By westwinds (65.238.6.6) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 04:04 pm:| By westwinds (65.238.6.6) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 04:04 pm: |
I just saw Standing in The Shadows of Motown (yea, I know I'm late). It was wonderful, by the way. When I saw on the credits Joan Osborne was singing....I thought, Yee Gods, what's she singing in this for? I only knew the name and saw her picture. Well, I was certainly surprized when she opened her mouth. I could close my eyes and almost hear Martha Reeves. I said, almost. Her "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" was pretty good, too. Who is this woman? I've heard the name, but, I've never heard her sing before. What kind of stuff does she usually sing? Where'd she come from? Guess I'm standing in the shadows of ignorance?
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 04:10 pm: |
Westwinds,
Joan Osborne has been successfully on the contemporary music scene for several years.
In my opinion her performance of Broken Hearted is the highlight of the film. I saw her do it live also and she blew the house away.
| By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 04:24 pm: |
Westwinds:
Singer/songwriter Joan Osborne is a native of Anchorage, KY. She moved to NYC in the early 1990s to study film-making at NYU.
She sang in bars & clubs for a living and after garnering a following she formed her own label - Womanly Hips.
After releasing a couple of discs on her own, she signed with Mercury in 1995 and released the album "Relish" which contained her first (and biggest) hit, "One Of Us"(#4 Pop). The album went on to sell three million copies & she earned a few Grammy nominations to boot.
Joan recorded one more album for Mercury before moving on to Interscope.
Kevin Goins - KevGo
PS - I also saw Joan perform live with the Funks here in NYC. After she sang "What Becomes...", Joan literally had tears streaming down her face. She was really touching her soul and ours that night.
| By stillsoulin (81.132.154.63) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 04:36 pm: |
ralph, i totally agree, the sheer emotion in her version of brokenhearted is just fabulous, i have the dvd and often sit through this section and would have dearly loved to have seen the real thing. wrong side of the ocean tho.Most of her recorded work is not really of a soul nature (which is a shame as she has a wonderfull voice) although she has recorded a cd of mainly soul tracks, "how sweet it is" from 2002 none of the tracks reach the heights of brokenhearted for me, but search it out and try it for yourself.
rob hurcomb. uk.
| By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 04:40 pm: |
westwinds - Like Kevin said, "(What if God Were)One of Us" is Joan's biggest hit. The song was later covered by Prince. She recently toured with the Dixie Chicks on an arena tour & I believe she is touring with "The Dead" which is THE GRATEFUL DEAD minus Jerry Garcia.
BTW- Kevin are you in Chicago right now?
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 04:49 pm: |
At the Detroit premiere, while watching the film, I held up pretty good with just lumps in my throat, with little tears. But when Joan sang the "Brokenhearted", I let the river flow and the sobs came out. :o) What a day!! At the concert, I got chills, as she sang that song, but I was more in control.
| By mc5rules (148.61.97.30) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 05:15 pm: |
I thought Joan's solo material when she was having hits was some serious poo, so I also was surprised with how amazing her performances in the movie were. Apparently she's doing a similarly great job with The Dead this summer, too. There are some live clips on www.dead.net.
She's a very talented woman...
| By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 05:22 pm: |
MC...SIS...& STEVE!!!...ONE ANICDOTE I CAN PASS ALONG WAS TOLD TO ME BY SITSOM DIRECTOR PAUL JUSTMAN!!!...ACCORDING TO PAUL...WHEN JOAN SANG "BROKENHEARTED" DURING THE SITSOM FILMING...FOLLOWING HER PERFORMANCE...SHE WALKED OFF STAGE IN ALMOST A TRANCELIKE STATE...WALKED UP TO PAUL...AND SAID..."I NEVER KNEW I COULD SING LIKE THAT"!!!...EVEN SHE WAS BLOWN AWAY BY HER OWN PERFORMANCE!!!...STUBASS
| By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 05:37 pm: |
Steve:
I'm still in NYC...had some production issues to clear up.
The Chicago/Detroit/St. Louis tour will be in a couple of weeks.
Kevin Goins - KevGo
| By westwinds (67.24.158.202) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 08:15 pm: |
Thank you all for all the information on Joan Osborne. I wish she'd do a Motown Cd!! What a voice! I'd love to hear her sing "Reflections", as well as about 100 other Motown classics! What would you guys like to hear her record?
| By Jay (167.167.44.218) on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 10:17 pm: |
Sometimes a singer is in need of a song to show their true talent and feelings. Some singers never find that song. With the special magic that the SITSOM movie brought yet another gem was realized in Joan's performance of The Broken Hearted.
She REALLY needs to release that song again as the movie says!!
I was so happy to have my 15 year old daughter (an aspiring singer herself)watch and hear the superb live performance at the Wiltern here in LA.
With all the deva/booty-esque crap that is smeared all over the pop media these days it was true joy to hear someone SING very well and CONNECT with the audience in a legitimate fashion!
Bravo Joan!
| By Fred (205.188.209.109) on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 01:23 am: |
Westwinds,
You need to check out Joan's latest CD, "How Sweet It Is." It isn't completely Motown, but every cut is steeped in soul.
1. I'll Be Around
2. Think
3. How Sweet It Is
4. Smiling Faces Sometimes
5. Love's in Need of Love Today
6. These Arms of Mine
7. Only You Know and I Know
8. War
9. Why Can't We Live Together
10. Axis: Bold as Love
11. The Weight
12. Everybody Is a Star
| By motownboy (67.117.46.217) on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 01:52 am: |
In many ways, I prefer Joan's CD to the new Michael McDonald. her version of "How Sweet It Is" is totally unique as opposed to MM's which tries to sound "hip" by today's R&B standards...
| By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 03:48 am: |
Talking of which, the movie is due for general release in the UK, this Friday. Take a look at:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/
search 'Motown' in the top left and click the top story that comes up.
| By westwinds (65.238.91.245) on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 08:58 am: |
Fred: Thanks for the up on Joan's CD "How Sweet It Is". I'm on the way out the door to try and find it! Westwinds
| By HW (65.116.80.10) on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 12:18 pm: |
FYI - a SITSOM screening with a Q&A in Westchester on Monday. Allan and I will be there Monday, with all our love and good will...
http://www.burnsfilmcenter.org/FilmProgramming/Docs/0307series_afterdark.html#motown
P.S. Yes, GET the Joan CD!!!!
| By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.166) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 08:45 am: |
Good to see that today's DAILY MAIL in the UK gave it the top rating 5 * * * * * and it was the top film of the week - they called for a major cinema group tp pick up on it, they feel it could be THE SUMMER HIT OF 2003
Channel 5 in the UK reviewed it in the 12 noon news as well and gave it movie of the week, with a small clip.
It's taken a long time to arrive in the UK, but it is looking good!
I have it on DVD Region 2, but yes my DVD play at the moment is not multi-region, I will just have to get to see it.
John
| By Sue (152.163.252.68) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 09:33 am: |
Hey John,
Post some links to U.K. reviews. I'll look for some too.
| By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.167) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 12:49 pm: |
Sadly the Daily Mail do not have a website for entertainment reviews but here is the opinions of the BBC, some interesting comments?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A1120410
| By Sue (63.85.105.20) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 01:01 pm: |
Yeah the Daily Mail has a funky site called femail.com ...but that only posts some of their stories.
Thanks for the BBC link, I'll look for others.
| By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 01:30 pm: |
Sky TV say this:
12173543%2C00.html,http://www.skymovies.com/skymovies/article/0,,12173543,00.html
| By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 01:37 pm: |
Let me try again:
www.skymovies.com/skymovies/article/0,,12173543,00.html
You will have to copy and paste, as there is a technical problem with this url.
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 01:54 pm: |
Great job Carl Dixon of London. :o)
| By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 03:17 pm: |
Thanks Sis - that was a cut down version of what I wrote. There was a chance that our News channel may have covered it, so I offered to write the reveiw. However, with todays news stories, it never made it sadly. I did my best. The good news is, I have organised a night out next week for 11 of us to see the movie at a London venue. I saw the press screening last week and my chin hit the floor when I saw Joey Weaver in the movie and Sue's name mentioned in the credits! I had seen the movie in November and never knew who Joey was and missed some of the credits and of course, Sue's name. This will be the fourth time I have seen it and I bet I see more interesting things during its screening. I think Allen and the guys have done a fantastic job with this. It really is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Detroit music. You know my feelings and my dreams. There is no place like Detroit, or Philadelphia! I am so pleased my friends at work will be joining me to celebrate The Funks again. They too, are as excited as I am.
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 03:20 pm: |
Be sure and let us know what your friends say about the film.
| By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 03:26 pm: |
All ages Sis - even the boss and his wife are coming! I have told so many people here at work today. The cinema told me it was a full house almost, on their first screening! If it continues, he said, they may have to extend it another week. I will keep you posted.
John Lester - if you want to join us, it is the 2050hrs showing down Rupert Street (The Other Cinema). It is a small cinema and you may have to book, which we have done.
| By Vickie (64.236.243.31) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 03:44 pm: |
I love Joan, I loved "One of Us"
and I am soo glad she is out there more, she is a very talented singer...
I've followed her for quite sometime now..I was thrilled to see her in SITSOM, I always knew she could sing like that..
Vickie
| By Sue (64.12.97.7) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 08:24 pm: |
Here's a story from the London Observer -- this is the writer who flew to Detroit a few weeks ago. A friend of mine, Bridget, did a great photo of the guys but it doesn't appear to be in their online edition:
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/screen/story/0,6903,1001681,00.html
| By Sue (64.12.97.7) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 08:33 pm: |
Here's the U.K. Sun review, by a rather exuberant "Johnny":
2003080003-2003340839%2C00.html,http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003080003-2003340839,00.html
And a bit more staid but still bubbly:
http://film.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/Critic_Review/Guardian_review/0,4267,1005098,00.html
| By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 04:38 am: |
Thanks Sue - here are some more:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/06/26/standing_in_the_shadows_of_motown_2003_review.shtml
http://www.channel4.co.uk/film/reviews/film.jsp?id=121384
| By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 04:47 am: |
In addition:
http://www.capitalgold.com/Article.asp?id=10391
Scroll down to the SITSOM item and you can also listen on line this Monday!!
| By Fred (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 12:22 pm: |
For God's sake, if you go to this review, vote for the movie to raise the user rating. I jumped it from 3 to 4 stars just with my vote.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/06/26/standing_in_the_shadows_of_motown_2003_review.shtml
| By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.168) on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 12:32 pm: |
A pleasure Fred, overall though here in the UK it is getting a good response, wonder when we will get the DVD release?
John
| By Soultwine (195.93.50.10) on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 12:55 pm: |
The London "EVENING STANDARD" reviewed it on thursday and their Metro section even had a phone-in promotion to win a visit to Hitsville.
Phil
| By sb (67.27.77.156) on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 01:48 pm: |
An article written last year about the movie. One writer's take and perception. We all have them don't we? I would love to see this documentary. Is it out on DVD yet?
http://www.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2002/11/15/motown/
| By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 01:59 pm: |
Well spotted Fred - Also, Ihave done a short review too. Could anyone else do one???
| By Derrick (63.187.129.7) on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 05:18 pm: |
Miss Osborne ought to talk to her agent about getting " What Becomes of The Broken Hearted " with the Funk Brothers released as a single . I t will be good for her career , good for Jimmy Ruffin , good for Motown , good for the Funks and the SITSOM CD and DVD too ! Her version could go all the way to the top of the charts !
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 07:28 pm: |
Derrick,
I totally agree and have said the same thing in the past. That is a hit record if I ever heard one. A great way to get the album to go platinum.
| By medusa9e2003 (66.73.9.167) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 09:20 am: |
She sounded ok, but I really do think they could've found someone 2 do a better job...and the young Lady who performed Smokeys 'You Really Got a Hold On Me', most definately should've been replaced, I think she performed the worst out of all the others...
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 10:18 am: |
Medusa baby, are we talking about the same person here??
| By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 01:13 pm: |
Speaking of Joan Osborne, there's an interesting article in the Sunday New York Times about her appearing with a "reformed" Grateful Dead. Don't have the paper in front of me, but apparently whe'll be appearing in NYC with the band. www.nytimes.com . It's under the Arts section.
| By medusa9e2003 (66.73.10.229) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 03:15 pm: |
Ralph,
yesss, I believe so, I think she was the only Miss Osborn N the movie.(hahahaha), I'm not saying she was terribe, I just think someone else could've done a better job that's all. I aint knocking...just talking.
| By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 03:36 pm: |
MED!!!...I THINK THAT YOU'RE IN A *HUGE* MINORITY HERE!!!...BUT THATS WHAT MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND!!!...STUBASS
| By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 03:42 pm: |
I caught the BBC review of the film and it was rated the best film of the week's releases.
My wife came home on Friday to say there was some guy talking about Detroit on Radio Scotland.
Turns out it was Allen Slutsky who gave a great account of the background to the film.
On Saturday afternoon I went along to see the movie for the first time.
I left feeling that I had seen a tribute which could not have been bettered by anyone.
A truly remarkable film and a 5 star credit to those involved in it's production.
P.S. Great to see Lottie dancing in Bomac's. She's a great character.
Lottie the Body 
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 04:08 pm: |
DMeikle - Now you know why so many are breathless, and why I cried a river. You are right about seeing Lottie at Bomac's in the Film. It brings things up close and personal. You have brushed shoulders with some of the "Greats of Detroit."
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 04:09 pm: |
Oh, and I promise to buy myself a real camera. :o)
| By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 04:39 pm: |
Hi Sis
I am going to see the movie again tomorrow with Harry Dhesi.
There were so many highs in the movie :-
Joe Hunter and Jack Ashford
Johnnie Griffiths and Pistol Allen
James Jamerson, Benny Benjamin, Earl Van Dyke, Robert White
Babbitt at the Roostertail/ Joe Messina/ Uriel Jones
Funks at Bakers
Funks on 12th at Virginia Park
Martha Reeves
Dennis on the pedal
McArthur Bridge in the Winter
The photos being placed besides the band
and so much more including the run-out groove spoken piece from the emcee at the Chit Chat Club.
By then I was choking and desperate to get back to the Motor-City.
What a fabulous movie.
David
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 05:43 pm: |
"...the new Chit Chat Lounge located at 8235 12th Street at Virginia Park. We present again "Operation Jazz." This is Jack Surrell (sp)...We'll be presenting the James Jamerson Quartet." The Upright sounds heavenly.
Lumps in your throat to the very end as the Funk Brothers turns out the light, and closes the door. :o)
I asked this question before, and no one answered: Who was included in the James Jamerson Quartets? Who was on the keyboards?
| By jack (65.82.175.72) on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 11:38 pm: |
It was Earl on Piano,Jack on Vibes ,Clifford Mack on drums and James on upright.Jack ashford
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 12:16 am: |
Jack - Thank you so much. From the man himself, Mr. Jack Ashford. Good to hear from you.
| By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 03:29 am: |
Jack
I loved the way you spoke in the movie. Got me thinking that your book will be something special.
Hope it's coming soon!
David
| By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 10:00 am: |
Jack,
Good to hear from you again. It was great seeing you and the guys in L.A.
Ralph
| By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 11:04 am: |
Jack Ashford:
Great to see you out here, my friend. I called you last week but you were out & about. I hope to catch up with you soon.
David Meikle:
You had to be here in NYC when SITSOM was premiered at the Apollo Theatre in November of 2002.
My favorite scenes were seeing Richard "Pistol" Allen playing his heart out behind his kit. Heartbreaking to think that soon after the filming was done, he was taken from us so soon.
The Funks played the Apollo after the film was shown. The SD archives are filled with commentary about the performance from myself, Bobby Eli and others who were there.
And you met Lottie....lucky man!
Kevin Goins - KevGo
| By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 11:14 am: |
Medusa:
The young lady who sang "You Really Got A Hold On Me" was Me'Shell NdegeOcello (pronounced MEE-Shell En-Day-Gay-Ochello), who not only is a very good singer but a fantastic bassist.
She recorded five albums for Maverick Records had a few singles on the charts including "If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night)". Me'Shell also produced and wrote "You Never Miss Your Water" for Chaka Khan (there's an unreleased CK album in the Warner Bros. vault that MSNO produced/wrote)and guest starred on John Mellencamp's cover of Van Morrison's "Wild Night".
Both Me'Shell and Joan did a fabulous job with the Funks in the film (Joe Hunter was having a ball with "You Really Got A Hold.."). Can you think of someone who could've done better? (The original artists do NOT count in this question!).
Kevin Goins - KevGo
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 12:07 pm: |
I enjoyed Me'Shell's version of "You Really Got a Hold.."
What floored me initially when listening to the soundtrack was Ben Harper's "Aint To Proud To Beg." Geez, it took several listens before I could accept his version as his own style, and not be prejudice for DR. After seeing Ben perform in the Film, I began to accept his style, and not think of DR.
| By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 12:13 pm: |
STUBASS TAKE!!!...I REALLY NEVER MUCH APPRECIATED BEN HARPERS "AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG"!!!...I DO KNOW THAT BEN IS AN UNABASHED FAN OF THE MATERIAL...AND SHOWS GREAT RESPECT FOR THE ARTISTS THAT CAME BEFORE HIM...BUT I REALLY BELIEVE THAT "ATPTB" COULD HAVE BEEN DONE A LOT BETTER BY ANOTHER ARTIST!!!...STUBASS
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 12:19 pm: |
Stubass - Agreed. You would have to see the Film before you could began to let up off of Ben. (LOL) It was his appreciation and personality that caused me to listen more attentive to his version before I conceded to accept it. There was a reason for his being there, and I didn't want to miss it.
| By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 01:56 pm: |
Kev....
....the problem I had with both Me'Shell's and Bootsie Collin's songs were their almost re-interpertations of the material. I'm NOT saying they were bad renditions, but by sticking closer to the original, it may have drawn attention away from the singer a bit and towards the players.
| By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 01:57 pm: |
Doug:
Maybe that was their intention...
Kevin Goins - KevGo
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 06:51 pm: |
Douglasm - Joe Hunter made sure that wasn't so. Do you remember when he got up and danced and did the splits. (LOL) I know that wasn't planned. Bootsie looked shock. Joe certainly took the attention away from Bootsie. That is still so funny when I watch it. I'm just glad he didn't hurt himself.
| By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 02:28 am: |
...SisDetroit, I was LOL when I saw that...and yes, you KNOW that wasn't planned...
SITSOM remakes I enjoyed:
both songs from Joan Osborne (had to put that first)
both songs from Bootsy (hey, he kept my a*s shakin' :o)
both from Chaka (liked the way she jazzed up "What's Going On", though I could have stood less hollering from her towards the end)
Me'Shell's "You Really Got a Hold on Me"
SITSOM remakes I thought were okay:
both from Gerald Levert (he did a good job, but I think the Funks really stood out more than Gerald, which, I know, is what was intended)
Me'Shell's "Cloud Nine" (is it just me, or was she forgetting words on that one???)
SITSOM remakes I did NOT care for:
both from Ben Harper (I'm sorry, but they could have just let the band play one those two, and it'd be a lot easier on my ears.)
I've even TRIED to listen to them, to let myself get used to them, but every time I watch the movie, when he starts singing, it's only about 3 or 4 lines into the song before I have to fast forward...
Again...this is all just IMO...DS for DF :o)
| By Fred (152.163.252.68) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 10:26 am: |
One more British review. Not sure if this is available online, but I received the text in an email this morning.
Thirteen guys named Motown
Reviewed by Neil Norman, Evening Standard (24 July 2003)
This will go down in history as the year of the documentary. Etre et Avoir,
Sophie Fiennes's Hoover Street Revival, Trembling Before G-D and Michael
Winterbottom's In This World were all stunning works that added something
new to the form.
Now comes Paul Justman's film about the men behind Motown's greatest hits,
which leaps on to the screen with an energy that redefines the music
documentary.
Standing in the Shadows of Motown is constructed around a set of concerts
held in six days in December 2000 at Detroit's Royal Oak Music Theatre that
brought together the surviving musicians of the Motown house band, The Funk
Brothers. Archive footage, concert appearances, recording sessions,
interviews old and new and dramatic reconstructions are welded together in a
variety of film styles - from digital video to multi-camera 35mm filming -
to tell the story.
And what a story. This is not just another saga of a bunch of forgotten
musos. It rewrites musical history by contextualising the music, the scene
in which it flourished and the musicians themselves to reveal the impact
they had on the Motown sound - and on the social and political climate of
the time.
The Funk Brothers were drawn together by Motown supremo Berry Gordy, who
hand-picked them from the jazz and blues clubs of Detroit.
Their artistic life at the Motown hit factory lasted from the Sixties to the
mid-Seventies and their recordings - backing Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and
The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations - became the soundtracks to
such historic moments as the civil-rights movement and the Vietnam War.
Musically, they were the hidden link between soul and the
funk-andpsychedelia of Bootsy Collins and Jimi Hendrix, and a profound
influence on The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
Justman's film is pitched somewhere between Wim Wenders's Buena Vista Social
Club and Martin Scorsese's record of The Band's farewell concert, The Last
Waltz, and the central concert performance alone is worth the admission
price.
Younger singers perform the great Motown songs backed by the surviving Funk
Brothers. Each song sounds as fresh and innovative as the day one first
clapped ears on it - the highest compliment I can pay to singers Joan
Osborne, Ben Harper and Chaka Khan is that they are all equal to the task.
Considering that The Funk Brothers comprised 13 musicians, Justman does
wonders in keeping the screen time balanced between them. Clearly, some come
to the fore: James Jamerson, considered the finest bass player in the world,
who used one-fingered upright bass techniques on the new electric Fender
Precision; Eddie "Bongo" Brown, who created spontaneous interlocking rhythms
on the bongos though he couldn't read a note of music (one of the Brothers
recalls seeing a nudie magazine on the stand in place of the sheet music);
and guitarist Joe Messina, who had played for Charlie Parker and Miles Davis
but hadn't picked up a guitar for 30 years before the Royal Oak concerts.
Of the reconstructed scenes, the one in which the musicians hide out in a
funeral parlour to drink is notably funny.
And the first time the grizzled, stylish survivors revisit Studio A in the
basement of the former Hitsville USA, where they feel the ghosts of the past
rippling through the air, is an enthralling moment, captured on digital
camera.
Whether it is Marvin Gaye singing What's Going On? or Ben Harper performing
I Heard It Through the Grapevine (whose opening bars never fail to send a
shiver up the spine), the music delivers an impact that resonates across
four decades.
And when the remaining Funk Brothers gather on stage and position
photographs of the dead members in their respective places, it would take a
stronger man than me not to shed a tear at the thought that they were too
late for the recognition this righteous movie brings.
"Without them, there wouldn't be a Motown," says one observer in the
introduction. The truth is in here.
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 11:38 am: |
Fred - That was a great review.
Doug - On Cloud Nine, I think the background carried the song. On the Tempts version, there are several parts performed by others rather than the lead. I've been meaning to take a listen to the Tempts version to determine whether Me'Shell did in fact do her portion.
All I can say about Ben is "Well,...what can I say, except he took on both my sweethearts, Marvin and David." :o)
| By STUBASS (205.188.209.109) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 12:43 pm: |
I DON'T KNOW ABOUT DAVID SO MUCH SIS...BUT IF YOU SAW MAXI PRIEST LIVE WITH THE FUNKS...HE DID MARVIN PROUD!!!...STU
| By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 12:46 pm: |
Stubass - I saw Maxie, and I loved him doing Marvin.
| By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 02:28 pm: |
Harry and myself went to see the movie last night in Glasgow.
It was an incredibly quick hour and forty minutes!
Harry's opinion of the movie is much the same as my own. His highlight was the closing scenes, especially when the photographs are being placed beside the musicians. The music at that point was awesome. Highly emotional.
Harry admits a tear or two, especially for Pistol Allen and Johnny Griffen.
We now look forward to the dvd. So much to enjoy.
| By Livonia Ken (136.1.1.101) on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 02:39 pm: |
One small element of the film that I found really effective that has not been discussed a lot is that "meditations on James Jamerson" bass vamp played by Pino Pallodino over the film's opening. That gave me chills, personally. It's like he was channeling a spirit. Very cool.
Regards,
Ken
| By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 03:03 am: |
I see it for the 4th time this evening in London with 10 others and anybody else that wants to join us. This movie has been a terrific achievement and it is so good to have it here in the UK. Without a doubt, this production is of the highest calibre and deservedly so. I do hope Allan and Paul come up with something else like this. I feel they are on a roll and they are the perfect combination to do it again, with another project. This movie will be shown forever and as the years go on, the footage will be invaluable.
| By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 08:27 pm: |
Has this been posted:
http://www.dallasmusicguide.com/interviews/motown1.htm
| By Bob Olhsson (12.93.85.46) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 08:55 pm: |
I understand we all owe a huge debt to Joan Osborne for being the first contemporary "name" artist who agreed to be in the film. I understand that her early participation helped the producers immensely with the fund raising process.
| By SB (205.187.255.250) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 12:12 pm: |
Carl - thanks for that link. I enjoyed it.
Btw - his name may have been mentioned here - but who was that Drummer that could play so well for Motown that when he died - they had to hire two drummers to take his place? And was he the one that died in a car accident during one of the infamous Motor Revue tours? What a legacy this man must have left as it pertains to great drummers.
| By soulboy (81.103.86.215) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 05:11 pm: |
SB
BENNY BENJAMIN it was, he did not die of the car accident you speak of, i think you are refering to one of the earlier percussion players.
| By Ian W (194.75.129.2) on Tuesday, August 05, 2003 - 08:16 am: |
SITSOM was aired for the first time in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire a couple of weeks back. Awesome! Joan Osbourne got an enormous round of applause. It's fantastic to see these characters I've only read about before. If I had to single out one nugget, it would have to be Jack Ashford talking about the tambourine work. It reminded me immediately of some of his productions! I've got to buy a DVD player now!
| By jack (65.82.173.197) on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 - 02:33 am: |
I thank Paul Justman for all that he did for the funks. We need to see more talk of the great work that he did. If he hadn't put his great mind to work ,we wouldn't have had a film of that quality . God Bless Paul. Jack Ashford
| By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 - 03:26 am: |
There is no doubt the movie is of a very high standard. It really surprised me.
Does anyone know when the DVD is coming?
| By caliluv (63.251.57.2) on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 06:08 pm: |
I just found this message board and I hope that Jack Ashford reads this message.
Mr. Ashford, I saw "Standing in the Shadows Of Motown" three times before I knew the Funk Brothers were coming to Oakland, Ca last April. I think after about three songs into the show, I mentioned to a friend that "I WAS IN HEAVEN!!!" Then, you all asked for singers to come onstage for the song "My Girl". Being a vocalist and somewhat modest, I was totally out of my element by volunteering and then I found myself walking out onstage and singing the second verse.
I want you to know, that of all my career highs, that was number one at the top. What and honor and a privilege!!! I will never forget it and I want to personally thank you and the Funk Brothers for the opportunity and also thank you for giving us so much good music through the years.
Peace and Blessings
Curtis
| By jack (67.32.85.90) on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 10:04 pm: |
We enjoyed having you. Jack
| By Sue (205.188.209.109) on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 10:11 pm: |
See you in Detroit tomorrow night, Jack:
http://www.detnews.com/2003/entertainment/0308/20/d01-248765.htm
| By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 02:20 am: |
Another nice piece Sue. Lovely to read and full of passion. I can't imagine what Allan is saying to Bob! Could it be: I'll pay for all the drinks at the bar after the show?
| By Vic Doucette (68.73.25.184) on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 08:17 am: |
I'll be on the lawn tonight, Sue -- hope to see you!
| By Sue (152.163.252.68) on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 09:18 am: |
Oh great, they cropped the photo so you can't see Eddie Willis in the Internet version, making the cutline look idiotic.
The 'Net and the print edition aren't always identical, to my woe ...
Carl we definitely caught Allan in bandleader mode there ...
Disc jockey/Detroit native Bob Berry is flying up from Orlando just to see the show. Should be fun...
| By Sue (152.163.252.68) on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 09:18 am: |
p.s. Vic I thought you'd be at 50 Cent!
Kidding ..
| By Vic Doucette (209.69.221.253) on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 10:36 am: |
Wow -- I hope I run into Bob -- he was my boss (and a good one, at that) in Sagnaw ... a LONG time ago!
| By Sue (12.34.51.20) on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 10:54 am: |
Well any ideas on a place for likeminded individuals meet afterward for drinks, drop me an email ...
| By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 04:07 am: |
Sue - if there are drinks afterwards, 'I'll be there' in spirit!!
| By Sue (205.188.209.109) on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 10:37 am: |
Carl,
There were, and you were!
| By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 10:57 am: |
Excellent!! Thanks Sue.