November 2002 Standing in the Shadows of Motown

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Reviewed by Naleighna Kai Standing in the Shadows of Motown Distributor: Artisan Entertainment Director: Paul Justman Narrator: Andre Braugher The Funk Brothers: Richard "Pistol" Allen, Jack "Black Jack" Ashford, Bob Babbitt, Johnny Griffith, Joe Hunter, Uriel Jones, Joe Messina, Eddie "Chank" Willis, Benny "Papa Zita" Benjamin, James Jameson, Jr., Eddie "Bongo" Brown, Earl "Chunk of Funk" Van Dyke, Robert White What do you say about a film that touches your soul in a way that none has ever accomplished? What do you say about a film that recalls the untold story of "The Funk Brothers," who were the main ingredient to the "Motown Sound" and the backbone of a recipe that all have savored from the late 50's to the mid 70's? The "Motown Sound" thought by some to be the sole creation of Barry Gordy and a select few writers, but in reality, only came to light through the musical genius of studio musicians who came to be known as "The Funk Brothers." The lyrics perfected by those credited on albums too numerous to mention, were only the starting point for the music and melodies that have been the thread of musical fabric from R&B, Blues and Rock and Roll crossing American shores to the English channel. The Funk Brothers are musicians who honed their skills not in the classrooms of music schools or hours of lessons, but by pure natural ability and incomparable creativity spawned by difficult living conditions of the Deep South and hope-filled migrations to North America. Someone, in previous recounts regarding the timeline and historical features of Motown, neglected to tell the whole story. The Funk Brothers weren't just a part of the Motown Sound; they collectively created, and nurtured its evolution from the start in Detroit, Michigan to its untimely passing when Motown moved to California trying to recapture its former glory. Director Paul Justman, have effectively revealed on the screen what so many others have failed to mention. Standing in the Shadows of Motown is more than a documentary. Conversations with the remaining members of The Funk Brothers, laced with their own brand of wit and humor, are expertly weaved in with spectacular live performances of multi-platinum R&B artist, Gerald Levert as well as the rich, soulful sounds of Me'Shell NdegeOcello, the vivacious and legendary Chaka Khan; ever eclectic Bootsy Collins, soulful stirrings of Joan Osbourne, Montell Jordan and other mainstream artists also lend their voices and energy honoring the men who cultivated music that vibrates from R&B, Hip-hop, Jazz and blues even today. Standing in the Shadows of Motown spans the musician's lives before coming together in the makeshift studios of back rooms and basements of supporter's homes which produced hit after hit; and eventually the two-story shingled roof house on West Grand Boulevard that became the "headquarters." The lives of The Funk Brothers became interwoven with turbulent uprisings, the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other events that changed the course of American history. The Funk Brothers, comprised of men from different ethnic backgrounds become inseparable and Standing in the Shadows recall with love, and more than a sprinkling of humor the effects their lives, addictions, and personal triumphs had on the music and their careers. Members who are now "here in spirit," took their place, through poster-sized photographs placed on the stage by the remaining members yielding a spiritual touch to the film's final moments. The background stories of each member of "The Funk Brothers" filled in spaces of history left void by those who failed to see the importance these men held in the industry. Groups such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones and people of all cultures embraced their sounds like a woman comforting a long-lost lover. As a young girl, I remember the music created by The Funk Brothers, and rendered soulfully by Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, the Supremes and so many other stars. But as an adult, only after experiencing the pains and pleasures of living, growing and becoming, did the lyrics of these songs became real to me. After viewing Standing in the Shadows of Motown, the music itself, the instruments and the men who wielded them like weapons, all served to help me understand that the melodies had a life of their own. The Funk Brothers not only put their life's blood into their craft, but did so for love of the art, since the financial rewards were not always just, honest or even existent—and yet the band played on . . . Such memorable riffs as the base line of "My Girl," or the wake-up call from the snare drum on "Ain't too Proud to Beg," were enough to make the heart race and bodies sway with rhythm some didn't know they possessed. Yes, the music created by The Funk Brothers had more than life; it was a masterpiece and would still remain so, even if the artist singing the lead couldn't carry a note. Now that's music. I mean, real music. Standing in the Shadows of Motown rightly puts The Funk Brothers where they should be—out in the forefront of our memories of Motown and definitely in the spotlight of music history. Standing in the Shadows of Motown is due to hit theatres November 22, 2002. For more information visit www.blackfilm.com.