Zakir Hussain: The SFJazz Sessions

Tells the story of four extraordinary nights (and days) showcasing the formidable talents and genre-bending collaborations of peerless tabla virtuoso/percussionist/composer Zakir Hussain, in concert with some of his favorite musicians. Filmed and recorded in March, 2013, during the historic inaugural season of The San Francisco Jazz Center, these sessions highlight the consummate virtuosity and improvisational genius of one of the world’s greatest musicians and the easy, personable charisma which have made Zakir an international celebrity. The presentation of the music is interwoven with insightful interviews, personal commentary and intimate glimpses of life, offstage and backstage, of the phenomenal artists who came together during the sessions.

Directed by Anisa Qureshi, Taylor Phillips, Zakir Hussain: The SFJazz Sessions leans on a strong ensemble — Zakir Hussain, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about music titles of 2014.