Jack Kerouac was a literary rock star, lionized by his fans. He was called the avatar of the Beat Movement, a new voice of his generation. But along with sudden fame and media hype came his unraveling. The new film, One Fa... more »st Move or I'm Gone- Kerouac's Big Sur, takes us back to the cabin he retreated to in the Big Sur woods, the Beat haunts of San Francisco and New York City for an unflinching look at the compelling events his book is based on. The story unfolds through Kerouac's prose, first-hand recollections from Kerouac's contemporaries, as well as writers, poets, actors and musicians who have been deeply influenced by Kerouac's unique gifts.Appearing in the film are Sam Shepard, Patti Smith, Tom Waits, S.E. Hinton, Donal Logue, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Robert Hunter and many more. The stunning, High Definition visual imagery is set to original music composed and performed by recording artists Jay Farrar of Son Volt and Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie.
Gibbard stayed in Big Sur to compose songs for his band's 2008 Grammy-nominated album, Narrow Stairs. For many years, Jay Farrar's songwriting has been inspired and influenced by Kerouac's compositional style. Gibbard and Farrar, having never previously met, discovered a mutual kinship in their passion for Kerouac's work while recording several songs for the documentary, produced by Kerouac Films. After the initial San Francisco recording session in July 2007, they decided to develop the project further to create an album using Kerouac's own words from the book as the lyrics.« less
Jack Kerouac was a literary rock star, lionized by his fans. He was called the avatar of the Beat Movement, a new voice of his generation. But along with sudden fame and media hype came his unraveling. The new film, One Fast Move or I'm Gone- Kerouac's Big Sur, takes us back to the cabin he retreated to in the Big Sur woods, the Beat haunts of San Francisco and New York City for an unflinching look at the compelling events his book is based on. The story unfolds through Kerouac's prose, first-hand recollections from Kerouac's contemporaries, as well as writers, poets, actors and musicians who have been deeply influenced by Kerouac's unique gifts.Appearing in the film are Sam Shepard, Patti Smith, Tom Waits, S.E. Hinton, Donal Logue, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Robert Hunter and many more. The stunning, High Definition visual imagery is set to original music composed and performed by recording artists Jay Farrar of Son Volt and Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie.
Gibbard stayed in Big Sur to compose songs for his band's 2008 Grammy-nominated album, Narrow Stairs. For many years, Jay Farrar's songwriting has been inspired and influenced by Kerouac's compositional style. Gibbard and Farrar, having never previously met, discovered a mutual kinship in their passion for Kerouac's work while recording several songs for the documentary, produced by Kerouac Films. After the initial San Francisco recording session in July 2007, they decided to develop the project further to create an album using Kerouac's own words from the book as the lyrics.
"Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar are both highly respected rock musicians. But they're more than just technically good they're artists. So I was delighted as a Kerouac fan when I learned that they were bringing out a tribute album to the man. Didn't know what to expect, but it's certainly not a disappointment. What it is, is an extremely laid-back meditative country-rock album, which is fitting because Kerouac's writing was often introspective, and apparently the lyrics here are taken from Jack's text in his novels. If you're looking for a hard rocking road album this is not the one, but if you're looking for a contemplation of the inner working of Kerouac's mind - this is the one for you."
Illuminating
M. H. Rock | oakland, ca USA | 12/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"they really nailed it on this one;despite the great dark depths of the material and the ravages of time, the cast shines through and jay farar provides additional resonance to this saga of a man redeemed by his art.the dvd has addional material in which carolyn cassidy and patti smith are outstanding.this is one for the ages,and jack will live on"
DON'T KNOW JACK?
Truth Addict | USA | 11/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The DVD and Soundtrack combo blew me away. I didn't know Jack, but by inhaling this material it is clear that this artistic collaborative gets him on all levels in this work. Tom Waits, Patti Smith, Benjamin Gibbard, Jay Farrar, Lawrence Ferlingetti, Donal Logue and many, many more Kerouac inspired people lay it down. The creative interpretation and performance is worthy of your close inspection.
If you don't know Jack, and you should, this is a great place to begin. I give this 5 stars because it's the gift that keeps on giving."
Great Concept for an Album
Jason Parkhouse | Williamsburg, VA | 12/02/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit, I enjoy both Kerouac and Farrar and really jumped on this creation. I think the book Big Sur would make a great concept album and Jay Farrar certainly tried.
I was, however, slightly dismayed at the result...I am still processing, but my review at this point is that the concept may need some more development...there are a few tunes that really catch you and then there are those that really make you go hmmm?.
I really enjoyed Benjamin Gibbards contributions to this album...much different from Death Cab stuff and it is a pleasant change of pace.
If you get a chance, check out this duo's performance on NPR...a much better product in the live setting with personality."