Bentley’s Bandstand January 2021
Up From the Streets, New Orleans: The City of Music. There are moments when just thinking about the music that originated in New Orleans can be an overwhelming celebration. There is so much, and almost all of it has been a true gift of life to hear and experience live. That said, many of those who made that music have gone on to that great Crescent City in the sky that there can be a case of massive melancholy for all who’ve been lost. Watching this totally knocked-out film of absolute musical ecstasy goes a long way in recharging the batteries that used to fuel all those who would visit the city of New Orleans with senses wide open and the spirit tuned into that life-affirming inner-psychic station of WJOY. Basking in all the crazed expectations of just how liberating a visit to the City that Care Forgot could be.
Director Michael Murphy and film host Terence Blanchard really have hit the note with all they offer up on this unbeatable viewing pleasure. As New Orleans treasure Allen Toussaint says in the documentary: “New Orleans makes you fall in love with music.” All the giants are in the film, from the earliest days of jazz to gospel greats, the city’s irresistible street parade bands on to rhythm & blues kingpins who actually helped invent rock & roll, soul kings and queens, right up to the new breed hip-hoppers and beyond. It’s not possible to really describe everything that is captured here, except to say it would be a tear-jerking crime to miss out on the movie. And thankfully the section on the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 shows how courage and inspiration helped save a city like no other in the world.
Years ago the musical philosopher Ernie “Mother-in-Law” K-Doe stated: “I’m not sure but I’m almost positive that all music came from New Orleans.” And to immerse the soul into this film completely–because there is simply no other way to watch it– is to understand exactly what K-Doe was talking about. Yeah you right.
Visit Bentley’s Bandstand January 2021 on Americana Highways
