Tag Archives: documentary

“Music in Mali” documentary

  October 12, 2012 - 10:42 pm | ,
Comments Off on “Music in Mali” documentary

Music In Mali: Life Is Hard, Music Is Good: Via Afropop Worldwide, I came across information on this recently completed documentary about Malian music (filmed before the tragic fighting and repression in that great country). The film is produced by Kanaga System Krush (KSK) Records, but at this point, I don’t have any information on any screenings or its availability. I will keep tabs on it though. The embedded clip is a 14 minute preview. (Click the full-screen icon to view it properly). Music In Mali: Life Is Hard, Music Is Good is a feature-length documentary about the musicians, dancers and everyday people of … Continue reading →

Doc Pomus documentary

  May 10, 2012 - 11:04 pm | , ,
Comments Off on Doc Pomus documentary

UPDATE (May 13) Just came back from the first-ever screening of the documentary, A.K.A. Doc Pomus at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema as part of the Toronto Jewish Film Festival. What a great film. It did an excellent job of capturing the spirit of Doc’s life (as well as the music and the stories.  I found it really did prove a quote by Doc’s biographer, Alex Halberstadt that Doc “was literally the most beloved person I’d ever come across”. Very moving, and highly recommended. Not sure when or where you’ll be able to catch it. See www.akadocpomus.com. My older article … Continue reading →

Benda Bilili! documentary opens Oct 14

  September 30, 2011 - 11:39 pm | , ,
Comments Off on Benda Bilili! documentary opens Oct 14

A highly acclaimed documentary on the remarkable Congolese group, Staff Benda Bilili will open at the TIFF Lightbox on Oct. 14. The film was the first documentary to ever open the Cannes Festival, where it received a standing ovation. The group has achieved great international success in the last couple of years (but sadly hasn’t yet played Toronto). The members were all homeless street people living on the ground of the Kinshasha Zoo. Many of them are polio victims and perform in their customized wheelchairs. Their story — and their music — is unique and moving. (Their name means “Don’t … Continue reading →

Documentary on Zimbabwean music in North America nears completion

  July 25, 2011 - 11:50 am |
1 Comment

A couple of years ago, I was contacted by Doug & Laurel Epps in Colorado who asked permission to use a couple of my photos of Thomas Mapfumo in concert. They were making a documentary on the beginnings of Zimbabwean music in North America and its spread. Now after four years of work, it’s almost finished. Taj Mahal narrates. A preview is below. For more information, see sacredpathexplorations.com

Bo Diddley documentary (1966)

  April 21, 2011 - 2:58 am | , ,
Comments Off on Bo Diddley documentary (1966)

An excellent 20 minute documentary on the late Bo Diddley, made in 1966: See also Part 2, Part 3 A number of scenes were shot in Toronto’s Le Coq d’Or (or “The Le Coq d’Or” as it was often called). The club was home to Ronnie Hawkins & The Hawks for many years. A bit more Bo: live in concert  

Toronto Rock & Roll Stories: Great documentary on Toronto’s rock & roll scene in the 50’s & 60’s

  April 5, 2011 - 2:27 am | ,
Comments Off on Toronto Rock & Roll Stories: Great documentary on Toronto’s rock & roll scene in the 50’s & 60’s

This March, Bravo screened a highly recommended three part documentary on the early Toronto rock & roll scene in the 1950’s and 60’s: Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories, directed by Bruce McDonald. From the early roots of r&b and soul, to the raunchy atmosphere of the Yonge Street bars, and the original Club Bluenote, it features some classic sounds and photos, and interviews with some of the key figures – famous and not.  Among its highlights: Charting the growth and influence of Robbie Robertson, from a 14 or 15 year old guitar star, to the brilliant guitarist with … Continue reading →