His dad was 28 when he died.
Jeff Buckley, too, was young – only 30 – when he drowned in 1997.
‘It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley’ (IMDb)
Both these musicians have a cult following. Even longtime music aficionados may never have heard about either of them.
Amy Berg’s fine documentary “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley,” is a tribute to Buckley and the talent with which he was born (his mother talks about how he sang in his bassinet.)
His mother isn’t the only woman who was part of Jeff’s life who has a major part in the telling of the singer’s growing up, finding his voice, and his musical works.
His mother talks about meeting Tim Buckley when they were high-school students, and how they both loved music. Because Tim Buckley made it clear that he didn’t want to be a father, she raised Jeff all on her own – “Jeff and I sort of raised each other,” she remembers.
The film never feels less than intimate, with photos blended with memories and even some performance videos that make the audience feel they not only know Jeff Buckley, but also understand the vibe from his concert performances.
I loved hearing the likes of Ben Harper remember Buckley, and other friends and musicians who remembers Buckley’s affection for Nina Simone, Led Zeppelin, Dmitri Shostakovich and Al Di Meola.
I consider Jeff Buckley a folk/rock singer/songwriter, but you might have other ideas. His only studio album, “Grace,” includes his cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
“Hallelujah” has been covered by lots of artists, but there’s something plaintiff and soulful about Buckley’s version that has made it a favorite for generations. The other songs on “Grace” are memorable, too.
So give it a listen. See what you think. But first, hurry out to see this remarkable documentary, and you’ll understand why Buckley’s music has far outlived the musician himself.
4 stars
Running time: One hour and 46 minutes.
At The Last Picture House, Davenport.
Watch the trailer here.
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