NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 29, 2009) — The Documentary Channel^® (DOC) presents the exclusive television premiere of three documentaries in May during the network’s Monday “Primetime Premieres” lineup.

The special month of primetime programming begins with the exclusive telecast of “Utopia” and “Everything Everywhere,” the final two episodes of John Comerford’s four-part documentary series “Icons Among Us: jazz in the present tense,” on Monday, May 4 and 11, respectively, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The series explores the evolution of jazz music in all parts of the world and its influence on some of today’s brightest stars.

“James Gill: Full Circle” makes its exclusive U.S. television premiere on DOC on Monday, May 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Directed by Jeffrey Long, the film captures the tale of an iconic painter from the 60’s who disappeared from the spotlight, only to be welcomed back into Hollywood’s limelight after more than 30 years.

“We’ve had a tremendous viewer response thus far with the start of John Comerford’s ‘Icons Among Us’ series and we’re thrilled to conclude this ground-breaking examination of jazz and where it’s headed with two more hours in May,” says Tom Neff, The Documentary Channel founder and CEO. “We also think viewers will enjoy the inspirational story of another icon, James Gill, and his return to prominence in the pop art world after more than three decades out of the public eye.”

DOC is available on DISH Network (Channel 197), and several broadcast stations in major markets including NYC TV (Channel 25) throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. The network’s exclusive Monday “Primetime Premieres” feature documentaries for May are as follows:
Monday, May 4 “Icons Among Us” – Episode 3 – “Utopia” 9 p.m. ET/PT

Monday, May 11 “Icons Among Us” – Episode 4 – “Everything Everywhere” 9 p.m. ET/PT

“James Gill: Full Circle”  10 p.m. ET/PT

“Utopia,” the third episode of “Icons Among Us,” produced by John Comerford of Paradigm Studio, goes inside the world of jazz with a deeper look into the process, the lifestyle and the friendships that create a unique bond only a “band” can possess.  If jazz could offer us a model for a society in which everyone contributes to a greater good rather than focusing on personal gain, it would be reflected in the exploration of the collaborative process.  During the seven-plus years of production, Icons has been able to capture the natural progression of select bands such as The Bad Plus, Soulive, Medeski Martin and Wood, E.S.T., Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra and Jason Moran and the Bandwagon who offer up new languages and a unique glimpse into an often ideal world.

“Everything Everywhere,” the fourth episode of Comerford’s “Icons,” documents the origins and journey of jazz throughout the world. The transmission of this enigmatic but eminently humane art form to the world and to the youth who live in the epicenters of its origins and lifeblood are the focus of the final episode. Courtney Pine and Richard Bona weigh in with incredible stories evoking the penetration of jazz DNA into the body of world music. Terence Blanchard, Stanton Moore, Roy Hargrove, Charlie Hunter, Donald Harrison and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band bring viewers home to New Orleans, a damaged but luminous vessel that still embodies a musical culture unique to the world.

“James Gill: Full Circle,” directed by Jeffrey Long, provides an in-depth look into the unprecedented world of a true pop art icon. Witness his incredible journey from a small town in Texas to the bright lights of Hollywood. Rubbing shoulders with the truly rich and famous and keeping the company of celebrated movie stars, James Gill found himself in the fast lane to success. At the height of fame and popularity, exhibiting alongside greats such as Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and Roy Lichtenstein, he suddenly disappeared. Staying away for over 30 years this legendary icon has made his way back. Once again exhibiting at sold out shows, this is a remarkable story of an artist rediscovered.

About The Documentary Channel^®: The Documentary Channel (DOC) is the USA’s first 24-hour television network exclusively devoted to documentary films and the independent documentary filmmaker, providing viewers with round-the-clock opportunities to see fascinating, eclectic and award-winning documentary films of all lengths and genres.  Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., with offices in New York and Los Angeles, DOC was founded by Oscar^®-nominated and Emmy^®-winning documentary filmmaker Tom Neff (CEO) in January 2006.  DOC now reaches over 21 million homes nationwide via DISH Network (Channel 197) and several broadcast stations in major television markets, including NYC TV (Channel 25) throughout the greater New York metropolitan area.  DOC also provides content to online distribution outlets through www.youtube.com/documentarychannel and www.sling.com/network/189/The-Documentary-Channel. For more information on DOC, visit www.documentarychannel.com.