A new documentary film about Martin Speake’s February 2020 tour with Ethan Iverson, Calum Gourlay and Jeff Willams/ Jorge Rossy will receive its premiere screening this Saturday, 13 November at Sands Films Studio (details and booking link below).
Following on from his album Intention (Ubuntu, 2018), A Jump Into the Void (38 minutes) documents a tour which Martin Speake made with his international quartet (featuring Ethan Iverson, Calum Gourlay, Jorge Rossy and Jeff Williams) over the course of 17days to venues in England in February 2020.
Speake brought independent filmmaker Emile Burgoyne, who travelled with the band for 10 days, on board to film and edit the documentary. The two have worked on and off together for almost a decade on promotional videos, with their relationship culminating in this project. As Martin Speake observed when I spoke to him: ‘Emile is a great observer; he captures everybody how they are.’
With green room conversations and interviews with members of the band, A Jump Into the Void presents a fascinating insight into what occurs behind the scenes on a tour. With moments ranging from tense backstage debates to friendly conversations over dinner, the film exhibits the highs and the lows, not just the elation but also the day-to-day demands of touring.
Interspersed throughout is exclusive concert footage, with some wonderful versions of Speake’s tunes, some of which date back to projects which he led in the late 90s. As Jorge Rossy says at one point in the film: ‘That’s one of the most magical things about music; you can start playing with somebody and if there is a certain level of affinity you just feel at home immediately. It becomes very intimate…’
The premiere screenings will take place at Sands Films Studio in Rotherhithe. Following the screenings (At 3pm and 6pm) , patrons will be treated to a Q and A session with Speake and Burgoyne, followed by a set of live music from Speake’s trio with Calum Gourlay and Jeff Williams. Tickets are free (optional donations) but booking is required.
ADDRESS: Sands Films Studio: 82 Saint Marychurch St, London SE16 4HZ