Release Year: 2007

Duration: 12 min

Availability: Worldwide

Related: Life & Culture, Music & Arts, Shorts

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.