Oscar Aleman: A Swinging Life
Directed by Hernan Gaffet
The legend of Oscar Alemán, the acclaimed Argentine musician, dancer, film actor, and eccentric has largely been forgotten by history, but he was a seminal figure in the history of the guitar in jazz, and of jazz in Europe and South America. Yet behind his dazzling musical ability and his flamboyant personality lies a story of personal tragedy and the will to carry on that took Alemán on an incredible trajectory. This homeless child rose to fame in South America and Europe, braving fascism, obscurity, and tragedy by the sheer force of his brassy personality, goofy sense of humor, and a breathtaking musical swing. This video recaptures the engrossing tale of a forgotten musical legend. Argentina, 2002. In Spanish, with English subtitles. Documentary, 104 mins.