African Underground: democracy in Dakar by
"African Underground: Democracy in Dakar is a groundbreaking documentary film about hip-hop youth and politics in Dakar Senegal. The film follows rappers, DJs, journalists, professors and people on the street at the time before during and after the controversial 2007 presidential election in Senegal and examines hip-hop’s role on the political process. Originally shot as a seven part documentary mini-series released via the internet – the documentary bridges the gap between hip-hop activism, video journalism and documentary film and explores the role of youth and musical activism on the political process."
Cheb Mami: le môme by
"Follows Cheb Mami, a popular Rai singer, born in Algeria and living in France. Contains interviews with Cheb as well as footage of performances, recording sessions, and interactions with the local Algerian community."
Fela in concert
"Nigerian superstar Fela, who sings, plays tenor sax, and fuses funk & jazz with traditional African music, was inspired by Bird, Marley and Miles. New York Times critic Jon Pareles described his 1981 Paris concert video, featuring exotic West African dances performed by 15 of his wives, as hypnotic, cutting and defiant ... one of the ten greatest videos ever."
Herskovits at the heart of blackness by
"Herskovits’s academic work advanced the cause of ethnic equality in the United States, while also setting off a whirlwind of debate about race and identity. Some black leaders worried that Herskovits’s work might be a kind of intellectual colonialism, and that if African-Americans allowed a white man to define and record their identity, it would lead to further exploitation. Could, or should, a white man have the last word on the origins of a culture to which he didn’t even belong?"
The JVC video anthology of world music and dance by
"Produced by JVC in collaboration with a Smithsonian/Folkways Recordings editorial board of scholars and Multicultural Media, The JVC Video Anthology of World Music and Dance is a thirty (30) videotape, nine book collection containing over 500 performances from 100 countries."
Live in London by
Contents: "Tan bi (Heat, breeze, tenderness) -- Moor ndaje (Mr. Everywhere) -- Bitim rew (Immigrés) -- Mame bamba -- Benn la (The same) -- Liggééy -- Sagal ko (Honor her) -- Mbëggéél noonu la (Because love's like that) -- Elan de sabar -- No more -- Same (Without a smile) -- Yaakaar (Hope) -- Shakin' the tree -- So many men -- Li ma weesu (As in a mirror) -- Set -- L'appel a la xawaare (Griot's gaze) -- Birima -- C'est l'amour (It's love) -- La Femme est l'avenir de l'amour (Women are the future of love) -- New Africa."
Umm Kulthum : a voice like Egypt by
"She had the musicality of Ella Fitzgerald, the public presence of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the audience of Elvis Presley. Her name was Umm Kulthum, and she became a powerful symbol, first of the aspirations of her country, Egypt, and then of the entire Arab World. Narrated by Omar Sherif, Umm Kulthum, A Voice Like Egypt is the first documentary to bring the celebrated diva of the Arab world to an American audience. The film puts her life in the context of the epic story of 20th century Egypt as it shook off colonialism and confronted modernity."
A visit to Ali Farka Touré by
"Documentary on Malian singer/guitarist Ali Farka Touré, filmed in Niafunké, Mali. Features Touré as he goes about his daily business, fulfilling his role as mayor of an area encompassing 58 villages. Though he now declines most offers of interanational tours and recording sessions, music is still an integral part of this encounter, and the film includes several performances."
Buena Vista Social Club by
"In 1996, Ry Cooder went to Cuba, rediscovering talents of Cuba's foremost folk musicians, and then making a recording selling millions and earning a Grammy Award. Cooder now returns to Cuba with film maker Wim Wenders to reveal the stories, personalities, and music of the performers who collaborated on that recording. Includes live performances in Amsterdam and at Carnegie Hall."
Salsa : Latin pop music in the cities
"The highpoint of this documentary is the rare rehearsal footage of señora Celia Cruz, 'the Queen of Salsa,' whose elegant choreography, elliptical phrasing, and piercing vocals set the standard for all salsa singers. Along with the poignant footage from Puerto Rico and along with the folkloric beauty of the African-derived Santeria religious ceremonies, Salsa: Latin Pop Music in the Cities shows that salsa is the sonic sauce of the Americas, delivered from the Big Apple." - Eugene Holley Jr.
Saravah by
"Combines footage from Carnival in Rio in the 1960s with performances and interviews by important popular musicians of the time."
The spirit of samba: black music of Brazil by
"A documentary on Brazilian samba music and its effects on Brazilian culture, THE SPIRIT OF SAMBA is a rousing film that features a number of exuberant performances from some of Brazil's greatest samba artists. Though many outside of Brazil know samba and bossa nova through the works of crossover artists such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, the music has deep roots in Brazilian culture and history, which are detailed here. From the hilltop ghettos of Rio to the African rooted region of Bahia, THE SPIRIT OF SAMBA makes a complete survey of one of Brazil's national treasures."
Antonio Carlos Jobim
"Direct from Brazil comes this deeply appreciative musical tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim (1927-94), co-founder and leading composer of the Bossa Nova...
V.I.E.W. Video presents an extraordinary gathering of jazz giants in this enhanced DVD presentation with many bonus features. Along with Jobim himself (in his last recorded concert appearance), these superstars recreate Jobim's classic melodies in a beautiful concert-length 'Thank You.'"
Taqwacore : the birth of punk Islam by
"Three years in the making, this feature documentary follows the progression of the Muslim Punk scene: from its imaginary inception in a novel written by a white-convert named Michael Muhammad Knight to a full-blown, real-life scene of Muslim punk bands and their fans."
Afghan Star by
"After 30 years of war and Taliban-rule, pop culture has returned to Afghanistan. Afghan Star - a Pop Idol-style TV series – is searching the country for the next generation of music stars. Over 2000 people are auditioning and even three women have come forward to try their luck. The organizers, Tolo TV, believe with this programme they can ‘move people from guns to music’.
But in a troubled country like Afghanistan, even music is controversial. Considered sacrilegious by the Mujahiddeen and outright banned by the Taliban (1996-2001), music has come to symbolize freedom for the youth. While the conflict still rages many of those taking part are literally risking their lives."
Ravi Shankar in portrait by
"The first DVD of this set, called 'Ravi Shankar -- Between Two Worlds,' is the definitive account of India's most celebrated musician and follows two years of Ravi Shankar's life - filmed in India and America - against the backdrop of seven decades of innovative collaboration with Western musicians. Archive footage shows concerts with Zakir Hussain and other key performances filmed from the 1930s to the present day.
The second DVD shows Ravi Shankar live in concert as he performs two ragas (Raga Anandi Kalyan and Raga Rangeela Piloo) in the atmospheric Union Chapel in London, summer 2002, with his daughter Anoushka and tabla virtuosi Bikram Ghosh and Tanmoy Bose."
There'll always be stars in the sky : the Indian film music phenomenon by
"Imagine films with the scale of classic Hollywood Busby Berkeley musicals, the action of James Bond thrillers, and the epic style of spaghetti Westerns. Indian filmi are this and more; the Indian film industry is the new Hollywood... There Will Always Be Stars in the Sky takes you behind the scenes of India's Hollywood to meet star actors (Raj Kapoor), star singers (Lata Mangeshkar), top musical directors (Kalyanji Anandji), and others in recording sessions, on shooting sets, in posh residences, and in the teeming streets."
Number 17 cotton mill Shanghai blues by
"The video series Beats of the Heart examines the music scene from the hills of Appalachia to the core of Latin America. No. 17 Cotton Mill [Shanghai] Blues: Music in China documents a dormant, ancient musical culture that re-emerged following China's Cultural Revolution. Director Jeremy Marre journeyed to China in the 1980s to record the music traditions then surfacing. Marre's musical quest took him to Shanghai, Beijing, and to the Islamic, far northwestern region of Xinjian, where he filmed performances by modern Chinese musicians..." - Sally Barber, All Movie Guide
A voice from heaven: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the most beautiful voice in the world.
"Filmed in Pakistan, India, Canada and United States, A Voice From Heaven is a tribute to one of the most beautiful voices in the century: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the king of Qawwali. The story interweaves excellent Nusrat performance footage and a rare behind the scene glimpse into Nusrat's life. Interviews conducted with the many friends, artists and producers with whom Nusrat has collaborated with, including Rick Rubin, Michael Brook, Bally Sagoo and the Asian Dub Foundation, tell the story of a man and his music of peace and spiritual love."
The American Folk Blues Festival, 1962-1966
The American folk blues festival, 1962-1969. Volume 3
"If names like Skip James, Bukka White, Dr. Isaiah Ross, and Son House (all playing in the acoustic Delta style, a sound that's about as raw and real as the blues gets) ring a bell only with serious blues fans, no matter. The performances (including what's purported to be the only extant audio-video footage of harmonica legend Little Walter) are uniformly strong, and the black & white images and strikingly clear sound are once again extraordinary." - Sam Graham
B.B. King
"The B.B. King seen in this 30-minute, 1968 program is a far cry from the amiable patriarch who hawks burgers on TV and sits in with U2 and Eric Clapton. The current B.B. has certainly earned his legendary status, of course, but this is the real thing--a leaner, meaner bluesman, closer to his Mississippi and chitlin' circuit roots but with his trademark stinging guitar leads and bellowing vocals already well established. Joined by a drummer (the redoubtable Sonny Freeman), an organist, and two horn players, King motors through five tight, compact numbers..." - Sam Graham
Blues masters : the essential history of the blues
"Born on the plantations of the Mississippi Delta, the blues is America's roots music. Few performances of the early masters were ever captured on film, but those that were are profoundly insightful and entertaining."
Can't you hear the wind howl? : the life and music of Robert Johnson
"This ambitious mixture of dramatic reconstruction with traditional documentary affords excellent insight into legendary bluesman Robert Johnson's life, the enduring power of his music, and the myth which surrounds him."- Sam Sutherland.
Deep blues : a musical pilgrimage to the crossroads by
"Robert Palmer, author of Deep Blues and Dave Stewart, a member of Eurythmics pays tribute to the Mississippi blues and various blues artists. Special features include discographies of the performers, performance footage outtakes, an interview with Dave Stewart, bonus audio links, and weblinks."
Devil got my woman : Blues at Newport 1966
"Devil Got my Woman is not, however, concert footage from Newport. Alan Lomax recreated a juke joint at Newport, stocked the bar, and let nature take its course. The resultant film footage captures the blues experience in its first and truest milieu, one in which African-American men and women drink, dance, and share their troubles and triumphs."
I am the Blues by
"Not only known for his songs, his bass playing and production have also been carried over to the sounds of artists from the 60's up until today. With such hits as 'I Just Want To Make Love To You', 'I Got The Blues' and 'Jungle Song' Dixon ushered in the bands of rock and Motown. This is a testament to the man and his music."
Jazz by
"Spanning more than 19 hours, Jazz is, of course, about a lot more than what many have called America's classical music--especially in episodes 1 through 7. It's here that Burns unearths precious visual images of jazz musicians and hangs historical narratives around the music with convincing authority."
The Jazz Channel presents B.B. King
"This electrifying Jazz Central performance features the trademark guitar and vocal styles that have made B.B. King one of the most influential blues musicians of the 20th century."
John Lee Hooker: that's my story by
"...there's no doubt that the late John Lee Hooker (1917-2001) was in a class by himself, a genuine original whose music--raw, primitively simple, scary even, powered by his deep moan of a voice--was the very embodiment of the Delta blues style. Big names like Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, and many more line up to pay tribute to the man in this absorbing 90-minute documentary..." - Sam Graham
Memphis Slim & Sonny Boy Williamson : live in Europe
"Pianist-singer Memphis Slim (original name: Peter Chatman) is a fine musician, certainly the more stately and clean-cut of the two; Sonny Boy Williamson, a great harmonica player and singer who was known as Aleck Ford and Rice Miller before he co-opted the name of a well-known predecessor, plays music that was more unpredictable, darker..." - Sam Graham
Messin' with the blues / Muddy Waters with Buddy Guy & Junior Wells
"A legendary concert featuring some of the most well known blues songs of all time. Recorded at The Montreaux Jazz Festival, in Switzerland, in 1974, this film captures on DVD some of the most influential and endearing musicians of the century including Chicago Blues legends Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells."
Son House & Bukka White
"Eddie 'Son' House and Booker T. Washington 'Bukka' White were giant figures in the annals of American music. Both were passionate purveyors of their native Mississippi Delta music and of slide guitar. Both were seminal figures, not only through their association with legendary blues pioneer Charley Patton, but also in the strong influence Mississippi blues has had on this century's music from Robert Johnson to Muddy Waters, all the way to Eric Clapton."
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee
"Sonny Terry (1911-1986) and Brownie McGhee (1915-1996) were once ubiquitous, and as such tended to be taken for granted in the halcyon days of the 1960s blues rediscoveries. But nearly two decades have passed since the perennial team parted, and the 16 performances here remind us of this superb duo's complementary strengths..."
Sweet Home Chicago by
"Utilizing historic footage and interviews with many blues performers, this film captures the sound of the great urban blues artists and tells the story of Chess Records, the independent company that became the premier home of Chicago blues."
Swing Era : Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Bessie Smith, Mamie Smith, Ida Cox, Ethel Waters
"Sarah Vaughan ranked with Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Holiday as one of the very best female jazz singers of the past century. She was one of the first vocalists to incorporate bop phrasing into her singing, as her splendid performances."
Wild women don't have the blues by
"Wild Women Don't Have the Blues shows how the blues were born out of the economic and social transformation of African American life early in this century. It recaptures the lives and times of Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ida Cox, Alberta Hunter, Ethel Waters and the other legendary women who made the blues a vital part of American culture."
Alberta Hunter : my castle's rockin' by
"An American Film Festival Winner, this performance documentary DVD...explores the life, times, and music of a Blues and Jazz pioneer, singer Alberta Hunter. Complete with a full-length concert live from the Cookery in Greenwich Village, as well as rare vintage footage and interviews, this DVD captures the spirit of the 'Jazz Age,' while simultaneously showcasing Alberta Hunter's timeless vocals and music."
The blues, a musical journey by
"'Musical journey' is an apt description, as Scorsese and the six other directors responsible for these seven approximately 90-minute films follow the blues--the foundation of jazz, soul, R&B, and rock & roll--from its African roots to its Mississippi Delta origins, up the river to Memphis and Chicago, then to New York, the United Kingdom, and beyond...There's also plenty of documentary footage, interviews, and contemporary studio performances recorded especially for these films."
Celebrating Bird : the triumph of Charlie Parker
"Documents the life and music of Miles Davis through interviews and performance clips. [Includes the songs:] So what -- New rhumba -- Blues for Pablo -- Time after time -- Footprints -- Al Jarreau -- Human nature."
Charles Mingus : triumph of the underdog
"The documentary is full of well-preserved footage and contains interviews with many Mingus followers like Wynton Marsalis as well as performances by icons Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Gerry Mulligan. The film traverses past the musical legend with insight and information into Mingus's personal life, his civil rights activism, and his final triumph in the music world--just as his body began to deteriorate from Lou Gehrig's disease--to his eventual death in 1979."
Coleman Hawkins : live in '62 & '64
"Jazz Icons: Coleman Hawkins presents two incredible concerts from 1962 and 1964 featuring 140 minutes of music. Both concerts feature stellar European and American side-musicians including Harry 'Sweets' Edison on trumpet and drummer Papa Jo Jones both jazz legends in their own right. The 1962 show is a newly-discovered one-hour concert from the Adolphe Sax Festival in Belgium, which has never been seen."
Dizzy Gillespie : live in '58 & '70
"Two very distinct sides of Dizzy Gillespie are on display in Live in '58 and '70, and it's a measure of the trumpeter's versatility that neither has a whole lot to do with his most famous contribution to the jazz artform--that being his 'invention' (with Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and others) of bebop. Recorded in Belgium, the '58 gig finds Diz leading a quintet that also includes the redoubtable bassist Ray Brown, saxophonist Sonny Stitt, and pianist Lou Levy." - Sam Graham
Duke Ellington and his orchestra 1929-1943 by
Selections from several short and feature length films. Featuring Billie Holiday, Ben Webster, Ivy Anderson, Johnny Hodges, Arthur Whetsol, Cootie Williams, Freddie Jenkins, Harry Carney and many others
The genius of Lady Day Billie Holiday by
"This DVD uncovers the life and career of [Billie Holiday], including many bonus tracks with rare TV and movie clips."--Container.
Lionel Hampton : live in '58
"In this splendid Belgium concert Lionel Hampton's rendition of The High and The Mighty, complete with his four-mallet introduction, reminds us that he was a superb ballad player. The irrepressible Hamp plays piano, drums, and vibes, does a little singing, and throws in some dance steps as he and his big band absolutely delight this Belgian audience. With stalwart jazz soloists such as Andy McGhee, Lou Blackburn, Bobby Plater, Wilbert Hogan, and Eddie Williams, this Hampton Band plays his mixture of jump blues, jazz, and R&B and the crowd loves it."
Louis Armstrong : live in '59
"The very existence of this hour-long concert, billed as perhaps the only complete Louis Armstrong show ever recorded on film, is a treat; the fact that Live in '59 is excellent both musically and technically makes it truly special. By the time of this Belgian gig, Armstrong was decades past the groundbreaking work that established him as the greatest and most influential instrumentalist and vocalist in jazz history." - Sam Graham
Mary Lou Williams : music on my mind by
"Pioneering Black American composer-arranger-pianist Mary Lou Williams is one of the most remarkable figures in the history of jazz. In this authoritative film, lively interviews with Williams, Dizzy Gillepsie and Buddy Tate interweave the musical and personal elements of her dramatic life. At the height of her career, she dropped out of music to help drug-addicted musicians in Harlem, making a triumphant comeback fifteen years later."
Sarah Vaughan : the divine one
"Packed with live performances spanning her entire career Sarah Vaughan-The Divine One offers a portrait of a woman who was personally shy and professionally unparalleled. Friends, family and fellow musicians speak illuminatingly of Sarah; among them Billy Eckstine, Roy Haynes, Joe Williams, George Gaffney, Sarah's mother, Ada, and her daughter, Paris."
Satchmo: Louis Armstrong by
"With over a dozen of his classic performances ranging from 1932 to the late sixties, Satchmo includes excerpts from Pennies from Heaven, Betty Boop cartoon, Going places, Jam session, New Orleans with Billie Holiday, High Society with Bing Crosby, and Hello Dolly with Barbra Streisand. Also included are live concerts with Dizzy Gillespie, and Jack Teagarden and the All Stars."
Sit down and listen: the story of Max Roach by
"Originally produced in 1984. Jazz drummer, bandleader, composer, and professor Max Roach reflects on his career in music; includes footage from the studio, on tour, and behind the podium."
Sun Ra: a joyful noise by
"Here we see Ra and the band rehearsing and performing; their 'joyful noise' is free, sometimes chaotic, but also clearly blues-based, somewhat reminiscent of Monk or Mingus (there's even a rendition of 'Round Midnight'). Ra is also interviewed surrounded by the Egyptian artifacts and antiquities that were an important element of his 'mythocracy.'"
Thelonious Monk, straight no chaser
"[This DVD] provides an intelligent portrait of this often reclusive, sometimes difficult artist, including telling glimpses of his volatility. A stormy studio session with Teo Macero, then Columbia Records' preeminent jazz producer, speaks volumes about Monk's very private approach to his muse. Perceptive interviews and glimpses of Monk's sunnier moments provide added depth, yet the real triumph is the generous catalog of classic Monk songs captured on camera." - Sam Sutherland
Thelonious Monk : live in '66
"...Thelonious's flat-fingered touch, trancelike dancing (which Riley playfully mimics), fancy footwork at the keyboard, and wild choice of hats steal the show. In the 20-page liner notes,trumpeter, arranger, and Monk scholar Don Sickler encourages you to, "[t]ake this fantastic opportunity to get a better understanding of his distinct style, of the unique way he accompanies soloists, and the other idiosyncrasies that make Monk a musical treasure." - Eugene Holley, Jr.
Miles Davis : the cool jazz sound by
"Exemplary television program with the Miles Davis Quintet featuring John Coltrane, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb, and including the Gil Evans Orchestra."
Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers live in '58 by
"The edition of drummer Art Blakey's protean Jazz Messengers featured on this DVD had been together for just a couple of months when Live in '58 was recorded in Brussels, Belgium. As it happened, this quintet would stay together for barely half a year--but what a lineup it was, with Blakey joined by pianist Bobby Timmons, tenor saxophonist Benny Golson, bassist Jymie Merritt, and the astonishing 20-year-old trumpeter Lee Morgan." - Sam Graham
Ella Fitzgerald: Something to Live For by
This definitive look at the "The First Lady of Song" chronicles Ella's entire career, from her amateur night appearance at the Apollo Theater in New York to her unparalleled success on the stage and screen. The film includes never-before-seen performance footage and interviews with many of the great musicians who worked with and admired this truly amazing performer"
Taylor Hackford's Chuck Berry : Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' roll by
"Two distinct portraits of Chuck Berry emerge in this lavish four-disc set...On one side there's the Berry who wrote a catalogue's worth of genre-defining songs...all of them filled with wit, delightful stories, and poetry...On the other hand, there's the Berry who, in the course of the film as well as the accompanying bonus material, emerges as a prickly cheapskate who drove the filmmakers and musicians nuts with his absurd demands and unpredictable behavior. Together they make a fascinating look at the guy who justifiably calls himself 'the father of rock 'n' roll.'" - Sam Graham
Ray Charles: the genius of soul
"An American original, Ray Charles was the innovator who fused gospel, jazz and blues to create modern soul music. Spanning five decades, this is a fascinating look at the man and his music."
Michael Jackson: Moonwalker
"A magical, musical journey into the world of Michael Jackson, Moonwalker is a feature-length extravaganza that will take you to the next dimension of special effects and thrill you with the most spectacular song and dance productions ever filmed. The story is told in the form of an anthology of never-before-seen film segments ..."
Prince: the glory years
Features: classic Prince performances re-assessed by a team of experts, live and studio footage, new interviews with Prince's confidants, rare photographs
The Show by
"This spirited documentary examines the world of rap music using both interviews and performance footage of many popular rappers at a Philadelphia concert. The singers address many aspects of their music and lifestyle including the apparent connection between rap performers and crime, the differences between East Coast and West Coast rap, the rampant use of marijuana amongst rappers, the genre's popularity and its influence outside the Black and Latino communities, and the disdain 'old school' rappers have toward the current more hardcore crop."
Quincy Jones in the pocket
A look at Quincy Jones' life and career as a composer, arranger, musician, and producer from his many friends and peers. Includes some behind the scenes and unseen footage
Beats : the true life story of Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young began his career selling mixed tapes out of his 2nd floor bedroom window in Compton California. Customers would page him then wait until a plastic bucket was lowered for them to put $5 into, then the bucket would return with a mix tape inside. It was crude but effective for the beat master who's sound would change the face of West Coast Rap. Today Dr. Dre is a legend who's beats were so dynamic a line of head phones baring his trademark are the must have item for any DJ serious about their craft. In this film you will meet the former Compton native who's creativity has inspired a generation and set a new standard in audio sound. .
Voodoo Chile: the music of Jimi Hendrix
"...this double-disc set is another gratifying result and a great introduction to one of rock's most legendary, if oft-misunderstood, figures. Disc one compiles the guitarist's best-known tracks, often substituting revealing alternate versions or outtakes... to give listeners fresh insight into his restless creativity. The second CD offers up a rich slate of live Hendrix, the context where he truly made his legend, with recordings that stretch from his legendary performance at Monterey in '67 to an Isle of Wight show recorded shortly before his death..." - Jerry McCulley
Living Colour [the Paris concert]
Living Colour members are among the leading New York musicians who helped break down the doors leading to a renewed musical landscape in the 80s. They're one of the very few groups - if not the first & only one - that can be coined as authentic sons of Jimi Hendrix.
Jimi Hendrix
"Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Lou Reed, and Germaine Greer are all wheeled out to wax lyrical about their days with Jimi, but nothing is more eloquent than watching and listening to him play. From 'Hey Joe' in grainy black and white on the Ready Steady Go TV show, classic footage of Monterey, Woodstock (yes, 'The Star-Spangled Banner'), and the Isle of Wight festivals to an acoustic 12- string rendition of 'Hear My Train a' Comin',' Hendrix the musician speaks for himself."
The Mothership Connection by
"A live performance by George Clinton and P-Funk cited as 'the turning point' of the band's career."
Sign o the times by
"Sign "o" the times. Play in the sunshine / Prince. Little red corvette / Prince. Housequake / Prince. Slow love / Prince. I could never take the place of your man / Prince. Hot thing / Prince. Now's the time / Charlie Parker. U got the look / Prince. If I was your girlfriend / Prince. Forever in my life / Prince. It's gonna be a beautiful night / Prince. The cross / Prince."
Light of change : a concert with Carrie Newcomer, Bernice Johnson Reagon and Holly Near
"This live performance by three remarkable singers and songwriters, Holly Near, Carrie Newcomer and Bernice Johnson Reagon, documents and unique and powerful collaboration of music and message. Recorded live at the 'Mix in '06,' a gathering of 4,000 women from the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church, the concert features signature songs from each artist as well as collaborative pieces. Interwoven with the 19 songs performed during the show are conversations with the artists, recorded six months later, reflecting on their creative process and the power of music to bring people together."
Say Amen, Somebody by
"This 1982 documentary by director George T. Nierenberg breaks it all down beautifully as he examines the lives and careers of a handful of since-departed gospel stars, who helped create the genre from which so many other forms of music flowed... Live performances are mixed with telling, sometimes touching reminiscences by these pioneers of a musical style, all leading to several striking points: principally, that this energetic music took time to be accepted by the conservatives in the church, and that the music itself has a surprising power to raise spirits and confirm faith. Yet it's all done in a way that is spiritual without being preachy. A truly joyful film." - Marshall Fine
The story of gospel music: the power in the voice by
Looks at the origins of gospel music. Includes vintage recordings and modern performances.
Mahalia Jackson : give God the glory by
"Shortly before her death, Mahalia Jackson embarked on a triumphant European tour. This film is not only a record of that historic tour, but also a captivating portrait of a gifted artist and warm, sincere woman. Includes performance footage of many of Mahalia’s greatest songs including Come On Children, Didn’t It Rain, We Shall Overcome, He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands, Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho, Just a Closer Walk with Me, and many others."
Beyonce. Live at wembley
"Beyonce's London fans go crazy when the Destiny's Child beauty, on her first solo international tour, descends to a massive stage while suspended, upside down, from a wire. After a delicate landing, the star embarks on a set of recent hits immersed in complicated arrangements, including the Arabic sound of 'Baby Boy' and 'Naughty Girl,' the chunky, hypnotic funk of 'Hip Hop Star,' and Beyonce: Live at Wembley's best performance, the powerful 'Work It Out,' in which the diva is at her clearest, jazziest, and most soulful. Not everything works. The bottom falls out of 'Gift from Virgo,' 'Be with You' is forgettable, and Beyonce's stage patter needs polish." - Tom Keogh
Def poetry. Season 6 by
"Experience the passion and fire of [tomorrow's] hottest poets! This acclaimed series showcases practitioners of one of the [country's] fastest-rising performing-art forms def poetry in an intimate, uncensored format. Taped as always before a live audience at The Supper Club in NYC, each installment of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry is hosted by popular rap artist/actor Mos Def, and spotlights original material performed by contemporary poets and well-known music/comedy artists."
Destiny's Child live in Atlanta
"Though officially disbanded, Destiny's Child proves in this concert video why they're one of the most successful soul/R&B groups of all time. Filmed at Atlanta's Phillips Arena during their Destiny Fulfilled farewell tour, the trio pulled all the stops--short of flying over the audience--to put on a spectacular show for their fans. Opening the show with their Grammy-winning 'Say My Name,' the group--who famously sang while running around a track as girls to build their lung strength--belted their harmonies and runs while dancing through a medley of hits..." - Ellen A. Kim
Divas live/99 by
"Aretha Franklin was clearly the queen of 'em all, y'all, at VH1's first Divas Live concert. So much so that even with her absence from the second, the finest musical moment comes on one of her classics. Mary J. Blige teams with a surprisingly gritty Whitney Houston to deliver a more than respectable take on 'Ain't No Way.' Many of the remaining performances on Divas Live/99 are perfectly competent, but inevitably uninspiring except for the biggest fans of the artists..." - Rickey Wright
Jazz central / featuring Freddie Jackson
"One of the premiere R&B balladeers of the past 20 years, Grammy-nominated Freddie Jackson rocks the night away on Jazz Central. This rousing concert is jam-packed with wild surprises and romance as Jackson performs before a live audience at BET's Studio II in Washington, D.C. Songs: Nice 'n' Slow, Have You Ever Loved Somebody/Tasty Love, Jam Tonight, Love Me Down, Don't Let Love Slip Away, You Are My Lady, Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)."
Jennifer Lopez: feelin' so good
"Jennifer Lopez has managed to elude the traps that other 'movie stars who want to be pop stars' have gotten caught in. The charismatic and multitalented Lopez makes catchy, danceable pop music that has caught the ears of millions and elevated her into international superstardom. FEELIN' SO GOOD, her first music video release, is a chance to delve deeper into Lopez's life and background. A combination of interviews, live footage, and her music videos, this release cuts through Jennifer's superstar persona and reveals a Bronx-reared, down-to-earth woman. It also features a previously unreleased video--the extremely sexy 'Baila.'"
Lovers live by
"Sade fans may experience a range of emotions while watching the first-rate Lovers Live, but one thing they won't feel is shortchanged--not with nearly two hours of concert footage, 22 songs (including almost all of her Lovers Rock album), and DVD bonus features galore. That sultry, soulful Sade sound is in full effect throughout the concert (filmed at two Southern California locations in 2001), brought to life by a capable band, some superbly evocative visuals and sound effects, and, of course, the singer herself..." - Sam Graham
Marvin Gaye: the real thing: in performance 1964-1981
"The scarcity of any Marvin Gaye on DVD is reason enough to welcome The Real Thing: In Performance 1964-1981, but the fact that this 16-track compilation is superb in nearly every respect is cause for genuine celebration. What we get is not just a collection of songs but a career trajectory, tracing Gaye's evolution from a cog in the wheel that was Berry Gordy's Motown into a mature artist with his own matchless vision." - Sam Graham
Michael McDonald: a gathering of friends
"Michael McDonald's career was littered with late-'70s and early-'80s hit singles, many of which are heard in this 2000 tribute show. Hosted by actor Jeff Bridges (who also, believe it or not, sings a duet with McDonald, 'She Lay Her Whip Down'), the concert features singers whose biggest chart moments were courtesy of McDonald's melodic composing style or distinctively raspy backing vocals, including Christopher Cross ('Ride Like the Wind'), Patti LaBelle ('On My Own'), Kenny Loggins ('This Is It'), and James Ingram ('Yah Mo B There')..." - Kevin Filipski
MTV unplugged: NYC 1997 / Babyface
"Most of the free world now knows that Babyface writes the songs the whole world sings, but many may not be aware that he also sings them as well. This 'unplugged' performance, which is decidedly anything but, gives a high five to Babyface's often overlooked vocal skills and triumphantly allows him to reclaim some of the hits he gave to others. It's cool to hear 'face and his stellar group (along with guests Eric Clapton, Milestone and Shanice Wilson) rework 'Breathe Again' or 'Take a Bow.' And the duet with Stevie Wonder, 'How Come How Long,' may be high drama, but like the rest of this CD, it warms the soul." - Amy Linden
Always and forever : an evening of songs at Royal Albert Hall by
"In this concert recorded live at London's Royal Albert Hall, Luther Vandross treats his audience to a selection of the songs that have made him one of the most popular R&B artists in the world. Among his own hits, such as 'Always and Forever,' 'Stop to Love' and 'Here and Now,' Vandross performs some surprises such as 'Love the One You're With' and 'Killing Me Softly.'"
The JVC video anthology of world music and dance
"Produced in collaboration with a Smithsonian Folkways Recordings editorial board of scholars, this thirty DVD, nine book collection contains over 500 performances and 1200 pages of text from 100 countries.
The books contain full glossaries, detailed descriptions, and individual essays on the social, cultural, and historical background of the music, dance, instruments, costumes and rituals."
The JVC/Smithsonian Folkways video anthology of music and dance of Europe
"59 traditional music and dance performances of Europe packaged in a two DVD/two booklet collection.
Featured countries include Iceland, The Faroe Islands, Denmark, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia."
The JVC/Smithsonian Folkways video anthology of music and dance of the Americas
"Part of six [DVDs] and six books with 152 performances from throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Includes secular and sacred music and dance performances."
The JVC/Smithsonian Folkways video anthology of music and dance of Africa
"This is part of the three volume, three book collection and does not duplicate any of the performances from the original JVC Video Anthology volumes on Africa. It comes complete with detailed notes regarding the regions, performers and performances and provides an introduction to the vastness of traditional musical forms in Africa."
Icons among us: jazz in the present tense: you will never look at jazz, art, & life the same way again by
"Comprehensive documentary film, looks at the jazz music scene today. Through interviews, performance footage, and the voices of the musicians themselves, we explore this music and the divergent influences that are shaping the world of jazz at the beginning of the 21st Century. Not a historical look at what has been called America's music but a timely, vibrant trip through the clubs, festival, and the lives of this new generation of jazz musicians. Never before has jazz music been so many different things to so many different people, from hip hop to bebop from jam band to free form, the music continues to grow and shape itself in ways as varied as the musicians who play it."
Jazz icons. Bonus disc, Series 3 by
"Filmed in Sweden and Holland, 1959 (Rollins), in Belgium, 1963 (Kirk) and in Sweden, Dec. 11, 1965 (Simone).
Unseen performances and interviews from three artists in the Jazz Icons Series 3 boxed set."
Classic drum solos and drum battles by
"This 60 minute DVD features fifteen of the true 'legends of jazz drumming' in astounding extended solos and in rare, never-before-seen drum duels filmed over the last five decades. Among the highlights are uncut solos from big band legends Sonny Payne, Rufus Jones, Buddy Rich, Sam Woodyard and Louis Bellson as well as small group giants Art Blakey and Joe Morello."
Classic drum solos and drum battles. volume 2 by
"Bonus tracks: Bobby Troup's 'history of the jazz drum set' and a segment featuring the Gene Krupa Jazz Trio impersonating Russian musicians. Also includes an extensive photo gallery and a web link feature which connects to notes on each clip and biographies of each drummer. Clips of fifteen drum solos by various drummers spanning the years 1947 to 1989."
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Africana Studies at the Stan Getz LibraryThis collection was graciously donated by Ian C. Downey in honor of his beloved father Richard R. Downey.
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American Roots Music, episodes 1, 2, 3 & 4 by
"American Roots Music is a four-part documentary. This landmark television program explores the development of uniquely American music genres during the 20th century. Each 1-hour episode features seminal historic footage and musical performances by the pioneers of American music and traces the cultural evolution that shaped and influenced our rich tapestry of music. Masters in the fields of Folk, Country, Blues, Gospel, Western Swing, Bluegrass, Cajun, Zydeco, Tejano and Native American music are celebrated."
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