Standing In The Shadows Of Motown
Posted by: Mike Hughes on 03 February 2004
What prompts me to write this is the separate thread on outstanding drummers. I won't bore you with my views as a drummer or music fan but I will say the following simply because no-one else has and it would be a tragedy if this passes you by:
1) If you are a music fan of any description
then you simply have to see this film. It
tells the story of The Funk Brothers.
Essentially, approximately thirteen musicians
who, in various combinations, played on
everything Motown produced between '58
and '71. It is important, funny and moving
and seems likely to remain the only film I
have seen in a cinema that received a
standing ovation at the end. It's out on DVD
and even the extras are superb. The
soundtrack ain't bad either!!!
2) The last six of The Funk Brothers are
currently touring the world with backing from
a variety of excellent musicians and are
being fronted by some equally excellent
vocalists. Two and a quarter hours of
awesome, life-affirming music. Eddie Willis
is the youngest at 68 and is placed in a
wheelchair as soon as he comes off stage. As
the film says "they played on more no1.
records than The Beatles, The Stones, Elvis
and The Beach Boys combined, which makes
them the greatest hit making machine of all
time.". They are also wonderful, wonderful
musicians and characters to a man. Not many
of you will have the chance to see them but
if you do then please take the chance. You
won't see their like again.
3) If you can stop the tears from welling in
your eyes at the moment the drums start on
"Reach Out, I'll Be There" or the key change
in "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" then
you're a better person than I.
Anyway, enough gushing. Just see the film and pray they gig near you.
1) If you are a music fan of any description
then you simply have to see this film. It
tells the story of The Funk Brothers.
Essentially, approximately thirteen musicians
who, in various combinations, played on
everything Motown produced between '58
and '71. It is important, funny and moving
and seems likely to remain the only film I
have seen in a cinema that received a
standing ovation at the end. It's out on DVD
and even the extras are superb. The
soundtrack ain't bad either!!!
2) The last six of The Funk Brothers are
currently touring the world with backing from
a variety of excellent musicians and are
being fronted by some equally excellent
vocalists. Two and a quarter hours of
awesome, life-affirming music. Eddie Willis
is the youngest at 68 and is placed in a
wheelchair as soon as he comes off stage. As
the film says "they played on more no1.
records than The Beatles, The Stones, Elvis
and The Beach Boys combined, which makes
them the greatest hit making machine of all
time.". They are also wonderful, wonderful
musicians and characters to a man. Not many
of you will have the chance to see them but
if you do then please take the chance. You
won't see their like again.
3) If you can stop the tears from welling in
your eyes at the moment the drums start on
"Reach Out, I'll Be There" or the key change
in "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" then
you're a better person than I.
Anyway, enough gushing. Just see the film and pray they gig near you.