Like father, like son: That's My Jazz

That's My Jazz is a beautiful story about fathers and sons

That's My Jazz is a short (14 mins) documentary that details the story of pastry chef Milton Abel II. He is the son of renowned Kansas City jazz musician Milton Abel Sr who made a name in the local jazz circle. The documentary is a beautifully shot piece that tells the story from the perspective of Abel II- reminiscing about life growing up the son of a famous jazz musician and how it would ultimately shape his own life as a pastry chef.

The documentary was made by Breakwater Studios and aside from it being visually arresting, it is a very well put together story of the oft-complex relationship between fathers and sons. The crux of the story is the question Milton Abel II has asked himself- would he trade his successful career as a pastry chef to have stayed home to take care of his aging father?

As the film opens, he states

"If you were to put a button in front of me today where we would go back and I would say ‘no’ to the French Laundry and stay at home with my dad, live in a split-level apartment, take care of him, I would hit that button."

Abel Sr. passed away some 12 years ago and the film asks the hard question of whether or not one should forgo the potential of a future for familial responsibility. One that Abel II clearly answers.

However, the film isn't just about this moral dilemma, it is also about the connection one has with their craft. In this case, the similarity between the dedication it takes to be a renowned pastry chef and that of a legendary jazz musician. The film is soundtracked by jazz's timeless sound, adding to the short film's remarkable resonance. As the film concludes, we find that there is a circular grace to life- and that the choices we make going forward will at times find its way back to the beginning.

In an interview with The Daily Beast, Abel II says with simplicity, that in the end regardless of your work, your children care about one thing above all;

"They don’t care if dad is a great pastry chef. They just care that dad is a great dad.”

If you have 15 minutes, That's My Jazz is well worth your time.