Forum Topic

.. amazing grace..

Not exactly spoilt for choice on the W4 worship front this Sunday.  A few can bite on the latest political clickbait thread.  Others can take pleasure pouring more scorn on a super thread begun by a thoroughly sincere 30 year old cyclist..Here's something with a flavour, a bit more “operatic” to consider ..I know nothing about Gospel Music.  And little about soul music, rock music and jazz. So I tuned into BBC 2 last night to see the Aretha Franklin 1972 film Amazing Grace.  Available on Youtube for the next 29 days at about 80 minutes long.The film's been lost to the world since it was made – and only released in 2019.Whatever your taste, if you're at all into serious music, it is an experience.  It's a bit like a free-for-all fronted by a few gospel superstars namely James Cleveland, his band and his choir with the fabulous young Aretha in the lead.   Wildly animated audience (watch out for a young Mick Jagger) and fabulous piano playing... it's a bloody “amazing” 2 night gig...  I loved it..(just suggestin' with so many who are lonely, locked down and with little to do)

Stuart Kerr ● 2124d8 Comments

Of the same ilk, look out for the film '20 feet from stardom' about backing singers. Often far better singers than the guy or gal hugging the microphone.

Ken Munn ● 2124d

Stuart, glad you liked it! The film has a fascinating history as it was only finally released in 2018, even though it was filmed in 1972 by a then hot new director Sidney Pollack. Apparently one of the initial problems was that though the music audio recording was released shortly after on a double LP in 1972 that sold 2 million copies, the way it had been filmed meant that a lot of expensive work would be needed in syncing the music audio and the film stock before it could be edited into a film.The film lay in the vaults for years until someone bought it and spent the money to get full synced and edited into a film. They tried to release it in 2011 and again in 2015. On both occasions Aretha sued and blocked for reasons that were never 100% clear but it was rumoured had to do with her views on Hollywood's treatment of black people.It was only with Aretha Franklin's death in 2018 that her family quickly moved to agree a release. Better late than never!

Joe Conneely ● 2124d

Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it.Oddly the amateurish camera work really worked which of course it shouldn't have.I also watched part of the follow up tribute and was surprised to learn she was up the duff twice, the first time as a twelve year old.

Adrian Irving ● 2124d

Yes it was wonderful!  She definitely was 'The Queen of Soul'. Love her singing 'Ooo Baby Baby' with the legendary Smokey Robinson. I believe she also penned the lyrics to some of her songs too.

Mari Austin ● 2124d

A great programme.  And ‘ Say a little prayer’ a cert for one of my  Desert Island Discs.

Stewart Jones ● 2124d

"Of the same ilk, look out for the film '20 feet from stardom' about backing singers. Often far better singers than the guy or gal hugging the microphone". Agreed and so true. One of, if not the best backing/session singers that I remember from the 1960s1970s, must surely be Tony Burrows. Brotherhood of Man, White Plains, The Flower Pot Men, Edison Lighthouse, The Ivy League etc. Also for those with a musical 'bent', Gerry and the Pacemakers classic version of "You'll never walk alone", might never have been recorded, as when the sheet music was shown to them, they dismissed it, as Gerry Marsden couldn't read music. However, Les Maguire, the piano player, who could read music, played it to the rest of the band, and hey presto a huge hit.       

Brian Coyle ● 2124d

Completely agree about '20 feet from stardom', Ken (and Aretha was divine!).

Colin Jordan ● 2123d

Thanks for the recommendations.  I will definitely try and catch up with Amazing Grace.  (I see it’s also available on Amazon Prime).I have already seen ‘Twenty Feet from Stardom’  and agree with everything said.  A fascinating insight into a taken-for-granted world.I do love a good televised gig.  The other night (musical snobs back off already!) on Sky Arts was a surprisingly charming 2011 gig by Sade called ‘Bring Me Home’.  Ms Adu looked as flawlessly beautiful as she did when I saw her live in Hammersmith in the early 80’s but exuded an ease and confidence that wasn’t quite there in her younger self.  And the sound of this excellent band came through well. This can also be found on Amazon Prime.

Alastair Banton ● 2123d