Music in the Air
A 12-Episode Journey Through the Soul of American Music
A 12 x one-hour episode documentary series
Logline: From the classical roots of Louis Moreau Gottschalk through Sweet Emma Barrett, to the Young Lions who championed a return to the traditional, acoustic forms of jazz, particularly bebop and hard bop, to the modern brilliance of Jon Batiste, “Music in the Air” is an immersive journey through the city’s unparalleled musical legacy—told by those who know it best and played by those who keep it alive.
Host: David Torkanowsky
Producers: Frank E. Hart, Carol Bidault de l’Isle, John Fischbach
Location of Production & Recordings: New Orleans
Budget: $1.9M
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About the series:
New Orleans is more than just a city—it’s a rhythm, a groove, a living soundtrack that has shaped the very essence of American music. At the heart of this journey is a most celebrated piano player, David Torkanowsky, from one of the city’s musical families. He serves as our host and narrator. With a lifetime steeped in the traditions of jazz, funk, rhythm & blues, and symphonic music, Torkanowsky brings an insider’s perspective, guiding us through the streets, studios, and stages where legends were born and played. Across twelve episodes, he’ll be joined by musicians, historians, and cultural icons, bringing their stories to life through intimate conversations and electrifying performances.




Featured Musicians & Music (proposed):
Aaron Neville
Amina Scott
Angelika "Jelly" Joseph
Anna Laura Quinn
Benny Jones
Betty Harris
Big Freedia
Branford Marsalis
Charmaine Neville
Cyril Neville
Davell Crawford
David Torkanowsky
Deacon John
Delfeayo Marsalis
Donald Harrison
Doreen Ketchens
Dr. Michael White
Gabrielle Cavassa
Gerald French
Harry Connick, Jr.
Irma Thomas
Ivan Neville
Jason Marsalis
John Fischbach
Jon Batiste
Jon Cleary
Justin Ouellet
Marcia Ball
Mardi Gras Indian musicians
Marsalis Family
Meghan Swartz
Misha Kachkachishvili
Nicholas Payton
Nikki Glaspie
Stanton Moore
Sullivan Fortner
Tank
Terence Blanchard
Teri Lyne Carrington
Tracy Freeman
Trombone Shorty
Wendell Brunious
Werner Torkanowsky
Wynton Marsalis
Musicians' footage, personalities:
Allen Toussaint
Art Neville
Bill Summers
Buddy Bolden
Carol Fran
Charles Neville
Cosimo Matassa
David Kunian, Curator NO Jazz Museum
Dr. John
Eddie Bo
Ellis Marsalis
Fats Domino
Howard Margot, Historic New Orleans Collection
Huey Piano Smith
J&M Studio
Jazz Fest Montage
Jelly Roll Morton
Kid Ory
Lizzie Miles
Louis Moreau Gottschalk
Mamie Desdunes
Matthew Kraemer, LA Symphony Orchestra
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Representative
Professor Longhair
Tami Lynn
Music & Bands:
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Dumpstaphunk
Galactic
Music - "King Porter Stomp"
Music - "Hey Pocky Way"
Music - "Ruler of My Heart"
Music - "Joe Avery's Blues"
Music - Toussaint's "Yes, We Can Can"
Music of Storyville
The Meters
Tank and the Bangas