Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 7 (2/22/23): "Songs in the Key of Life" and "Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet"

The "Songs in the Key of Life" documentary is a celebration of Stevie Wonder's renowned and well-regarded 1976 album. The documentary examines the recording of the album, highlighting Wonder's creative use of synthesizers and his blending of numerous musical styles, including gospel, jazz, and funk. It also looks at the album's themes of spirituality, social justice, and love and how they connected with listeners in the 1970s and still do today.

Along with rare archival video of Wonder's interviews and concerts, the movie includes performances of some of the album's most recognizable songs. Wonder discusses the creation of "Songs in the Key of Life" and his artistic philosophy throughout the documentary.

Overall, the film honors Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" for its brilliance and enduring influence and provides a detailed look into how one of the greatest albums in popular music history was created.

Stevie Wonder - Songs In The Key Of Life (Vinyl, LP, Album) | Discogs

In the documentary called "Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet", it examines the life and creative output of the avant-garde jazz musician and composer Sun Ra. The documentary includes old footage of Sun Ra's performances as well as interviews with those who worked with and admired him, such as musicians, academics, and artists.

The film focuses on Sun Ra's distinctive musical style, which incorporated jazz, blues, African rhythms, and themes from science fiction. It also explores Sun Ra's personal philosophy, which was influenced by Afrofuturism and ancient Egyptian mythology, as well as his conviction that music has the ability to transform people and can help people reach spiritual enlightenment.

The movie also examines Sun Ra's influence on the music industry and the larger cultural environment, notably in relation to his contribution to the growth of free jazz and the Afrofuturist movement. The movie demonstrates how Sun Ra's experimental approach to music challenged accepted notions of genre and served to broaden the possibilities of what jazz could be through interviews with musicians including Archie Shepp, George Clinton, and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth.

"Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet" offers insights into the significant impact of his music and ideas on the evolution of jazz and beyond, and it is a fascinating portrait of a really singular and visionary musician.

The Brother From Another Planet Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes

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Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 8 (3/8/23): "Nothing But A Man" and "Killer of Sheep"

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