A Robert Mugge Film Pride and Joy: The Story of Alligator Records MVDVisual Among recent Robert Mugge films getting reworked for Blue-Ray release is his 1992 film, "Pride and Joy: The Story of Alligator Records." This film was centered around a Philadelphia Concert during Alligator's 20th Anniversary Tour," that featured performances by Koko Taylor and Her Blues Machine; the Lonnie Brooks Band; Elvin Bishop; Katie Webster; and Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials. Interspersed with the performances are interviews with Bruce Iglauer and others involved with Alligator, along with clips of staff meetings and discussions that give of sense of what was involved in running this independent blues label that is now celebrating forty-five years. The core of the film is the musical performances withe exceptional performances by all the named performers. Seeing Katie Webster was especially moving with her solo boogie and blues piano and vocals standing out even in such august company as Koko Taylor and Lonnie Brooks whose own performances are splendid. Everybody comes together for a closing, and rousing "Sweet Home Chicago," that is the musical climax of this wonderfully constructed documentary that marvelous integrates the performances and documentary segments. It is so welcome to have this new improved release.
I received my review copy from MVD Visual. This review originally appeared in the July-August 2016 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 367). Here is the trailer for this movie.
Its been over forty years since Otis Redding perished in a tragic plane crash. One of the stars of the R&B circuit, Redding was starting to become a major cross-over artist at the time of his death. He had toured Europe and was a major sensation at the Monterey Pop Festival. The future was looking bright when tragedy struck with a plane crash after a Cleveland, ohio appearance. After his death, besides the release of his biggest recording, “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” Atlantic issued “In Person At the Whiskey Au Go Go,” which presented ten performances from a 1966 stint at the famed Hollywood Club (Taj Mahal and the Rising Sons were the opening act). Another dish of Otis from this engagement appeared on LP and then CD. Now Concord has issued a double CD of the last three sets from Otis’ Whiskey appearance, “Live on the Sunset Strip” (Stax). Liner notes by Ashley Kahn provide the context for Otis and his band (that included Katie Webster on keyboards).
With respect to Otis Redding, the music is terrific. What can I say. There are any number of staples of his repertoire from “These Arms of Mine,” I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” the Stones’ “Satisfaction,” “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” “Respect,” and “Mr. Pitiful.” Some of these songs are heard in several renditions like “Satisfaction,” and “Chained & Bound,” and with his strong band, he tears things up. I presume that much of this was issued on the prior two live recordings, but there are some previously unissued tracks, and this reissue presents the compelling performances in the order in was heard by the audience. Over four decades later, Otis Redding’s music remains as gripping as when he performed on the Whiskey’s stage. Obviously those having the earlier reissues may not need this, but others who love “Sweet Soul Music,” will want this.
This was received from the publicity person handling this release.
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