Product Description: In March 1971, several dozen American soul, jazz & gospel artists embarked on a journey to Ghana, West Africa that would change the lives of all involved. For the African American artists, this was a journey about personal roots, history, discovery, loss, pain and joy. The film documents a one-of-a-kind awe-inspiring festival where black American souls connected with black West African souls through the enduring power of music.
Directed by Academy AwardⓇ winner Denis Sanders and produced by Tom Mosk & Richard Bock, the resulting concert film/documentary features electrifying performances in front of over 100,000 Ghanaians who were witnessing these legendary artists for the first time. The film was recently restored to the original edit by reconstructing each scene using the high quality 2K transfers from the original film elements, which were shot in the 4:3 aspect ratio.
This is a monumental concert film that features artists at the peak of their powers. The Ike & Tina Turner Revue deliver fiery renditions of "River Deep-Mountain High," "Soul to Soul," a cut specifically written for this concert; and Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long" [appears as a special Blu-ray outtake]. Wilson Pickett, the most popular American artist known to West Africans at the time, delivers a rousing finale of "In the Midnight Hour," "Funky Broadway," and "Land of a 1000 Dances." Gospel/Soul family group the Staple Singers were on hand to perform "When Will Be We Paid" and "Are You Sure". Les McCann and Eddie Harris introduced many to jazz via spirited performances of "The Price You Gotta Pay to Be Free" and "Hey Jorler," the latter featuring local Ghanaian artist Amoah Azangeo. Santana, with guest percussionist Willie Bobo was the wild card. The group only had one African American member but given its reliance on Afro-Cuban and Latin American rhythm constructs played the most African-sounding music of any with "Black Magic Woman"/"Gypsy Queen" and "Jungle Strut".
Find out more about this DVD/Blu-ray release after the jump.
