The documentary genre has had a string of brilliant features the last two years with the likes of “20 Feet from Stardom,” “The Art of Killing” and “Cutie & the Boxer” from 2013 and “Citizenfour,” “Finding Vivian Maier” and “Life Itself” from last year. Like “Life Itself,” one documentary that was a festival hit in 2014, but surprisingly didn’t get nominated for Best Documentary at the Oscars this year, was the music documentary “Keep on Keepin’ On.” Filmed by drummer turned first-time filmmaker Alan Hicks about music legend Clark Terry and his protégé Justin Kauflin, the film is slowly finding a broader audience.

In 2011, musician, composer and instructor Terry is 90 years old with 70 years of professional music experience, with appearances on over 900 jazz records and also a whole decade of performing the trumpet as part of Johnny Carson’s band on “The Tonight Show.” For about 60 of those years, he’s been diagnosed with diabetes, and more recently, he’s going blind in his right eye and slowly losing his ability to speak. Yet, these impairments haven’t stopped him from performing or making music. One of his students and fellow musicians is twenty-something Justin who is a trained, gifted pianist – and also blind. Together, Terry and Kauflin assist each other personally and professionally to help Kauflin get over his stage fright and Terry deals with the fact his body is rapidly decreasing, all in time for a prestigious jazz competition.

“Keep on Keepin’ On” features a number of footage and commentary from some of Terry’s old friends and former collaborators, including Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock and Terri Lyne Carrington. Particularly moving is seeing Jones and Terry still socializing and being friendly with each other as Terry is in the hospital near the end of the film.

Hicks’ film not only features old and new footage and photos of Terry and Kauflin throughout their lives, but also clever use of animation, such as a whole sequence where Terry recounts his first trumpet he built himself out of scraps. Despite the tragedy and bittersweet tone in the film, the documentary doesn’t depress the audience and is more a celebration on the long life and career of a man with little time left. Terry died just a month ago, and he couldn’t have left with a better dedication left on celluloid.

As Terry leaves the world, Kauflin’s career breaks through, and his mentor leaves him with the opportunities he had half a century ago.

“Keep on Keepin’ On” is not only a documentary about overshadowed talent, and the artists who weren’t afraid to give up even with their physical setbacks; but also about friendship and respect these two very different, yet similar people have with each other. If you have a passion for music, or want to see a unique buddy film, this one’s for you.