Here is an Oscar-winning soundtrack from a movie I must admit I do not remember at all well.

I cannot claim to be much of a jazz connoisseur either, but I do like the imagery of late nights in smoky 50s clubs, with fragile or frazzled talents bringing magic onstage.

Round Midnight casts one of those talents, jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon, as the alcoholic protagonist holding it together in the 1950s Paris jazz scene. He is befriended by a French movie poster designer (!) who idolises him. Gordon was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his performance.  

Director Bertrand Tavernier’s movie is a fictionalised account, based on the lives of several jazz legends. Despite the accolades it received, I think I dozed off when I saw it. Nonetheless (and maybe to make up for that) I did buy the soundtrack album.

This soundtrack, by Herbie Hancock, won the 1987 Academy Award for Best Original Score. I have to admit, I probably haven’t listened to it since then. I must dust down my copy and get into that moody late night vibe!