Tenor saxophonist Al Gorky and trumpeter Buddy Chester have grown accustomed to their wild lives as bohemian jazz musicians. But Al's unorthodox views on life and his lackadaisical disposition have started to affect more than his marriage; they're also taking a toll on his music. Then Buddy learns he's dying of a brain tumor. Al and Buddy realize they must confront their own mortality as they plan one last special musical session together.