LOS ANGELES (Warner Bros) - Long considered one of the greatest music films of all time, "Soul To Soul" documented the monumental March 6th 1971 concert in which a host of music and cultural icons traveled from the U.S. to Ghana, West Africa to take part in a 14-hour extravaganza celebrating the 14th anniversary of Ghana's independence from British rule.
Reelin' In The Years Productions, the world's largest music footage library, and Rhino Home Video are honoring that historic event by releasing "Soul To Soul" for the first time ever on a two-disc set on August 24, 2004. Disc one contains the 95-minute, full-length feature film and has been newly remastered and restored from the original 35mm negative by the Grammy Foundation. Disc two contains the original soundtrack CD expanded to over 60 minutes of music including performances not seen in the film.
"Soul To Soul" will be available at all retail outlets and at www.rhino.com for a suggested retail price of $24.99. Pre-book is July 27.
Among the disc's many highlights are Ike & Tina Turner's immortal rendition of "River Deep, Mountain High;" the original Santana band performing their classic version of "Black Magic Woman," and Mavis Staples and Les McCann's emotional words as they witness the sorrow of the Slave Dungeons of Ghana. "Soul To Soul" is such a collection of electrifying musical performances and cultural interactions that it's nearly impossible to narrow the film down to one defining moment.
Over 100,000 enthusiastic locals gathered in Black Star Square that day to witness the historic exchange of cultures. Those in attendance, including the Reverend Jesse Jackson saw Wilson Pickett performing a smoldering version of "Land of 1000 Dances," jazz greats Les McCann and Eddie Harris jamming with local Ghanian artist Amoah, gospel legends The Staple Singers imploring for the oppressed on "When Will We Be Paid," and more. Watched in a single setting, "Soul To Soul" has spellbinding power, showcasing a brilliant blend of traditional African music and the roots of American soul.
DVD Special Features
The remastered "Soul To Soul" is presented in 5.1 surround sound and is restored from the original 35 mm negative. There are 15 classic performances, in addition to four separate commentary tracks including Mavis Staples, Les McCann, Ike Turner, Santana drummer Michael Shrieve and more. Other special features include a bonus performance of Ike & Tina Turner's risqué version of "I've Been Loving You Too Long" salvaged from the cutting room floor and a 24-page booklet with an essay by Grammy-award-winning author Rob Bowman, featuring newly discovered photos from artists and crew.
- David Peck of Reelin' In The Years Productions, as well as WSM executives are available for interviews upon request.
SOUL TO SOUL
DVD Price: $24.99 U.S.
Street Date: August 24, 2004
Pre-Order Date: July 27, 2004
Film Total Running Time: +-95 minutes
DVD Catalog Number: R2 970327
U.S. Rating: NR
Canadian Rating: NR
Track List:
DVD - SOUL TO SOUL FILM
Soul To Soul - Ike & Tina Turner
In The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett
Sit Yourself Down - Voices Of East Harlem
Jolinkomo - Voices Of East Harlem
Run, Shaker Life - Voices Of East Harlem
Jungle Strut - Santana
Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen - Santana
The Price You Gotta Pay To Be Free - Les McCann & Eddie Harris
Hey Jorler - Les McCann & Eddie Harris with Amoah
When Will We Be Paid - The Staple Singers
Are You Sure - The Staple Singers
Ooh Poo Pah Doo - Ike & Tina Turner
River Deep - Mountain High - Ike & Tina Turner
I Smell Trouble - Ike & Tina Turner
Land Of 1000 Dances - Wilson Pickett
I've Been Loving You Too Long* - Ike & Tina Turner
Bonus Track
CD - SOUL TO SOUL SOUNDTRACK
The Kumasi Drummers
Soul To Soul - Ike & Tina Turner
Run, Shaker Life - Voices Of East Harlem
Ishmael Adams & The Damas Choir
Hey Jorler - Les McCann & Eddie Harris with Amoah
Are You Sure - The Staple Singers
He's Alright - The Staple Singers
Kwa Mensah
Ooh Poo Pah Doo* - Ike & Tina Turner
I Smell Trouble - Ike & Tina Turner
In The Midnight Hour* - Wilson Pickett
Funky Broadway - Wilson Pickett
Land Of 1000 Dances - Wilson Pickett
Choose Your Seat And Set Down (Walk All Over God's Heaven)* - Voices Of
East Harlem
Soul To Soul (2004)* - Earl Thomas
* newly added track not on original LP release
