Standing in the Shadows of Motown DVD

[stratovani]

Yeah, I know, there's been a boatload of threads on this movie (I looked it up on search), but one more thread on it ain't gonna kill anyone. Yesterday I bought the Standing in the Shadows of Motown DVD at a local grocery store and watched it last night. What a wonderful documentary! The Funk Brothers were absolutely amazing musicians, professionals through and through! But for me, like many others, it was all about the music. What happy, joyful music they played back then! I was a child when Motown music was playing on the radio, but I can remember hearing it and liking a lot what I heard. I was lucky to be around back then to enjoy such great music. Now I simply have to get the Standing in the Shadows of Motown book so I can learn some of those Jamerson licks.

[hover]

I watch it often, mostly in the "performance" menu, but every 4th or so viewing the whole way through, so inspirational...and, damn Babbitt really holds it DOWN. I love love love that doc.

[boynamedsuse]

Great movie. The book is a must have as well.

[hover]

Dang, I just had to pop it in tonite, thanks!

[DeathFromBelow]

Originally Posted by hover

Dang, I just had to pop it in tonite, thanks!

That's what she said.

Ahem.

[hover]

hahaha, you know it. My "funk brother", indeed.

[stratovani]

One thing that really struck me was how, when they were on stage performing some of the Motown hits, all the Funk Brothers musicians had sheet music in front of them, and they seemed to be reading as they were playing. Also, the economy of sound was also striking, a perfect example of not overplaying and strictly serving the song. They played just what was needed, and so let the singer shine through. And Joan Osborne was just made to sing those old Motown hits, I loved her rendition of Heat Wave!

[Pacman]

Moved to Miscellaneous.

[smperry]

For some reason, watching that version brought tears to my eyes. The movie has so many great moments.

Love love love SITSOM.

[MJ5150]

I got it from a fellow TBer in the classifieds. I love it.

-Mike

[hover]

I just wish I could play with that feel and fluidity. Something I strive for to this day....so set in my "rock" and "goth" ways, I have to re-learn everything. But I'm not complaining!

[seanm]

I also thought Joan Osborne was a great choice. I think she interacts well with the band. She comes across as part of the band, not a "star" singing with the band.

[PhiDeck]

Originally Posted by stratovani

And Joan Osborne was just made to sing those old Motown hits, I loved her rendition of Heat Wave!

+1

[PhiDeck]

Last October 28th we lost another unofficial Funk Brother. Jack Brokensha ("White Jack") did not appear in the film, but was mentioned therein by Jack Ashford ("Black Jack") as the filling of the Oreo cookie whose third member was Eddie "Bongo" Brown.
Although Ashford also played vibes, he mostly played tambourine (brilliantly), while Brokensha played vibes on many of the Motown recording between 1963 and 1972.
Brokensha retired to Sarasota, Florida, where I met him and heard him play jazz multiple times. A nice man and a fine vibes player.

[Thornton Davis]

Originally Posted by PhiDeck

+1

Joan's performance of "What Becomes of The Broken Hearted" is outstanding IMO"

TD

[boynamedsuse]

Originally Posted by Thornton Davis

Joan's performance of "What Becomes of The Broken Hearted" is outstanding IMO"

TD

For me, the version she did on the film was the best rendition of Broken Hearted ever recorded.

[57pbass]

Where Did Our Love Go?: The Rise and Fall of the Motown Sound

This is a great read by Nelson George. Published circa mid 80's.

Take a look at Amazon and read some of the reviews. I have it at home...

[JimK]

Originally Posted by Thornton Davis

Joan's performance of "What Becomes of The Broken Hearted" is outstanding IMO"

TD

Originally Posted by boynamedsuse

For me, the version she did on the film was the best rendition of Broken Hearted ever recorded.

Agee 100%.

Check out her cover of "Smiling Faces Sometimes" from How Sweet It Is.

[bucephylus]

Originally Posted by smperry

For some reason, watching that version brought tears to my eyes. The movie has so many great moments.

Love love love SITSOM.

+2 Every time.

[Lesfunk]

Every time. Especially the end when they introduce all the members alive and dead and Chaka Kahn and Montell Jordan sing "Ain't no mountain high enough"