Imagine the Sound is a 1981 Canadian documentary film about the once-controversial genre of free jazz, directed by Ron Mann. It serves as Mann's feature film directorial debut.

Background

Imagine the Sound marks Mann's feature film directorial debut; he made the film while he was still in his early twenties. The film deals with the once-controversial genre of free jazz. Shot entirely in Toronto, the film features interviews with and musical and dramatic performances by pianist Cecil Taylor, saxophonist Archie Shepp, trumpeter Bill Dixon, and pianist Paul Bley. Bill Smith features as the interviewer of the film's subjects.

Availability

The film has been digitally restored and was released on DVD in 2007.

Reception

Critic and film historian Jonathan Rosenbaum has said that Imagine the Sound “may be the best documentary on free jazz that we have.”