Jules Deelder − Jazz Is My Religion

In Jazz Is My Religion by photographer Gerard Wessel, we see poet Jules Deelder as a jazz lover, vinyl collector and DJ. Alternating archival footage of Deelder’s jazz heroes and contributions from fellow authors including Bart Chabot, Remco Campert and Simon Vinkenoog as well as musicians Willem Breuker and Hans Dulfer, who all share Deelder’s passion for jazz. Wessel followed Deelder for two years, connecting past and present using grainy, black-and-white footage.

Deelder shows us his impressive record collection and proves to be a walking encyclopaedia of facts and anecdotes he effortlessly recalls from memory. At his home, he plays unique records and tells the accompanying stories down to the last detail. He still has the first record he ever bought: an EP from 1958 with Miles Davis on one side and Art Blakey on the other. A personal portrait full of jazz and poetry.

Part of RTM, the Rotterdam selection.