NEW OLD SOUL MUSIC CONCERT DVDS

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Still Looking for that elusive hard-to-find concert by your soul artists? Here,s a few concert DVDs that I have recently come across of some great underrated crooners, movers and shakers of SOUL;

SOLOMON BURKE - THE KING LIVE AT AVO SESSION

Mostly known for his hits, "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love",  "Proud Mary", and  "Cry to Me", Solomon Burke demonstrates how he truly deserves the name of "King of Soul" with this unforgettable performance at AVO Session Basel on November 8, 2003. Here Burke delights the audience with an astonishing performance of eighteen of his most cherished songs.

By combining gospel, pop, country, and studio sweetness, he paved the way as an important early soul pioneer and became one of popular music's larger-than-life figures. For his life-long achievements, he was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. This DVD is a fine example of his immense talent.

DANCING IN THE STREET- VARIOUS ARTISTS

This extraordinary, never-before-aired, 'lost' concert was part of a roadshow that toured through 21 cities in the summer of 1987. This live footage was shot at the second concert, at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles.

It was the last concert captured of Martha Reeves and the late great Mary Wells (d.1990), David Ruffin (d.1991) and Eddie Kendricks (d.1992). These four artists combined had over 100 hit songs. A must-have Collector,s items


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PERCY SLEDGE: LIVE IN CONCERT
 

This DVD/CD package includes soulful classics from the R&B pioneer; "Out Of Left Field", "Take Time To Know Her", "When A Man Loves A Woman", and more.

Full length concert performance, professionally filmed, with fantastic bonus footage, including Sledge interview, biography, discography, and slide show. A must-have for any old-school soul fan!

SOUL COMES HOME: TRIBUTE TO STAX RECORDS AND MEMPHIS SOUL

This DVD captures the once-in-a-lifetime concert held on April 30, 2003 to commemorate the opening of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, TN. This unique gathering of soul music's biggest stars performing their greatest hits first aired as a successful PBS special beginning in August of 2003.

Performers include Eddie Floyd, Jean Knight, William Bell, Percy Sledge, isaac Hayes, Rance Allen, Michael McDonald & Carla Thomas, The Bar-Kays with Chuck D, Little Milton and Jimmie Vaughan, Al Green, Booker T & the MGs, Solomon Burke and Mavis Staples.

25 MILES FROM HOME: EDWIN STARR LIVE

The first ever DVD to feature one of the true stars from the golden age of soul, the late, great Edwin Starr.

From early hits such as Agent Double 00 Soul and S.O.S. (Stop Her On Sight), through to the worldwide smash W.A.R. and other Motown classics including 25 Miles, Edwin Starr held a rightful place among the most popular and celebrated soul artists of his era.

"Twenty-Five Miles From Home" features two full-length performances showcasing Edwin's massive catalogue of hit songs including his last ever, live performance.

Edwin and his band The Team delight his legions of fans, performing all the hits along with some fantastic cover versions of all-time soul classics.

SHIRLEY BROWN/DENISE LASALLE-DIVAS IN THE DELTA: LIVE IN GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI

Two of the  hottest soul/blues singers ever, joined together for a once-in-a-lifetime performance in Greenwood, Mississippi that will long be remembered by everyone in attendance.

"Trapped by A Thing Called Love", "Woman To Woman" and many other songs by Shirley and Denise will take you back to the good old days when soul music was really SOUL MUSIC!

I will post more dvds and news as I come across them. Enjoy!

UPDATE:

JAMES BROWN LIVE IN THE 60s!  3 DVD SET FINALLY AVAILABLE!!!

"I GOT THE FEELIN": JAMES BROWN LIVE IN THE SIXTIES!

This is the DEFINITIVE look at JB's on-stage prowess, including an acclaimed documentary, two previously unreleased concerts, and more. With full-length versions of many classics, including"I Feel Good," "Out Of Sight," "Cold Sweat," "Try Me," "I Got The Feelin'," "It's A Man's Man's Man's World," "Bewildered," and "Please, Please, Please," I Got the Feelin': James Brown in the '60s is an essential part of any music lover's collection.

DISC 1:  THE NIGHT JAMES BROWN SAVED BOSTON

Features the director's cut of the acclaimed VH1 film The Night James Brown Saved Boston, which tells the story of a 1968 concert that not only averted riots in Boston in the aftermath of MLK's assassination, but also set James Brown on a revolutionary new path. Includes additional interviews with members of James Brown's band, friends and colleagues, plus a panel discussion from the film's premiere in Boston.

DISC 2:   LIVE AT THE BOSTON GARDEN
Features the historic 1968 Boston Garden concert as originally broadcast by WGBH. Contains additional audio from the radio simulcast of the concert.

DISC 3:   LIVE AT THE APOLLO '68
"Man to Man: James Brown Live at The Apollo Theater 1968", a TV special taped the week before the Boston show and unseen for 40 years! Plus bonus performances from 1967 and 1968 shows at L'Olympia in Paris, AND the legendary version of "Out of Sight" from The T.A.M.I. Show (1964).

Rejoice all ye JB fans! The James Brown Show is finally available on dvd with the fantastic JB Orchestra, featuring Maceo Parker as emcee/comedian/musician!  I,ve had the 1968 Boston Concert every since 1989 and the Apollo 1968 concert around 1990 on bootleg tape. It,s about time Mister Dynamite (as he was called in the 60,s) got his due! I,m hoping and praying that it will pave the way for more legendary performances by JB to be released on dvd soon.

P.S.

Word is out that there was a documentary filmed sometime ago that featured clips from JB,s "REVOLUTION OF THE MIND" concert at the Apollo Theatre in 1972.   The same show on which the double LP was recorded!

  Please Please please let there be a WHOLE concert of THAT show somewhere on video! I had the fortune of seeing the show when it came to my home state and it was EXACTLY like the live album withe the exception of the finale which was "I,M A GREEDY MAN" instead of "HOT PANTS".

To sum it all up there is a ton of unreleased JB footage out there that is just begging to see the light of day! So keep your fingers crossed, but enjoy JAMES BROWN: LIVE IN THE 60S while you,re waiting!

FINDING RARE SOUL MUSIC VIDEO

 Except for "oldies shows", it is very hard to find concert footage of many artists in their prime, either upcoming, or at the height of their career.

Many simply aren,t available at the local music or video store.

I started inquiring about obtaining music video a few years before the internet boom hit. I wrote letters to my favorite artists, management agencies, hoping to get information.

I would regularly browse video stores such as BLOCKBUSTER and smaller mom and pop stores as well in search of my proving to be elusive quarry.

Jr Walker & The All Stars Live in Paris 1973

It became daunting at times as I was told, "its not commercially available", or "you won,t find it anywhere".

I  became more and more determined to find what I was looking for, no matter what it took. A turning point came when one day I ran across two magazines that really changed thing around for me.

"GUITAR " AND "DISCOVERIES" magazines, I found out as I browsed through, had ads devoted to rare music concert video.

My EUREKA moment had arrived! It didn,t matter much to me that some of the footage was not A-1 quality, just the fact that I finally began to accomplish my goal of building my video collection was enough for me.

Fast-forward 20+ years later; I have quite an extensive collection of rare music concerts and clips that I am very proud of, and enjoy showing off. 

Things have changed from so long ago with the DVD market and home theater.

 Each year there are many new music video releases that hit the market consisting of early footage and classic shows, with digitally remastered picture and sound.

So if you want to look for video footage of your favorite artist or group and stymied as how to go about it, here,s some tips you can use to help find rare music videos:

Step 1: There are many websites that are devoted to rare music video that are not commercially available such as;

www.Midnight To Six.rarevideo.com

www.Dvds To Trade.com.uk

www.greatest-JamesBrown-video tradinglist.com

www.blackdvds4u.com

www.shoutfactory.com

These are just a few of many websites that have not only rare concert footage but tv appearances, and early music compilations.

 Many CD and vinyl websites also offer rare music video and film footage.

Step 2. Check out online auction sites such as Amazon.com, Craigslist, Epier.com and Ebay. Check your local paper for upcoming soul music "oldies" and entertainment shows Many have music video memorabilia for sale.

Step 3. Yards sales are sometimes a source for finding that rare video you are looking for as well as independent record stores.

 Even storage auctions, although a long shot, can yield a treasure trove for the video collector.

 One way to bypass spending your hard earned money on a storage auction (unless you know its contains what you are looking for) is to get to know some of the winning auction bidders.

 Some make a living out of reselling the storage contents and can notify you if they find any video tape or dvd.

Step 4. A lot of music video footage is available for viewing on Youtube and there are also music message boards frequented by private collectors and fans that are willing to trade tapes and DVDS. 

Contact your favorite artist or their booking agency. Chances are they can let you know where certain rare video can be obtained.

 Case in point; R&B star Millie Jackson,s website www.weirdwreckurds.com has a store where you can purchase "Millie Jackson Live At The Junction" as well as her filmed stage play, "Older Woman Younger Man".

So try the methods above if you are serious, or just looking for that one rare show.

Monday April 15th 2008

I GOT THE FEELING/JAMES BROWN LIVE IN THE 60s 3 DVD SET

The following is a press release from the SHOUT FACTORY WEBSITE (www.shoutfactory.com)

Available commercially for the 1st time, rare James Brown concerts on video!

LOS ANGELES, CA Multi-Grammy Award winning artist James Brown, best known for his smoldering singing and revolutionary rhythmic style, is recognized worldwide as one of the most prolific figures in 20th century popular music. 

He remains a strong cultural influence as a newsmaker, musician, activist and peacemaker that transcends even the awesome celebrity he achieved as the “Godfather of Soul.”

 A whole new generation is discovering James Brown today through his music and his pivotal presence in American political affairs in the 1960s. 

DVD & music collectors and fans of the late James Brown will be treated to a whole new electrifying experience when I GOT THE FEELIN’: JAMES BROWN LIVE IN THE ’60s 3-DVD box set arrives on August 5, 2008, exclusively from Shout! Factory.

I GOT THE FEELIN’: JAMES BROWN LIVE IN THE ’60s features the director’s cut of The Night James Brown Saved Boston and the full-length concert performances James Brown Live at The Boston Garden from April 1968 and Man to Man - James Brown Live at The Apollo Theater 1968.

 This definitive 3-DVD collector’s box set is brimming with a special deluxe booklet and extensive bonus content such as James Brown’s legendary performance of Out of Sight from The T.A.M.I. Show.

Also included are interviews with James Brown’s band members, friends and colleagues, additional audio from the radio simulcast of his Boston Garden Live performance 1968, rare performance footage culled from the archives and much more!

A fitting tribute to the man and the times, this DVD collection pays homage not only to James Brown’s enormous contribution to American music, but also reveals his often overlooked impact on American race relations.

I GOT THE FEELIN’: JAMES BROWN LIVE IN THE ’60s DVD box set is priced at $ 39.98 SRP.

- more-

DISC ONE:

The Night James Brown Saved Boston (Director’s Cut)

A film by award-wining filmmaker David Leaf and executive produced by Shout! Factory CEO Richard Foos, David Leaf Production and Showtime, The Night James Brown Saved Boston focuses on one of the most historic moments in Boston and America’s musical social and political history.

The night Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, rioting began to tear at the fabric of America’s cities. Everybody wondered if there was anyone who could stop the violence, who could bring peace to the streets?

The truth is, there was only one man James Brown.

On April 5, 1968, the night after Dr. King was shot and killed, James Brown took the stage for a previously scheduled show at the Boston Garden for a concert that was televised live on Boston’s public station WGBH, televised for just one reason---to keep the citizens of Boston off the streets, to try and stop a riot from starting.

James Brown, a great artist at his peak, was thus thrust on to the center stage, facing the crucible moment of his career.

He was becoming  known at that time as an activist, and that night, he rose to the occasion. 

JB kept Boston spell-bound with a musical tour-de-force, a performance that is considered so legendary that forty years later, Bostonians still regard it as the greatest concert the city every hosted.

Through the actual performance footage and the personal reminiscence of James Brown’s band members, the recollections of James’ friends like activist Al Sharpton and personal manager Charles Bobbitt, Boston citizens, those who attended the concert, politicians (like former Boston Mayor Kevin White) and Newsweek’s David Gates, The Night James Brown Saved Boston tells the compelling story of an artist at the absolute peak of his powers using his artistry for the greater good.

This film, which premiered at SXSW 2008 and broadcasting on VH1 on April 5, is an amazing look back at one heroic moment in James Brown’s life as a performer, a public figure and a man.

The Night James Brown Saved Boston Bonus Content:

Additional interview footage with

Rev. Al Sharpton

Dr. Cornel West

Anecdotes with Charles Bobbitt who worked with James for 40 years

DISC TWO:

James Brown Live At The Boston Garden

With cities around America reeling from sorrow, shock and anger, this is the actual April 5, 1968 concert James Brown gave at the Boston Garden as it was filmed and broadcast that fateful night. Boston PBS station WGBH agreed to televise the performance in an effort to keep the streets of Boston from erupting into violence.

Bonus Content:

Additional audio from radio simulcast

Additional interview footage with WGBH’s Director and Producer of the concert.

DISC THREE:

James Brown Live In The ‘60s The T.A.M. I. Show, 1964 & Man To Man

The T.A.M.I. Show: James Brown’s 1964 performance of Out Of Sight

James Brown Live at the Apollo Theater 1968 This was one of a series of concerts James Brown performed at the Apollo in Harlem in March 1968. This performance was taped in color and broadcast on television as Man To Man.

Box Set Performances Include

I GOT THE FEELIN’

TRY ME

COLD SEAT

IT’S A MAN’S MAN’S MAN’S WORLD

I FEEL GOOD

OUT OF SIGHT

BEWILDERED

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE

And many more

# # #

I have had both LIVE IN BOSTON GARDENS 1968 AND MAN TO MAN LIVE AT THE APOLLO for quite a few years now.

I,m hoping and praying that the dvds will include cut footage such as James Brown,s introduction with the song "I RULED THE WORLD", Bobby Byrd and JB,s duet on the song, 'YOU GOT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND" as well as Bobby,s full set.

It is rumoured that backstage footage was also shot but whether it will be shown also remains to be seen. Finally the release of JB in his prime concerts will show today,s generation how it is done! So start saving your money! Come August, we gonna have a FUNKY GOOD TIME!

THREE SOUL MUSIC VIDEO CONCERTS EVERY BLACK HOUSEHOLD SHOULD HAVE

It,s March already folks and in another month or two we will soon be experiencing warm weather. Being a video collector of soul music, these are my top 3 picks of the Greatest Soul Music Concerts on film of all time.

1. JAMES BROWN: LIVE AT THE BOSTON GARDENS (1968)

Before he became known as the Godfather of Soul, James Brown was known as "Soul Brother #1" and this dynamic show shows him at the height of his career in his prime. The night after Dr. King was assassinated, JB and Mayor Kevin White agreed to televise the scheduled concert, hoping that it would keep peace in the city of Boston. The streets were eerily quiet as people stayed home glued to their tv sets watching the first full televised James Brown concert ever shown on live tv.

Bobby Byrd, Emcee Maceo Parker, and the lovely Miss Marva Whitney, along with the "Hardest Working Man In Show Business" put on a rousing performance lasting well over 2 hours. A show so hot that it was rerun on tape after the live show ended. The stunning highlight was near the finale of the show was when scores of Black youths stormed the stage to touch their hero and the Boston police began to force them back, it looked that everything was about to be destroyed in one fell swoop.

But... JAMES BROWN took control, exhibiting his amazing influence on the throng and it ACTUALLY WORKED. Soul Brother #1 stopped the band and finally got them to leave the stage so he could finish the show. His third appearance on stage that night, singing, sweating and dancing up a storm and there is NOT EVEN A HINT OF TIREDNESS OR OUT OF BREATH! A true testament to his stamina, fitness (being a former boxer before embarking on a singing career) and will power.

The Secret Service figured that anyone who could stop a riot singlehandedly, had too much power, especially a BLACK entertainer and set up heavy surveillance on Mister Dynamite,s activities. No wonder James Brown was put on the cover of LOOK magazine after this show with the title, "IS THIS THE MOST IMPORTANT MAN IN BLACK AMERICA?" Not officially available but heavily bootlegged show may see an official release sometime this year. This is definitely my #1 pick of the 5 most important Black concert videos of all time.

2. WATTSTAX (1972)

Called the "BLACK WOODSTOCK", this concert documentary delivers on ALL fronts. From the setting of the massive stage at the Oakland Coliseum, to the arrival of the performers by plane, bus, and limo. From the backstreets, alleyways and stoops, to the barbershops and hair salons. From the people of all walks of life, to the dress and language of the times. From the vibrant spiritual energy of the Black church, to a packed nightclub, from raw first hand accounts of life witnessed by Watts residents, to the 100,000 strong filled football coliseum.

Some of the greatest filmed performances include The Emotions belting out a gospel tune in a small packed spirit-fille church, blues artist Little Milton sitting by a campfire with guitar in hand, Luther Ingram poised on stage, backed by a soulful band with female background singers, and Johnny Taylor sweating and gyrating in a crowded nightclub as the pimps and players arrive on the scene.

Reverend Jesse Jackson, sporting a full afro, leads the vast throng at the football field in his "Sieze The Time" speech. Richard Pryor banters his blue humor before a off camera crew. Rufus Thomas, known as the "Clown Prince of Soul", shows everyone how to do the "Funky Chicken" & "The Breakdown" as he urges to crowd to get out on the field and dance. Black Soul-rock group the Barkays turn up the heat with their flashy funky outfits while performing their big monster hit, "Son Of Shaft". "Black Moses" Issac Hayes, sporting his trademark gold chains and dark sunglasses, turns out the show,s finale with the "Theme From Shaft".

Other notables include: blues master Albert King, rare stage performance by gospel great Jimmy Jones, the Staple Singers, and Kim Weston. Ted Lange (pre "Love Boat" days) and the actor who played "Woody" (Aunt Ester,s husband on "Sanford & Son") are among the cast of characters who reflect on the daily living and struggles (abet humorously) in the black community. Blacks from all walks of life are shown speaking their minds on past, present and future events.

So if you are looking for a great addition for your collection, Wattstax has celebrated its 20th anniversary release and is available in 2 disc remastered form

including Albert King,s and Issac Hayes extended versions of their performances.

3. SAVE THE CHILDREN (1973}

Fascinating filmed account of the Push 1973 Expo in Chicago. Many exceptional acts lending their talents for a very worthy cause. Jesse Jackson is a host on the show as well as Don Cornelius (host of Soul Train) with artists such as: Jerry Butler & Brenda Lee Eggar, The Ojays, Marvin Gaye, Nancy Wilson, Rev. James Cleveland, Curtis Mayfield, the Chi-lites.

Highlights of the show include the Jackson Five singing a medley of their hits, Nancy Wilson going on stage despite a bout with the flu and showing a real trooper spirit. Sammy Davis Jr., (who invoked their ire of many blacks because of the well-publicized photo of him hugging President Nixon) telling the throng that he won,t sing if they don,t want him there, and receiving shouts of encouragement. After belting out the song, "I Gotta Be Me", his eyes well up with tears as the audience rises to their feet with thunderous applause.

We need more releases of Black Historic film concerts; Pink Floyd, the Who, even U2 have made the rounds in the theaters, the latter in IMAX I believe. Wattstax and Save the Children both appeared in the neighborhood theaters about a year apart between 1972 & 1973. I will bet my last dollar that the re-release of these films, digitally remastered and put on the big screen again, would invoke moviegoers by the droves and really show "today,s generation" what real music talent was all about. Until then it,s video tapes and dvds. But we can dream, can,t we?

MILLIE JACKSON: RARE LIVE 1990 APOLLO CONCERT VIDEO

"

MILLIE JACKSON LIVE AT APOLLO 1990





Bold! Sassy! Outspoken! Brash! She,s all that and more! She,s the outrageous MILLIE JACKSON! Never has any singer, male or female, reveled in such a strong stage performance, singing songs for the mature adult-only crowd. 

She has spawned a row of successors, including Little Kim, Da Brat and Foxy Brown, among others over the years. I have had the privilege of seeing a rare and hard-to-find MILLIE JACKSON concert on VHS entitled:

MILLIE JACKSON LIVE AT THE APOLLO 1990

This rare only for mature audiences concert showcases "The Queen of Raunch" at what she does best! 

Millie J. performs her hits ranging from the classic "IF YOU,RE NOT BACK IN LOVE BY MONDAY" (she also does it country-style ala Merle Haggard!), to the outrageous and bawdy "LET ME FEEL IT"(maybe not the exact title but it comes close).

Millie steps off the stage as she sings/raps to the men in the audience if they don,t mind if she feels "it" and proceeds to do just THAT! 

When I saw her going out into the audience from "willing" man to man doing (just use your imagination!), I fell to the floor with uncontrollable laughter! 

At one point, a woman (shades of the L WORD) comes running down the steps at her but stops short when Millie looks up and screams "NO, NO, NO,DON,T WANT TO FEEL IT, CAN,T MAKE ME FEEL IT!"

Even the cameramen wasn,t safe from Millie,s foray, as he seemed to quite enjoy it!

 During one song she kicks off her shoes and walks around the stage barefoot, while exchanging profanity-laced banter with the audience who kept hollering for more! 

Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor would have felt right at home here. This is NOT FOR CHURCH FOLK as she proclaims on one of her more recent albums.

So if you,re a Millie Jackson fan and either heard one of her live recordings such as "LIVE AND UNCENSORED" or checked out her official live dvd, "MILLIE JACKSON LIVE AT THE JUNCTION" (available at Amazon.com, see below) chances are you will love this too. 

Just dust off your pc, adjust your chair, flex your fingers and enter the wide, wide, world of the internet. Trust me, you will find it sooner or later if you don,t give up!