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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.

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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

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