Things that make me happy... Marley the Movie

Things that make me happy... Marley the Movie (2012)

"Marley", the new movie just released this month, is a powerful documentary about the musical legend Bob Marley. The director, Kevin MacDonald, gives his master stroke to tell the story of Robert Nesta Marley, reggae music legend and founding father. Featuring many of the people closest to him (Bunny Wailer, Rita Marley, Ziggy, and many others) they talk about the man and the music he created.  This documentary is not only for fans, but for people that want to learn about one of the most influential artist of the past 100 years.  The film feature concert footage, alternate versions of his classic hits, and some of his less popular stuff. You can feel the evolution of his music, political views, and activism.

The good news is that you can view this movie in theater (limited release in major cities) and on demand video now. It is playing on most cable systems and several online streaming video sources. This simultaneous release could be a sign of the future as the time between theater release and direct to home is shrinking every year.  Only warning... Keep your window open. You could get high just from watching the movie. But then its Bob... what would you expect. lol.

 Bob Marley died on May 11 1981 from cancer.  But until the very end, although his body was failing him his spirit was never broken. One Love...

Movie Trailer

Clip from the movie.

Pros

1. Great director and great documentary about the legend. Accurate portrayal of Marley.

2. Awesome concert footage. Damn. Marley was an awesome performing.

3. The music and the many ways it united and moved people.

Cons

1. Wish they had more interviews of Marley himself. 

2. Could have featured more concerts footage.

For an interesting article on Bunny Wailer... Bob Marley's mentor and original band member. Goto my previous blog

 Bunny Wailer GQ Article

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy this week... Matisyahu @ Festivals of Lights

Things that make me happy this week... Matisyahu @ Festivals of Lights

What do you get when when you mix reggae, rock, hip hop and traditional Judaism? The beautifully soulful musical artistry of Matisyahu.

Matisyahu is a musician that defies classification.  He is simply an artist that shows music really has no bounds.  My first introduction to this artist was on a NYC TV show where I saw this reggae artist diving into a crowd and he was dressed in a traditional hassidic outfit. First I thought this was a gimmick, but after listening to his album, Light, I realize his skills were legit.  He is known for his hits "King without a Crown' and "One Day" both making it to the top of rock and reggae charts.  But he has many influences in  his music style. Matisyahu musical range include beatboxing, rapping, Jazz styled scat singing, and Judaism Hazzan style of prayer singing.

This past week he played four concerts in NYC for the Festival of Lights at the Williamsburg Music and Webster Halls.  On Thursday night, Webster Hall was packed with adoring fans singing many of his hits and crowd diving from the stage.  As a giant disco driedel hangs from the ceiling, Matisyahu dances, beatbox, and sing most of his hits from his various albums.

Webster Hall - Festival of Light - Youth

One Day

Time of your song

King without a crown

Concert Pros

1. Great band and performance by Matisyahu

2. Disco Driedel... pretty cool actually.

3. Yiddish Lil Wayne guy that came to rap.

Cons

1. No beard on Matisyahu which is a signature look for him. Good music anyways.

2. Venue was okay. Good for this type of concert but a bit warm.

Check out Matisyahu music if you want something a little different this holiday season.

Albums - Light, Live at Stubbs I & II, Youth, Shake of the dust 

Or catch a live show... he is always touring all around the world.

S.F Guru

Things that make me happy… The Last Wailer

April 17, 2011,

Things that make me happy… The Last Wailer

Spring time rocks!!  Winter is over and its time to for things to start growing again, much like a new beginning.  Maybe that’s why I always find myself reconnecting with my roots this time of year.  For me that includes Jamaican culture, in specific food and music.  As I prepare for my helping of Easter bun and cheese and the beginning of mango season, I figure I would explore something new. Let’s start with some music history… 

How much do you remember about the reggae legends like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Beres Hammond, Barrington Levy, Shabba, and Super Cat?  I remember as a kid, my parents listening to Bob Marley and Wailers blasting throughout the house as I finished my chores (yes, I had chores despite popular belief.) There aren’t many artist producing music that can stand the test of time the way the legends have.

I didn’t realize that there is only one member of the Wailer still alive? 

Bunny Wailer still is alive and kicking and living in Jamaica.  Most people don't know that Bunny taught Marley alot about music. Talented in his own right, he was one of the founding member and was sort of an older brother to Bob.  It's good to hear that, he occasionally still does music but spends most of his time in his home near Kingston. He recently did an interview in a magazine and discussed not only music but the current state of Jamaican politics including a good explanation of the recent Kingston violence associated with the capture of Jamaican drug kingpin Dudas.  Bunny seems to be a supporter of this man and thinks of Dudas as a good man caught in bad Jamaican politics. There a quick history lessons of the creation of the garrison system (and the political parties PNP and JLP) and the lasting the effects on Jamaican society and government for those that may interest.

Link to article
The Last Wailer Music: GQ.com

If you want to hear some of Bunny classic songs…

Reincarnated Souls

http://youtu.be/-7Tv052M_kE

He Who Feels It Knows It

http://youtu.be/zuZWf-w46m0

Moses Children

http://youtu.be/wWjh5zed-F4

Innocent Blood

http://youtu.be/oyaqijPqtP8

Sometimes its good to go exploring for new things. Never know what you might learn.  Well I am going to put Bunny in my playlist this week. And play some classic Marley this weekend when I do my chores…just like old times.

I am curious who did your parents' listen too when you were young?