Filmmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson” brings to the screen for the first
time, in his documentary Summer Of Soul, footage from The Harlem Cultural
Festival concert that took place over the course of 6 weeks during the
summer of 69.
Taking place at the same time as, and only one hundred miles from, the more
famous Woodstock Concert, the concert in Harlem which included performances
from famous names such as Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family
Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ray Baretto, Abbey Lincoln and Max
Roach has largely been forgotten, footage taken at the time had been left
lying on a shelf for over 50 years.
Now for the first time Thompson, through interviews with the stars who took
part, people who organised the event and members of the public who were
there, shines a light on a concert that’s been overshadowed by its near and
more famous neighbour.
Your enjoyment of Summer of Soul will largely depend on your taste in
music, if 60’s soul and Motown isn’t your thing then watching this isn’t
going to change your opinion, however even if you have only half an
interest in the music on offer there’s such an eclectic mix of performances
here that there’s bound to be something for you to enjoy.
