Soul Music & Film

Published by rpm on 2/22/2005 in Uncategorized

I spent the long weekend catching up on some films that I’ve wanted to see but haven’t had the time. The first was Standing In The Shadows of Motown, the documentary of The Funk Brothers, who were the Motown house band from the late ’50’s to the early ’70’s. I know most of you have probably seen it or heard about it, but I felt like I should mention it here.

The film mixes present day footage of the surviving Funk Brothers revisiting their old studio, “The Snake Pit”, and some dramatized reenactments of their younger days in Detroit. There is also a reunion concert featuring Joan Osbourne, Meshell Ndegeocello, Chaka Khan, Bootsy Collins, Ben Harper, and Gerald Levert, who really surprised me with his powerful voice.

The other film I watched was Lackawanna Blues, which is airing on HBO and is available “on demand”. It has an all-star ensemble, great music (featuring a lip-synching, jive singing Mos Def), direction by George C. Wolfe (of theater fame), and a touching story about a boy raised by a local matriarch who keeps a boarding house for people in need.

Last but not least, I want to mention Queen Latifah’s new album. Back from -and perhaps inspired by - her recent rise as a movie star, she is branching out in a new and totally natural direction. With the best session cats and production that L.A. has to offer, she delivers a set of jazz and pop standards in her usual confident style, with a gracefulness that may surprise those of you who only know her from her hip hop persona. Her singing sounds effortless, and if you missed her little plug at the Grammys you’re probably wondering what the hell I’m talking about. Trust me, the ladies will love it.

Queen Latifah.jpg

5 Responses to “Soul Music & Film”

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  1. 1 hempstead
    2/22/2005 at 1:14 pm

    i also watched a movie this weekend, “the notebook”
    many tears my brother, many tears.

  2. 2 RPM
    2/22/2005 at 1:47 pm

    Has anyone seen “Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle”? Aims low, hits high. There’s a great cameo, too, that I shouldn’t give away…

  3. 3 geoff nicholas
    3/14/2005 at 4:39 pm

    The Funk Brothers, thanks for the knolwedge, hope I can get it from Netflixs.

  4. 4 jer
    3/24/2005 at 10:03 am

    did you know queenlatifah lives in the neck?

  5. 5 nav
    3/24/2005 at 10:11 am

    Get the F-inheimer out of here…!!! Think she stops to look at the ostriches?

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