If you're a soul music fan or have any interest in black history and culture, this film is a must-see.
Filmed in 1971 at the "Soul to Soul" festival in Ghana, West Africa, this is a fine film in the tradition of music documentaries such as "Monterrey Pop" and "Woodstock". Not only does it feature incendiary performances by the likes of Ike & Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Santana, The Staples Singers, The Voices of East Harlem, and Les McCann & Eddie Harris, but it also features wonderful performances by many African artists. Additionally, it features wonderful documentary footage of the American artists interacting with their Ghanaian hosts and fans, as well as footage of everyday life in Ghana. It makes for fascinating viewing.
I would give this film a full 10 stars except for the somewhat shoddy editing of this re-release. The footage has been lovingly restored and looks and sounds great, but it has a slapped together feel due to the awkward transitions between scenes. I'd be curious to contrast the original print with this edition since I suspect that many changes have been made (the exclusion of Roberta Flack's segments being one obvious example).
In any event, this is still an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable film which will delight any soul music fan. Enjoy!
Filmed in 1971 at the "Soul to Soul" festival in Ghana, West Africa, this is a fine film in the tradition of music documentaries such as "Monterrey Pop" and "Woodstock". Not only does it feature incendiary performances by the likes of Ike & Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Santana, The Staples Singers, The Voices of East Harlem, and Les McCann & Eddie Harris, but it also features wonderful performances by many African artists. Additionally, it features wonderful documentary footage of the American artists interacting with their Ghanaian hosts and fans, as well as footage of everyday life in Ghana. It makes for fascinating viewing.
I would give this film a full 10 stars except for the somewhat shoddy editing of this re-release. The footage has been lovingly restored and looks and sounds great, but it has a slapped together feel due to the awkward transitions between scenes. I'd be curious to contrast the original print with this edition since I suspect that many changes have been made (the exclusion of Roberta Flack's segments being one obvious example).
In any event, this is still an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable film which will delight any soul music fan. Enjoy!