Standing In The Shadows of Motown

Rating:
Summary: Magical
Review: What started out as a project of interest only to musicians- Alan "Dr. Funk" Slutsky's book/project honoring James Jamerson- grew to become a project to recognize and honor all the musicians that made the Motown magic. This movie is a moving and wonderfully entertaining look at the players behind the scenes who helped create the Motown sound.

Of course, at the core was Berry Gordy and his vision of a new R&B that cross race barriers and play the same venues as the top white acts of the day, And composers- most notable Smokey Robinson- were a big part of the sound as well. And I suppose some might argue that if it wasn't these guys, it could have easily been another dozen players who helped realize the Motown Sound (Although finding another Jamerson would have been tough).

But so what? This movie isn't about crediting the Motown Sound to the men honored in it; rather, it's about looking behind the scenes and honoring a group of musicians who were an instrumental part of the Motown magic, men who until now have been known to only a few musicians and people in the business.

I'm a musician, and I grew up in Detroit during the Motown era, so seeing the movie and the DVD was for me a given, of course. And for the same reasons I'd saying buying this is a requirement for anyone who grew up in Detroit back then, or anyone who was a fan of Motown. Just seeing the Funk Brothers playing in the original Motown studio on Grand Boulevard is enough to bring tears to your eyes. And for the same reason, seeing this film is an absolute must for any musician who's ever played soul, funk, pop or R&B.

Rating:
Summary: This Movie Is Great!
Review: I became a friend of Bob Olhsson in 1959. He joined Motown as a disk lathe operator, and later a recording engineer in the 1960's. He is unhappy that Standing In The Shadows does not address all the other people who created the Motown sound. Nevertheless I'ts my favorite DVD. I think the re-recordings are great!

Rating:
Summary: Great Documentary!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this dvd. The Funk Brothers just seem like a great bunch of down-to-earth guys who truly love music. They are also hilarious, as they tell stories from years gone by. The live numbers (in particular those with Joan Osbourne, Me'Shell NdegeOcello, and Chaka Khan) were also well done. I wouldn't describe myself as a big Motown fan, but I enjoyed this far more than I expected. The great spirit of these musicians is just infectious, and sure to brighten one's mood.

Rating:
Summary: good info, but overall dull
Review: I was looking forward to seeing this documentary. However I was sorely disappointed, becuase it's much too slick. It has that corporate "Buena Vista Social Club" feel about it. What really put me off is the initial interviews with the "real music fans" in the record store. These were obviously scripted responses("No, who ARE The Funk Brothers!") to simple questions ("Do you know who The Funk Brothers are?") - also, the way it was filmed is mighty annoying. The director uses that "Ken Burns pan effect" throughout this film, and everything looks way too perfect. There are a couple of touching scenes in the old Motown studios, but overall I was left with a vacant feeling. Plus, am I mistaken, or is Berry Gordy almost completely absent from this film? Watch it if you're a hardcore Motown fan, otherwise just spend your money on a good Motown compilation.

Rating:
Summary: The Funk Brothers have left 'The Shadows of Motown'
Review: After watching the movie Standing in the Shadows of Motown. I have come to realize that all of the music I have grown up loving is by the Funk Brother, I feel really guilty of not even stopping for a moment to go look who made it or go and see who the artist was. It's like going to a restaurant and eating a spectacular meal and not even trying to find out who cooked it, automatically giving the credit to the restaurant itself. That's what thousands of millions of people did throughout the years. They didn't give credit to the chef (The Funk Brothers) they gave the credit to the restaurant (Motown). After years and years of The Funk Brothers just trying to make it big they just retired.
One of the things in this movie that really brings it to life were the stunning reenactments. They really lighted up the screen, the black and white stage and the fifties / sixties atmosphere really makes you feel like the event is actually happening. What really makes the reenactments work were The Funk Brothers telling the stories while the reenactment was happening. Other great part was where the little boy was pulling back the string on the ant hill to make a guitar.
Now between each section of the movie they play bits and pieces of a concert that The Funk Brothers are playing at. They have guest singers that accompany the Funk Brothers as well.
A great deal of the film was spent talking about the Bass Guitar legend James Jamerson. They talk about him and his son, and how he was the worlds greatest bass player. This also saddens me because why didn't he get any recognition for any of the work, him and his fellow Funk Brothers did in the Snake Pit.
Now your probably asking whats the Snake Pit, well its where the Funk Brothers practiced and created almost all of there songs.
This movie is a classic, I strongly recommend it. It gives you the answer to the question you ask yourself time and time again when you listen to the Motown Sound. "Who's playing this?"


Rating:
Summary: So Beautifully Done..
Review: I'm a fan of old Motown music. I grew up on it and I still believe it to be some of the most important music ever written in American music history. Watching this documentary was a total joy. It not only gives us insight of the working of early Motown, it is a lesson in American pop music culture. It was also a little sad. Here these men are the crators of the "Motown Sound" and prior to this documentary, they never received any credit for their arrangements of songs that have each been covered by modern artists time and time again. I have to tell you, these men were not only extremely talented, but a class act. I was a little surprised that they were not more bitter toward Berry Gordy for pimping them for their talents without ever giving them credit on any album and moving to California without so much of a lay-off notice. Anyway, watch this documentary and learn what work, talent and dedication it took for the Funk Brothers to arrange the soundtrack of the adolescence of many.

Rating:
Summary: For Every Musician It Is A Must See..
Review: This is not only a Documentary but you have some of your top singers performing in this movie. And with the DVD format you can go to the Deleted scenes etc and see certain segments of the movie that you would not normally see on a VHS. For the price I believe it is good simply because if you go anywhere else they are going to charge you $19.99 and that is not including tax. So it is a deal getting it for less then $15.00 and that includes S/H too.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT HISTORICAL VALUE
Review: Beside this being the most exhaustive history of "MOTOWN" the music clips are fantastic. Joan Osborne accompanied by what now exists as the FUNK BROTHERS rendition of HEATWAVE is worth the price all by itself.