Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser

Filmmaker Bruce Ricker couldn't believe his luck.Michael and Christian Blackwood's extensive 1968 footage of modern jazz pianist/composer Thelonious Monk -- including the very private Monk off stage -- was in excellent shape.The reels were, Ricker said, "just sitting there like the Dead Sea Scrolls of jazz."

Ricker, as co-producer, joins director and fellow producer Charlotte Zwerin (Gimme Shelter), executive producer Clint Eastwood and others to bring these "scrolls" to vibrant life.Their Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser combines the Blackwood footage of groundbreaker Monk in studio, on tour and behind the scenes with new interviews, archival photos and more to create a landmark aural and visual treat.