The common denominator between Trap and Jazz is its undeniable origin in the Black community. For musicians Chris Moten, Joshua “Cassius Jay” Cross, and Devon “Stixx” Taylor, blending these two genres is a fusion that can bridge the tastes of older and younger generations, reintroducing jazz to the mainstream. The film thoroughly explores their journey from playing in the church to trying to balance being tour musicians and creating their own music. But, the crux of it all is the men themselves and how they represent the inseparable bond between Black people and music. Rather than a simple profile on the group, Trap Jazz fleshes out the group’s place and innovation in the bigger tapestry of music.

Director Sadé Clacken Joseph does a great job of exploring the ethos of the group and their decision to choose these two genres, bringing it together with talking heads from notable Black musicians to chronicle the evolution of music as liberation and storytelling. Even better is the focus on each member paying homage to the musical inheritance they received from their fathers. The film truly feels like a love letter to the power and healing of music.