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Summer of Soul
Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love music and I don’t even know where to begin in terms of describing how I felt watching this ‘lost piece of art.’ And that is exactly what this is. First of all, it is a documentary about music so that is a plus to begin with. Also, I loved how the film balanced the actual footage of the performers and the event itself while allowing those who attended and/or performed to recount their feelings of actually being there in the moment without taking too much away from the music. A lot of times, docs will spend too much time focusing on people recounting their memories versus showing actual footage so you don’t really feel like you experience the moment yourself. I felt totally immersed in the feeling of the concert and it was an absolute honor watching the musicians/comedians/performers and speakers at this event.
Some of the performers included Sly and the Family Stone, B.B. King, Nina Simone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, The 5th Dimension David Ruffin, who had just left The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder. While growing up I recall hearing so many things about the legend that is Mahalia Jackson and hearing her voice bellow out such beautiful gospel music but this is the first time I had ever seen her perform and it was amazing. Then on top of that, to have a young Mavis Staples perform with her was just incredible. Sly and the Family Stone really drew the crowd together – literally as people got so excited they were pushing forward and it was scary for a bit – but things settled down and everyone then just got into it. The lady backup singers/musicians in the band let me just say were amazing themselves! The one lady who would sing backup then jump back into playing the trumpet was just incredible. Also, Gladys Knight and the Pips were also spot on; but the Pips and the dancing they did was fantastic. Finally, I loved watching Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo perform when they were with The Fifth Dimensions. I especially loved Marilyn’s statement, ‘How can one put a color on sound?’
This festival had everything for everyone – gospel, R&B, blues, soul, rock, latin sounds, and more. Do yourself a favor and watch this wonderful documentary! It is amazing!
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