Air Guitar Nation

 The documentary Air Guitar Nation follows a very specific competition. The passion of the performers is impressive. Just goes to show that there is a world for everyone.

Tina

I have always loved Tina Turner's work. The documentary Tina gives us the whole story and the whole person. What strength, what a career, what a talent, what a gift. I really liked this film.

Zappa

The documentary Zappa is a fantastic film about a talented artist, activist, composer and human. This film documents Frank Zappa's life and works on a very personal, heartfelt level. Much respect.

"Any decision you make based on money is not an artistic decision." ~Frank Zappa

Genius: Aretha

 Watching the life story of Aretha Franklin in the Genius TV series is so satisfying. Cynthia Erivo portrays the Queen of Soul in in a powerful way. Having seen Erivo live on Broadway a few years ago, I really appreciated this performance. Worth watching.

Never Too Late: The Doc Severinson Story

 The documentary Never Too Late: The Doc Severinson Story is an inspiring look a musical master. Doc Severinson's life and career is fascinating too me. What a talent. Excellent documentary. 

Stardust

 The film Stardust tells the story of David Bowie's first visit to the US and the inspiration for Ziggy Stardust. The story is actually quite amusing and this film is well done.

We Are Freestyle Love Supreme

I'm so sorry that I missed this show live, but the documentary We Are Freestyle Love Supreme is very satisfying. "Fit me like a well worn hoodie." Shows that happen for the first and last time...that's improv...that's art. Well worth watching.

David Byrne's American Utopia

The Broadway presentation of David Byrne's Utopia is available to enjoy on HBOmax. For this Broadway fan who especially loves music, dance and creativity, this is a treat. Lockdown has curtailed my Broadway attendance, so a show like this brought into my home is a dream. I'll be back in the theater some day, but for now, I will be grateful for presentations like this.

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

The film Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President is an interesting documentary. Carter was the first President I voted for. I still remember getting my absentee ballot notarized at the general store in Bethany, WV when I was in college. It Was fun to see Providence, RI gets a moment. Carter is is honest and sincere. Worth a watch. 

Music is the voice of the heart ~ Garth Brooks

The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart

Watching The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart  I realized that their music was the sound track of my formative years. The Bee Gees' music was always on the radio or in films when I was a teenager and young adult. So singable and fun to dance to. What a contribution their talents brought to our culture. This is an excellent music documentary about a family of talented performers. What a ride!

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Dynamic writing, performances and soundtrack make Ma Rainey's Black Bottom a solid portrayal of art, discrimination and principles. So good.

The High Note

 In The High Note we get a story of music, determination and principles set in the music industry. The star is played by Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of Diana Ross, who is a wonderful singer in her own right. I was happy to see in promotional interviews, that her Mom liked the film.

Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band

The documentary Once Were Brothers follows The Band in Robbie Robertson's words. Lots of photos, archival footage and interviews. Cool music history. Good rental. 

"The creative process is trying to catch yourself off guard...just see what happens." ~ Robbie Robertson

Divine Madness

The concert movie Divine Madness brings us Bette Midler at her finest. The staging of this is divine, the performance is divine, the artist is divine. The film is well named. I especially liked the the last half hour. What a performance.

Tap

I saw Tap when it came out in theaters. I love to watch tap dancing, especially when it's Gregory Hines, Sammy Davis Jr. and Savion Glover. Three of the best. Suzzanne Douglas has chops too, and Joe Morton brings it as the heavy. Really like this film.

John and Yoko: Above Us Only Sky

 The documentary John and Yoko: Above Us Only Sky is the gentle story of the making of the album Imagine. The story of the collaboration between John Lennon and Yoko Ono is interesting and creative. The archival footage is fascinating and comforting. A lovely piece of music history.

Summer Stock

 On an invitation by her sister, in Summer Stock a young woman lets a group of performers use their farm to stage their performances. The line between the survival of the farm and putting on a musical becomes blurred by best of intentions. Two different goals must be met and the conflicts supply the drama and comedy. The music, dance and performances of both are great.

Janie Jones

I first saw Janie Jones at Tribeca Film Festival. On a rewatch I am reminded of the dramatic family circumstances with an underlying sweetness. There is trauma, struggle, rejection, growth, maturity and music. This film holds up. 

Sweet Charity

The first time I can remember my parents going to the movies was when they went to see Sweet Charity with their friends in the theater. They talked about it for weeks after. I was 12. They bought the soundtrack album and I knew all the songs, and I have seen clips of the dance number over the years, but had never seen the film in its entirety. Today I fixed that. The story, the music, the choreography, such a fun film. I really liked the Laugh-In references, Fickle Finger of Fate and Sock it to me. The sign of the time Rythm of Life Church played well portraying the era, Big Daddy is the jam. His take on the Ten Commandments are so great. Church of the Month Club served Oscar well. The sass and determination in Charity and her friends is admirable, and lyrics like "get up get out and do it" are empowering. Smatter in a few declarations of  "up yours" and we know exactly how they feel. I'm glad I saw this on DVD because there is an alternate ending in the extras, which I preferred.This is a wonderful movie, and I did go back and watch all of the dance numbers before I returned the disc. Great rental.

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice

The music in Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice was on constant play on the radio and on my stereo in my high school and college years. Going behind the scenes in this documentary with archival footage and interviews gives wonderful insight to her art and career. What a voice. What a heart. This is a great rental.