Milford Graves Full Mantis 2018

MILFORD GRAVES FULL MANTIS offers an intimate glimpse into the life of the celebrated percussionist, Milford Graves, showcasing his vibrant creativity and insatiable curiosity. The film opens with a profound reflection on Graves’ philosophy: > “Milford Graves engages with our universe through contemplation and meditation where we coexist in a garden of timeless nature.” Since the dawn of the 1960s, he has emerged as a legendary figure in the realm of New Thing/Free Jazz music and art. He approaches rhythm as a heartfelt expression, emphasizing that music transcends mere technique; in his perspective, sound embodies a vital force that should be embraced with care and reverence.

Directed by Jake Meginsky, alongside co-director Neil Young, both of whom are experimental musicians from Western Massachusetts, this documentary is a tribute to one of the luminaries of late 20th-century music. As noted by Thurston Moore, it serves as a “sonic-visual ode to the ineffable magic of inspired and gracious living.” Graves has been a global performer since 1964, both as a solo artist and as part of ensembles featuring illustrious musicians like Albert Ayler, Giuseppi Logan, and Sonny Sharrock. His status as a pioneering force in avant-garde jazz is well-earned, influencing countless musicians and enthusiasts along the way.

The film invites viewers to stroll through Graves’ lush garden and intricate home, explore the martial arts dojo in his backyard, and delve into the experimental laboratory in his basement—merely blocks away from his childhood in the housing projects of South Jamaica, Queens. Throughout the documentary, Graves shares anecdotes of personal growth, perseverance, and the profound nature of ‘swing’. He engages with his environment using electronic stethoscopes in his lab to capture the rhythmic sounds of his heartbeat, and travels to Japan where he captivates children with autism, inciting them into a spontaneous celebration of collective energy.

Oscillating between the past and present, and stitching together intimate scenes of Graves’ intricate worldview alongside electrifying performances around the world, MILFORD GRAVES FULL MANTIS embodies the fluidity, polyrhythm, and intensity that are the hallmarks of Graves’ musical identity. With nearly 15 years of filming behind it, this remarkable piece is a testament to both the artist himself and the intricate tapestry of sounds that he weaves.