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RITY
Productions Releases Soul To Soul
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1971
Concert Film Issued For The First Time On DVD With
Bonus CD
All-Star
Extravaganza Features Performance By Wilson Pickett,
Santana, Ike & Tina Turner, Staple Singers and
More
"I'm
proud to be able to say I was a part of that experience.
I have carried it with me for over 30 years …and
it will always be with me." - Mavis Staples
"Soul
ain't nothing but a feeling..." - Wilson Pickett
LOS
ANGELES - Long considered one of the greatest music
films of all time, Soul To Soul documented the monumental
March 6th 1971 concert in which a host of music and
cultural icons traveled from the U.S. to Ghana, West
Africa to take part in a 14-hour extravaganza celebrating
the 14th anniversary of Ghana's independence from
British rule.
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Reelin'
In The Years Productions, the world's largest music footage
library, and Rhino Home Video are honoring that historic
event by releasing Soul To Soul for the first time ever
on a two-disc set on August 24, 2004. Disc one contains
the 95-minute, full-length feature film and has been newly
remastered and restored from the original 35mm negative
by the Grammy Foundation. Disc two contains the original
soundtrack CD expanded to over 60 minutes of music including
performances not seen in the film.
Among the disc's many highlights are Ike & Tina Turner's
immortal rendition of "River Deep, Mountain High;"
the original Santana band performing their classic version
of "Black Magic Woman," and Mavis Staples and
Les McCann's emotional words as they witness the sorrow
of the Slave Dungeons of Ghana. Soul To Soul is such a collection
of electrifying musical performances and cultural interactions
that it's nearly impossible to narrow the film down to one
defining moment.
Over 100,000 enthusiastic locals gathered in Black Star
Square that day to witness the historic exchange of cultures.
Those in attendance, including the Reverend Jesse Jackson
saw Wilson Pickett performing a smoldering version of "Land
of 1000 Dances," jazz greats Les McCann and Eddie Harris
jamming with local Ghanian artist Amoah, gospel legends
The Staple Singers imploring for the oppressed on "When
Will We Be Paid," and more. Watched in a single setting,
Soul To Soul has spellbinding power, showcasing a brilliant
blend of traditional African music and the roots of American
soul.
The remastered Soul To Soul is presented in 5.1 surround
sound and is restored from the original 35 mm negative.
There are 15 classic performances, in addition to four separate
commentary tracks including Mavis Staples, Les McCann, Ike
Turner, Santana drummer Michael Shrieve and more. Other
special features include a bonus performance of Ike &
Tina Turner's risqué version of "I've Been Loving
You Too Long" salvaged from the cutting room floor
and a 24-page booklet with an essay by Grammy-award-winning
author Rob Bowman, featuring newly discovered photos from
the artists and crew.
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