There aren’t many musicians more eclectic than or as well-rooted as bassist Charlie Haden. Born in 1937 in Shenandoah, Iowa, he played in his parents’ travelling country band from the age of two. When he was a teenager, his passion fixed on jazz and he became integral to sax man Ornette Coleman’s improvisational sound in Los Angeles. Later, he became a mainstay of pianist Keith Jarrett’s groups and founded the Liberation Music Orchestra, fusing highly political lyrics to world music.

His more recent Charlie Haden Quartet West records draw on a love of film noir and Hollywood lore, with sound collages featuring songs and dialogue from old movies. He’s now a movie star in his own right with Charlie Haden: Rambling Boy (this Thursday and next Thursday and Friday [October 8, 15, and 16] at the VIFF). The Swiss-made film documents his long career, culminating in recording sessions for a superb CD of the same name. It’s surprising to find that such an Americana guy feels so at home in B.C.

“My wife, Ruth Cameron, who also produces my albums and handles our business, was born in Vancouver and raised in Chilliwack,” Haden says in a call from his Southern California residence. “I head up there a lot to spend time with her family, which has deep roots in British Columbia.”

Haden will be back to accompany the film for the latter dates here. He travels constantly, and his interest in social justice and cultural awareness has not abated in the Barack Obama era.

“The Liberation Orchestra was playing a gig at the Blue Note, in New York, last November,” he recalls. “And on election night, when Obama won, the room went crazy. Later, the tuba player said, ”˜Just think, Charlie, now we can retire.’ I replied, ”˜Are you kidding, man? We’re going to have to work harder than ever.’ ”