Summer of Soul

by

This doc is like finding an old mixtape in your dad’s attic—pure gold.

Questlove digs up the Harlem Cultural Festival, and it’s a slam dunk. Stevie, Nina, Sly—everyone’s bringing their A-game. You watch this, and you feel the vibes, the history.

This will rank high when I create my Best of list of top concert festival documentaries. I’ll get to it…don’t you worry!

Enjoy!

Trailer for “Summer of Soul”

Watch “Summer of Soul”

You can watch “Summer of Soul” with subscription on:

You can also rent it on Amazon, Apple TV and Microsoft.com (for $3.99 last I checked).

You can find the latest streaming options at: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/summer-of-soul-or-when-the-revolution-could-not-be-televised

Ratings:

  • My Rating: 95/100
  • IMDB Rating: 8/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 98/100 (Users); 99/100 (Critics)

Release Date: January 28, 2021 (Sundance); June 25, 2021 (United States)

My Review of “Summer of Soul”

I thought I knew my music history. I was wrong.

Questlove’s directorial debut, “Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”, clocks in at a tight 118 minutes. It’s a treasure trove of long-lost footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.

This doc isn’t just a concert film. It’s a time machine.

We’re transported to Mount Morris Park, Harlem, during a sweltering summer over 50 years ago. The park is packed.

300,000 people attended over six weekends. That’s more than Woodstock.

The festival creators had so little budget that to record video of the event they had to have the bands face west so they could use the sun as natural light (they couldn’t afford lights).

Yet, until now, most of us had never heard of it. Why?

The footage sat in a basement for half a century. Forgotten. Ignored.

But not anymore.

Questlove weaves together electrifying performances with poignant interviews. He gives context to the music and the moment.

For the unititated, Questlove (Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson) is also the DJ, drummer and bandleader behind The Roots (the in-house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon since February 17, 2014).

We see Stevie Wonder, barely 19, tearing up the drums. His energy is infectious.

Nina Simone commands the stage with regal authority. Her rendition of “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” is spine-tingling.

But it’s not just the big names that shine. The 5th Dimension’s performance is a revelation.

They were often criticized for not being “black enough”. Here, we see them connecting deeply with the crowd.

Marilyn McCoo tears up watching the footage. “We were finally being accepted by our own people,” she says.

The doc doesn’t shy away from the turbulent times. 1969 was a year of immense change and challenge.

The moon landing happened during the festival. The reaction from the crowd is surprising.

“Never mind the moon, let’s get some of that money in Harlem,” one attendee quips.

Two of my favorite parts are:

Gladys Knight and the Pips nail “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”Sly

Family Stone come out in “two tone” (black and white).

We learn about the Black Panthers providing security for the event. It’s a far cry from their usual portrayal.

The fashion is a feast for the eyes. Afros, dashikis, and vibrant prints are everywhere.

It’s a celebration of Black pride and culture. You can feel the energy through the screen.

But it’s not all joy. The shadow of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination looms large.

Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples deliver a gut-wrenching tribute. Their voices blend in raw, emotional harmony.

The doc touches on topics that still resonate today. Police brutality. Economic inequality. Cultural identity.

We see how music became a form of resistance and healing. It’s a powerful reminder of art’s importance in turbulent times.

There are lighter moments too. The crowd’s reaction to Sly and the Family Stone is priceless.

Their integrated band and funky sound were revolutionary. You can see minds being blown in real-time.

Questlove’s attention to detail is impressive. He includes shots of the crowd between performances.

We see people dancing, laughing, and just being. It’s a snapshot of everyday Black life rarely seen in media of the time.

The doc also highlights lesser-known acts. The Chambers Brothers’ psychedelic soul is a standout.

We learn about promoter Tony Lawrence. His vision and hustle made the festival possible.

Lawrence managed to secure sponsorship from Maxwell House Coffee. It’s an early example of corporate involvement in Black culture.

The sound quality is surprisingly good for 50-year-old recordings. We can thank audio engineer Herb Downs for that.

Downs used innovative techniques to capture the performances. His work laid the groundwork for future live recordings.

The doc doesn’t just focus on the music. We see the impact on the local community.

Harlem was still recovering from the riots following King’s assassination. The festival brought a sense of unity and hope.

We hear from attendees who were children at the time. Their memories are vivid and touching.

One woman recalls her father lifting her onto his shoulders. She could see the entire crowd swaying in unison.

The doc also touches on the festival’s international flavor. Hugh Masekela brings South African rhythms to Harlem.

Thanks for reading!

Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc

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