Review: 'Jazz Fest' talks a lot about New Orleans, but it works best when the music is center stage

The documentary “Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story” is a valentine to the Crescent City, told by a talkative gaggle of musicians representing multiple generations. And, like navigating a massive music festival, a viewer wishes they could enjoy more music and less down time.

It takes a good 10 minutes for directors Frank Marshall (the veteran producer of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and other films) and Ryan Suffern to rifff through a bunch of quick clips of interviews — with such musicians as Jimmy Buffett, Tom Jones, Pitfall and Ellis Marsalis — and a basic introduction of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest, which in 2019 marked its 50th year.

Finally, after 10 minutes, we get to hear some music, and it’s worth the wait — because it’s Earth, Wind and Fire performing “Dancing in September” at the 2019 festival. If that doesn’t get dancing in your seat, check your pulse, because you might be dead.

The movie progresses like that for most of its 95-minute run. Lots of interviews, an unbroken string of musicians saying how great New Orleans is, intercut with some strong performances. Most of the music cuts are from the 2019 show, with some notable archival selections — including a surprise performer at the 2006 festival, the first show after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.

Some of the musical highlights: Ellis Marsalis leading all four of his musician sons; Irma Thomas, who has performed at every Jazz Fest since 1974, belting out the blues; Rev. Al Green, long dormant, still sounding soulful on “Let’s Stay Together”; Jimmy Buffett, still wasting away on “Margaritaville”; and Katy Perry, segueing from a gospel-choir version of “Oh Happy Day” into her motivational pop hit “Firework.”

The directors get a sampling of the different genres represented at the festival, and making the point that music is the great uniter of people. But one wishes the filmmakers gave us more music to which a united audience can dance like crazy.

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‘Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story’

★★★

Opens Friday, June 3, at the Broadway Centre Cinemas (Salt Lake City). Rated PG-13 for brief language and some suggestive material. Running time: 95 minutes.