The Family Jams

Film Synopsis

Dir: Kevin Barker
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Duration: 81mins
www.thefamilyjams.com

In 2004 three musical acts left their homes in California and hit the road, travelling across the country and taking their unique music with them.  Joanna Newsom, Devendra Banhart and Vetiver bisected the USA meeting and performing with Antony and the Johnsons, Espers, The Pleased, Meg Baird and the Corndawg.  Filmmaker Kevin Barker accompanied them, shooting this fly-on-the-wall documentary as they went.  These bands, all on the verge of success, travel in cars and vans, and drive themselves to small venues to play and perform together.  As the journey progresses they share intimate moments, meet musical legends, jam both on stage and off, mourn the departed and laugh with each other.

An evocative portrait of the touring musician, Barker catches some of the most influential musicians of the past decade on the cusp of 'making it'.  Great performances are juxtaposed with footage of the musicians' daily grind on the road.  Director Barker is sympathetic to his subjects, having played music with many of them, and the openness he captures is remarkable.

Screens with The Rose of Ba Ziz

Australian Premiere