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band), as he and his bandmates travel to Cuba in search of the music that gave birth to New Orleans jazz. The American jazz musicans jam with Cuban musicians in several locations, and discover distinct, captivating sounds, and a unique, rich history in each locale. They are humbled, awed, and inspired, and as a viewer, I was too.
As Charlie Gabriel says, "Musical conversation cancels out complication."
Beautiful. Funny. Full of heart. Bravo.
info-18778-170323 March 2019
This is my first review on IMDB & I have to say, this film is a beacon for the power of documentary film making. Through the history of jazz, this visual love letter reminds us of the interconnected life force behind one of humanity's most beloved gifts: music.
At a time when our world can feel so racially divided, it is a breath of fresh air to learn about the love and positivity that was cultivated at Preservation Hall in New Orleans. The faces, the colors, the sounds, the the culture, the mastery of craft. It's all there in gorgeous 4K detail as we follow the journey of jazz prophets who take a pilgrimage to their motherland. And just when I thought that it ended with Cuba, they discover something else.... and I've never been so emotionally shaken by a tiny rock!
Just go and see it. You'll be so glad you did.
At a time when our world can feel so racially divided, it is a breath of fresh air to learn about the love and positivity that was cultivated at Preservation Hall in New Orleans. The faces, the colors, the sounds, the the culture, the mastery of craft. It's all there in gorgeous 4K detail as we follow the journey of jazz prophets who take a pilgrimage to their motherland. And just when I thought that it ended with Cuba, they discover something else.... and I've never been so emotionally shaken by a tiny rock!
Just go and see it. You'll be so glad you did.
Great film! A must see!
healeyred30 March 2019
Beautifully produced film yet again illustrating the universal language of music and the bridges it builds among people. The Iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band demonstrates the beauty of sound & brotherhood. This is more than a film, it's an experience! Love it!!!!
An Incredible Documentary
solson78 April 2019
I was lucky enough to catch "A Tuba to Cuba" during it's theatrical run in LA and I'm glad I did. Well edited and shot, this documentary does a great job showing how music unites us all. If you love Jazz music or just music in general you will love this doc.
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