Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 9 (3/15/23): "One Nation Under A Groove", "Colloquium on the legacy of Betty Carter", and "Bloodlight and Bami"

 The documentary "One Nation Under A Groove" chronicles the birth of the P-Funk movement in the 1970s, which George Clinton and his band Parliament-Funkadelic pioneered. The movie delves into the band's beginnings and shows how they combined several musical styles, including funk, rock, and soul, to produce a distinctive sound that appealed to listeners. The documentary includes rare footage of the band's performances as well as interviews with band members, music reviewers, and fans. The movie also looks at how P-Funk's music reflected the challenges and aspirations of the black community in the social and political setting of the day. In the end, "One Nation Under A Groove" honors P-Funk's enduring history and its influence on music and culture.

The jazz soprano Betty Carter's life and legacy are discussed during the colloquium on her legacy. A panel of scholars and artists will talk about Carter's distinctive style and approach to jazz singing, her contributions to the genre, and her influence on future jazz musicians during the colloquium. The panel also considers the difficulties Carter encountered as a black woman working in the music business and how she overcame them to become an inspiration to many. The colloquium includes live performances of some of Carter's songs and a screening of a documentary about her life and career. Overall, the colloquium honors Betty Carter's lasting contributions to jazz and her significance to the genre.

A documentary called "Bloodlight and Bami" is about the legendary singer and entertainer Grace Jones, who was born in Jamaica. The movie provides a close-up look at Jones and her complicated personality, tracing her development from a shy little Jamaican girl to a global icon recognized for her androgynous aesthetic and fearless performances. Live concert video, behind-the-scenes looks at Jones' personal life, and interviews with family members, friends, and fans are all included in the documentary. Jones considers her creative process, her battles with addiction and romantic relationships, and her position as a black woman in the entertainment business throughout the entire movie. At the end of the day, "Bloodlight and Bami" provides an engrossing look at Jones' aesthetic vision and enduring impact on fashion, music, and culture.