Rating: 
Summary: Classic Gil Scott-Heron
Review: First of all, let's be honest here. There can be no denying that this documentary is a great tribute to Gil Scott-Heron's words and music, but it is clearly not for everybody. Gil Scott-Heron, while having a legion of loyal fans, has never been a mainstream artist. His first significant national exposure was probably through his appearance as a musical guest on "Saturday Night Live," when Richard Pryor hosted the show during the end of 1975. On that episode, he performed "Johannesburg" (which he also performs in this documentary). However, Gil Scott-Heron could not get arrested on the show today, which now showcases primarily mainstream artists like Ricky Martin. This does not in anyway diminish Scott-Heron's talent or influence as an artist -- if anything it boosts it. This is particularly true in the wake of this documentary's release on homevideo. Robert Mugge, the Philadelphia-based filmmaker best known for his documentaries on African American music artists, does some of his best work on BLACK WAX. The director wisely chooses to have the film "speak for itself" through the words and music of Gil Scott-Heron, rather than have some "expert" talk about him. This is particularly significant given the politically charged nature of much of Scott-Heron's work (e.g., Whitey on the Moon, "B" Movie) and the fact that Robert Mugge is not African American. Performance footage of Gil Scott-Heron's best known songs are intercut with scenes of him walking through the streets of Washington, DC commenting on the issues of the day. Also included are some amusing segments where Scott-Heron "addresses" wax statues of John Wayne and several U.S. presidents. Although this film was shot during the beginning of the Reagan presidency, much of what Gil Scott-Heron talks about is still revelant today. One cannot help but sense the irony when Scott-Heron refers to the then vice president as George "Papa Doc" Bush, when his son, George W. (who as governor of Texas, lead the nation in executions), will soon succeed Bill Clinton as president of the United States. Also, Scott-Heron's commentary on Reagan's so called election "mandate" is sure to elicit a response for those who witnsssed the razor-thin election of 2000, which brought George W. to the White House. You can bet this documentary will not be on W.'s required viewing list! In general, Scott-Heron's unabashedly liberal message will not sit well with middle America. But for those with progressive or liberal leanings, this documentary is like a breath of fresh air. As an added bonus, you get "Is That Jazz?:A Mug-Shot Afterthought," which immediately follows the film. It is essentially a performance film of the title song (which was originally the flip side of the "B" Movie single) with no outside commentary. For fans of Gil Scott-Heron, this documentary is a must for your video collection. If you lean to the left on the political spectrum, this video is also worthy of serious consideration. Jazz aficionados might also like the music and the band which is first-rate. For everybody else, I would suggest checking out one of Gil Scott-Heron's albums first (particularly from his late 1970's/early 1980's period) before buying this video. In short, Gil Scott-Heron is well represented on this video, but to use the vernacular, you've got to "dig what he's putting down."
Rating:
Summary: Classic Gil Scott-Heron
Review: First of all, let's be honest here. There can be no denying that this documentary is a great tribute to Gil Scott-Heron's words and music, but it is clearly not for everybody. Gil Scott-Heron, while having a legion of loyal fans, has never been a mainstream artist. His first significant national exposure was probably through his appearance as a musical guest on "Saturday Night Live," when Richard Pryor hosted the show during the end of 1975. On that episode, he performed "Johannesburg" (which he also performs in this documentary). However, Gil Scott-Heron could not get arrested on the show today, which now showcases primarily mainstream artists like Ricky Martin. This does not in anyway diminish Scott-Heron's talent or influence as an artist -- if anything it boosts it. This is particularly true in the wake of this documentary's release on homevideo. Robert Mugge, the Philadelphia-based filmmaker best known for his documentaries on African American music artists, does some of his best work on BLACK WAX. The director wisely chooses to have the film "speak for itself" through the words and music of Gil Scott-Heron, rather than have some "expert" talk about him. This is particularly significant given the politically charged nature of much of Scott-Heron's work (e.g., Whitey on the Moon, "B" Movie) and the fact that Robert Mugge is not African American. Performance footage of Gil Scott-Heron's best known songs are intercut with scenes of him walking through the streets of Washington, DC commenting on the issues of the day. Also included are some amusing segments where Scott-Heron "addresses" wax statues of John Wayne and several U.S. presidents. Although this film was shot during the beginning of the Reagan presidency, much of what Gil Scott-Heron talks about is still revelant today. One cannot help but sense the irony when Scott-Heron refers to the then vice president as George "Papa Doc" Bush, when his son, George W. (who as governor of Texas, lead the nation in executions), will soon succeed Bill Clinton as president of the United States. Also, Scott-Heron's commentary on Reagan's so called election "mandate" is sure to elicit a response for those who witnsssed the razor-thin election of 2000, which brought George W. to the White House. You can bet this documentary will not be on W.'s required viewing list! In general, Scott-Heron's unabashedly liberal message will not sit well with middle America. But for those with progressive or liberal leanings, this documentary is like a breath of fresh air. As an added bonus, you get "Is That Jazz?:A Mug-Shot Afterthought," which immediately follows the film. It is essentially a performance film of the title song (which was originally the flip side of the "B" Movie single) with no outside commentary. For fans of Gil Scott-Heron, this documentary is a must for your video collection. If you lean to the left on the political spectrum, this video is also worthy of serious consideration. Jazz aficionados might also like the music and the band which is first-rate. For everybody else, I would suggest checking out one of Gil Scott-Heron's albums first (particularly from his late 1970's/early 1980's period) before buying this video. In short, Gil Scott-Heron is well represented on this video, but to use the vernacular, you've got to "dig what he's putting down."
Rating: 
Summary: 70% talking, 30% playng
Review: I don't recommend this DVD for anybody, The musicians are not trascendents. Its an ordinary Video. Excuse me
Rating:
Summary: 70% talking, 30% playng
Review: I don't recommend this DVD for anybody, The musicians are not trascendents. Its an ordinary Video. Excuse me
Rating: 
Summary: Tight
Review: it's Hard Getting Film On Gil Scott-Heron but thankful for this.His Band&Him are in TIght Form all the way.Gil Scott-Heron is a Great Musical Genius Who Has A Great Fusion in His Work.also One Of The Greatest Minds of Music.His words are Still On Point.Very Essential Stuff.
Rating:
Summary: more classic soul and jazz on dvd
Review: THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE CHANCE TO WRITE A REVIEW. GIL SCOTT-HERON WAS AHEAD OF HIS TIME, PRECEDING THE HIP HOP GENERATION WITH SOCIALLY CONSIOUS RHYMES, AND THE USE OF GHETTO SLANG. I HAVEN'T HAD THE CHANCE TO REVIEW THIS PARTICULAR DVD, BUT I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH HIS WORK. I WROTE THIS REVIEW TO MAKE A REQUEST TO THE COMPANY TO KEEP BRINGING RARE CLASSIC SOUL AND JAZZ LIVE PERFORMANCES THROUGH DVD FORMAT. I AM PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN JAZZ FESTIVALS. SOME OF MY FAVORITE ARTISTS ARE FROM THE FUSION AND ACID JAZZ GENRE. AS FAR AS SOUL I AM INTERESTED IN MOTOWN AND STAX. THANK YOU
Rating:
Summary: Exactly
Review: The cover blurb on this DVD says something like "No artist was ever better served by a documentary...", and that seems to me about right. I had heard a couple of GSH tunes before I saw this on PBS in about '83, and I was somewhat impressed, but what I'd heard was short radio-friendly stuff, and alas, this was of course in the days after the short exquisite life of Beautiful Radio was ended by brutal corporate murder, so radio-friendly meant short and easily accessible, whereas I was listening for audio with more protein than sugar, so I was only mildly tweaked. Then I saw this doc, and was an instant convert. I was quite buzzed by his articulate intelligence, but about when the long slow meandering spoken introduction to "Angeldust" slyly and seamlessly passed through poetry into song, I realized I was watching genius at work. I have been a fan ever since, and not regretted it an instant. It is wonderful to have this brilliant bit of filmmaking available. Now, if we could only please have the video (preferrably full length) of the performance captured on the double live CD "Tales of Gil Scott Heron and the Amnesia Express", which in CD form is criminally long out of print, while the video is currently only available in europe, and only 62 minutes long.
Rating:
Summary: Poetic Genius
Review: The editorial review was just about dead on. Gil Scott Heron, in his poetic genius, brought to light stories of the people, stories of the streets, and an honest look at the role politics played with the people. Though "not for everybody" perhaps, his lyrics to "Whitey on the Moon" ring true once again, today. Powerful, powerful stuff from a man in a class all by himself. I only wish there were more videos of his other works. If you have a love for the written word, for poetry that strikes you, makes you think and has a rhythm to it -- also have a look at Pinero (starring Benjamin Bratt) and Cyrano de Bergerac (starring Jose Ferrer). These 3 videos, though totally different, are each wonderful works.
Rating:
Summary: Poetic Genius
Review: The editorial review was just about dead on. Gil Scott Heron, in his poetic genius, brought to light stories of the people, stories of the streets, and an honest look at the role politics played with the people. Though "not for everybody" perhaps, his lyrics to "Whitey on the Moon" ring true once again, today. Powerful, powerful stuff from a man in a class all by himself. I only wish there were more videos of his other works. If you have a love for the written word, for poetry that strikes you, makes you think and has a rhythm to it -- also have a look at Pinero (starring Benjamin Bratt) and Cyrano de Bergerac (starring Jose Ferrer). These 3 videos, though totally different, are each wonderful works.
Rating: 
Summary: From Greatness to Mediocrity
Review: There was a time when those who soul-searched for truth and knew it when they found were blessed with GSH . But now the great poet/orator is reduced to a type cast somekinda rapper ,rhyming on a dime but just stating the obvious. I don't disrespect GSH and I certainly am greatful for "his story" , but its just so sad and frustrating to see a truly great one run out of gas. I would recommend brother Gil read Eckhart Tolle to step out of his self and go deeper into his self, wow! now that would be interesting!
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