Intimate look into the life of a master of jazz piano

If a piano plays in a room and no one hears it, did it really make music? Legendary jazz pianist, Sal Mosca would say it did. In this intimate look into a master’s life, SAL MOSCA: UNSUNG presents a portrait of man who chose to sacrifice fame and glory for the purity of his art. In doing so, Mosca lived a hermetic life in a dark studio where musical magic was made daily.

Mosca, who studied with cool jazz guru, Lennie Tristano, played and recorded with greats such as Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Sarah Vaughn. But after the 1950’s he chose a sedentary life in which his art would never be compromised, settling to teach his craft while wowing audiences when he would emerge for infrequent performances.

This is the first and only film of Mosca who died shortly after its completion. Even at age 80 Mosca’s fingers glide effortlessly over the keys, displaying a freedom in music which is rare. Unfettered by big record labels, he achieved an unbridled method of jazz improvisation. His ambition to “get into himself” rather than go after capitalistic gains is startlingly bold in an era where dollars seem the main measure of success.

Sal Mosca was an un-sung genius, and will now be heard.

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If a piano plays in a room and no one hears it, did it really make music? Legendary jazz pianist, Sal Mosca would say it did. In this intimate look into a master’s life, SAL MOSCA: UNSUNG presents a portrait of man who chose to sacrifice fame and glory for the purity of his art. In doing so, Mosca lived a hermetic life in a dark studio where musical magic was made daily.

Mosca, who studied with cool jazz guru, Lennie Tristano, played and recorded with greats such as Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Sarah Vaughn. But after the 1950’s he chose a sedentary life in which his art would never be compromised, settling to teach his craft while wowing audiences when he would emerge for infrequent performances.

This is the first and only film of Mosca who died shortly after its completion. Even at age 80 Mosca’s fingers glide effortlessly over the keys, displaying a freedom in music which is rare. Unfettered by big record labels, he achieved an unbridled method of jazz improvisation. His ambition to “get into himself” rather than go after capitalistic gains is startlingly bold in an era where dollars seem the main measure of success.

Sal Mosca was an un-sung genius, and will now be heard.

Comments

Posted 12/27/08 by geraldyne marsh

Sal was a dear friend of mine and this film brought back so many wonderful memories. His playing always thrilled me and Warne too. Thanks.
Geraldyne Marsh

Posted 07/19/08 by Norma

This is great!!! Found out about this site in the Wall Street Journal....

Posted 07/19/08 by Mark Miller

This is the quintessential question: Work for money or work for the love of your work. As a professional jazz pianist and distance learning jazz piano instructor I feel fortunate to be able to pursue both after 25 years of building a teaching a performing “ base”.
I need this reminder to “ get into myself” and don’t think/worry about the money!
Remember one of Edison’s famous quotes: “The reason most men fail is because they don’t know how close they’ve come to success.”

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