MOVIE - STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN - Review Rating $$$$$ $$$ (OUT OF 10)
STARRING-Jack "Black Jack" Ashford, Bob Babbitt, Johnny Griffith, Joe Hunter, Uriel Jones, Joe Messina, Eddie "Chank" Willis, Benny "Papa Zita" Benjamin, James "Igor" Jamerson, Eddie "Bongo" Brown, Earl "Chunk of Funk" Van Dyke, Robert White and Richard "Pistol" Allen. Also appearing: Joan Osborne, Gerald Levert, Me'shell NdegeOcello, Bootsy Collins, Ben Harper, Chaka Khan, Montell Jordan and Tom Scott.
DIRECTOR-Paul Justman (Gimme an F)
Based on the book, of the same name, by Allan Slutsky.
A music documentary about Motown's unsung sessions musicians, The Funk Brothers.
Think about your favorite song and try and decide if its the words or the melody that makes the song memorable. The importance of the melody cannot be understated. Very few songs start with words and when you're listening to the radio it's those first few melodic notes that unlock memories associated with a favorite song.
In Motown's heyday those melodies were almost always "laid down" by The Funk Brothers. Unfortunately, this wildly talented group of musicians who recorded more #1 hits than the Beatles, Elvis, The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones combined, did not receive recognition for their efforts. Standing in the Shadows of Motown attempts to set the record straight.
The remaining Funk Brothers reunite in Standing in the Shadows of Motown. The movie chronicles their story and showcases their musical talent. In the process your appreciation for the vibrancy of their melodies is renewed. I couldn't help thinking how well their music has stood the test of time. Phil Specter may have created the "wall of sound" but The Funk Brothers didn't need technology. The powerfulness of their tracks comes through loud and clear without any technical assistance. The Motown Sound is the sound of The Funk Brothers.
Standing in the Shadows of Motown mixes history and music in a compelling fashion. If you appreciate music, in the slightest degree, you'll enjoy this tribute to The Funk Brothers.
If you missed it in theaters the video is being released on April 22nd, 2003.
Running time - 108 minutes
Alternative Reviews:
Roger Ebert's Review
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Standing in the shadows of Motown Official Website
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© Copyright
2003
David Schwartz.
Last update:
8/9/03; 11:07:42 PM.
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