A pretty good year for jazz on film and TV in 2020 against all odds. The Eddy wasn't just the best thing on a jazz theme to come along this year but nothing has come close in a decade, when the early episodes of Treme dazzled in 2010. Ma Rainey came pretty close and certainly had a better score. The best documentary of the year was easily Ronnie's, the love letter to the talismanic Soho club. As for Sing it Loud this worked well for its choice of performances and fine presentation. Soul just out is the animated choice. Last time an animated jazz themed film caught my imagination was Chico & Rita a decade ago. I still think back to that film with a lot of affection. I'm still undecided if Soul is its equal. SG
5 Soul
4 Sing it Loud: Black and Proud
3 Ronnie's
1 The Eddy
Julie (Amandla Stenberg) and Elliot (André Holland), top, in The Eddy. Photo: Netflix
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