In 1975, a young woman named Vera Brandes changed the course of jazz history. At just 18 years old, Vera, who was then a student and part-time promoter, organized a concert for the renowned pianist Keith Jarrett in Cologne, Germany. The recording of that concert became the iconic album The Köln Concert, which remains the best-selling solo jazz album of all time. Yet, despite her pivotal role in bringing this monumental moment to life, Vera’s story has often been overshadowed by the brilliance of Jarrett himself. Decades later, director Ido Fluk has brought Vera’s story to the forefront with his new film, Köln 75, a cinematic tribute to the woman behind one of jazz history’s most defining moments. The film, which recently premiered in Berlin, stars John Magaro as Keith Jarrett and rising German actress Mala Emde as Vera Brandes, shedding light on a narrative that Fluk believes deserves far more attention.
Fluk’s interest in Vera’s story began when he stumbled upon a mention of her in a story. Intrigued by the fact that she had played such a critical role in creating The Köln Concert but had received so little recognition, he saw an opportunity to tell an underdog story about a woman who had quietly shaped music history. To bring his vision to life, Fluk partnered with Oren Moverman, a celebrated filmmaker known for his work on music-related projects, such as the Beach Boys biopic and the Bob Dylan-inspired I’m Not There. Moverman’s involvement helped Fluk secure the support of Sol Bondy, a German producer who tracked Vera down to a beach in Greece, where she had been waiting for someone to finally share her story. For Fluk, Vera’s journey was the perfect tale of an unsung hero who had left an indelible mark on the world of music, and he was determined to give her the spotlight she deserved.
Despite the film’s focus on Vera, Fluk and his team faced a significant challenge: Keith Jarrett and his camp were uninterested in participating in the project. According to Fluk, Jarrett’s team initially declined to collaborate, even refusing to acknowledge Vera’s contributions. This was not entirely surprising, given that The Köln Concert has become such a defining part of Jarrett’s legacy. Fluk speculates that the album may evoke complicated emotions for Jarrett, much like how the song “Creep” is for Radiohead—a piece the band has grown tired of performing. While Fluk understands Jarrett’s perspective, he believes it is essential to recognize Vera’s role in making that concert possible. In his view, Vera’s contributions should be celebrated, and her story should no longer remain in the shadows.
One of the most daunting challenges Fluk faced while making the film was the lack of rights to Keith Jarrett’s music. The Köln Concert is deeply intertwined with Vera’s story, but without access to the full recordings, Fluk had to find creative ways to incorporate Jarrett’s work into the film. The director focused on capturing the vibrant musical landscape of 1970s Cologne, a city that was a hotbed of creativity and experimentation. This was an era when groundbreaking bands like Can, Neu!, and Kraftwerk were redefining music, and artists like David Bowie and Iggy Pop were on the verge of moving to Berlin to further their careers. By immersing the audience in this dynamic scene, Fluk aimed to highlight Vera’s role not just as a jazz promoter, but also as a woman deeply connected to the broader musical movement of the time. When it came to Jarrett’s music, Fluk found clever workarounds, such as using snippets of pieces Jarrett had performed, like compositions by mystical philosopher Gurdžiev, whose work Jarrett had previously recorded. Fluk also emphasized that the film is not just about the music itself, but about the people and moments that shaped its creation. He hopes that audiences will leave the cinema inspired to listen to The Köln Concert in its entirety, as a way to fully appreciate both Jarrett’s brilliance and Vera’s pivotal role in bringing it to the world.
Fluk’s passion for Vera’s story is evident in every frame of Köln 75. The film is not only a tribute to Vera but also a celebration of the often-overlooked figures who have shaped the history of music. By focusing on Vera’s determination and vision, Fluk hopes to inspire audiences to rethink their assumptions about who gets credit for artistic achievements. Vera’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of recognizing the unsung heroes who make greatness possible. As Fluk sees it, Vera’s story is a reminder that even the most monumental moments in history are often the result of quiet, unassuming efforts by individuals who deserve their moment in the spotlight.
In bringing Vera’s story to life, Fluk has created a film that is as much about music as it is about the people behind it. Köln 75 is a love letter to both the jazz of the 1970s and to the woman who helped define one of its most iconic moments. By shining a light on Vera Brandes, Fluk has not only given her the recognition she deserves but has also reminded us that the stories behind the music are often just as captivating as the music itself. Vera’s tale is one of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of art, and it is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever been moved by the magic of live performance.
