The cool thing about a basement studio is you have solid earth insulation under the floor and behind all 4 walls before you even start to work with acoustics.
I'm going to keep throwing it up there - Y'all should hit "Tom Dowd and the Language of Music". Dowd was a legendary engineer and producer, from old school r&b and jazz on Atlantic (Ray Charles, Thelonius Monk, Charlie Parker, Coltrane) to the Spinners, Bobby Darin, Aretha, Clapton, so many people. He recorded and mixed the Allman Brothers at the Fillmore East. He did the same on "Layla". He was a brilliant guy behind the scenes of a ton of great music. Every bit as good as this or "Muscle Shoals".
I saw this when it first came out over 20 years ago. I've watched it twice more since. As an old white guy who loves 60's music I was shocked to learn I'd never heard of this band. It really gives you an appreciation for the real talent behind the music.
I spent an afternoon with Bob Babbit as we searched for a lighted music stand for him at an Ontario Canada blues festival in the early 2000’s. We had booked The Funk Brothers as a final night closer for the 3 day festival. They were insanely good, and Bob was just fascinating to talk to! It’s a cherished music biz memory for me! Peace
A lot of young people worship sports figures growing up. When I was young, I couldn’t care less about sports; my heroes were all musicians. I remember buying tapes in high school (80’s) and reading the liner notes cover to cover and committing to memory producers, engineers and studio musicians. So for me, music documentaries are endlessly fascinating. I could watch those things all day and never get tired of it. Can’t play an instrument to save my life, but I’m definitely a superfan. I love what you guys do and really appreciate it!
The Vocalist on Heatwave in Part 1 is Joan Osborne (From my hometown Louisville KY) Her rendition of "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted brings the house down. I wish all young people would check out documentaries like this to understand the roots of what they listen to now. Music back then was so special & broke down so many cultural barriers. Peace Gentlemen!
The garage with the dirt floor was another studio. The band were not producers. The producers wete Smokey Robinson, Hollsnd-Dozier-Holland, Sylvia Moi, Mickey Stevenson, Clarence Paul.
You lads should check history of northern soul - every town had a band recording Motown type sounds - most didn’t make it, but djs and kids found the cuts, brought them to England and danced to it from 68 on. They wanted that sound.
It's all super interesting to go behind the scenes of the great Motown musicians. I love watching when the guys are older and going down memory lane, their stories are hilarious. As someone who has no musical talent (haha), it's so interesting to me how music just comes out of thin air, they're making legendary stuff off the tops of their heads. Also that they came from jazz backgrounds but were part of the iconic R&B of Motown. Exceptional talents!
This is such a fine film. Great to see y'all enjoying it. I'm so glad that they got these guy's stories on film while they were still with us. Also glad that they finally got a little recognition. They played on a hundred songs we all lknow by heart.
You guys should do "Tom Dowd: The Language of Music". He was the engineer at Atlantic Records, and worked on a ridiculous number of all time classics. It's also a lot of the story of Atlantic Records.
I am so glad you all are review this documentary! I love this one! However, the version you all are watching has edited out the performances which is such a great addition because it proves that ANYONE could sing on those tracks and they would still be hits! But not every musician could play those tracks and they sound like Motown! I hope one day you all could see the entire documentary!
[Because you MAY not have caught it, on (under) the LAST video. 🤷🤷-I mean: how could *I* tell??🤷♀ :] ..And let's, ALSO, NOT forget: The Andantes! Marlene Barrow, Louvain Demps & Jackie Hicks were the background vocalists on over 95% of Motown's recordings (and ALL of the hit singles), beginning in 1962 and running through 1972 [the cusp of the sell-off to Cali.]. The Andantes sang backgrounds, harmonies and other "extra flavor" vocals on OVER 20,000 MOTOWN songs (and worked for OTHER artists and labels, as WELL!). [And they are NOT considered part of/included in: The Funk Brothers!] --Not to seem to diminish anyone, in ANY way, but: Record labels and other music "houses" were built as factories [🔞😡😡🤬🤬]. Essentially: Prior to: The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, etc. the GREATEST musical "groups" (collectives, really) were all "house bands" for labels: including: those who worked at Chess Records (and whom all of the aforementioned artists, & all of their contemporaries!, IDOLIZED and tried to imitate!), in Chicago; The Wrecking Crew (out in l.a. -starting with phil spectpr and Larry Levine's "Wall Of Sound"); The Funk Brothers; The Mar-Keys [a slightly modified version of whom became Otis Redding's regular and touring outfit! (the majority of whom died in the plane crash with him 😭😭😭😭)]/Booker T. & the M.G.s (at Stax!); The Muscle Shoals "Swampers" [versions 1, 2 AND 3!]; The Hi Rhythm Section [Hi Records/Memphis Soul]; (Later "M.F.S.B." -which became: the SalSoul Orchestra (in N.Y.)- out of Gamble & Huff's Philly stronghold.!) ...Those are the ones *I* can name "off top".... I am certain there are several more! ...but, yes: Really! This was an era of SPECTACULAR musicianship and skill and co-work (and a FABULOUSLY weak and ugly time for: personal acknowledgement and compensation for individuals AND groups of people!, who worked IN these places and created all of this genius! 🤬🤑)! It, STILL, resonates to this day! ❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 🤘🤘
Really enjoying your review of this documentary about the fabulous Funk Brothers. This is history. One of the big thrills of my life was a visit to the Motown Museum. You could feel the music around you without hearing a sound. It was a real experience to stand in Studio A and just think of what was created there. Thank you for this. 👏👏👏🥰
La & Che! The next music history documentaries that you have to get around to reviewing is "Respect Yourself: The History of Stax Records" from Memphis Tennessee, and "The Wrecking Crew" from Los Angeles California! Great review as usual Brothers! Love, Peace & Blessings!!!
Berry worked at the factory for a little while. He borrowed money from his family who were all very successful entrepreneurs which he, before Motown, was not. It has also been said in some books and interviews that he was 'a pimp on the streets of Detroit.' He was also addicted to gambling.
This is right up your alley! Great documentary. As I sad in muscle shoals I really think you two would greatly appreciate The Language of Music the Tom Dowd Story.
The cool thing about a basement studio is you have solid earth insulation under the floor and behind all 4 walls before you even start to work with acoustics.
This documentary is phenomenal and eye opening.
"he even paid Benny".
These stories are Gold.
Benny got paid...lol
I'm going to keep throwing it up there - Y'all should hit "Tom Dowd and the Language of Music". Dowd was a legendary engineer and producer, from old school r&b and jazz on Atlantic (Ray Charles, Thelonius Monk, Charlie Parker, Coltrane) to the Spinners, Bobby Darin, Aretha, Clapton, so many people. He recorded and mixed the Allman Brothers at the Fillmore East. He did the same on "Layla". He was a brilliant guy behind the scenes of a ton of great music. Every bit as good as this or "Muscle Shoals".
I saw this when it first came out over 20 years ago. I've watched it twice more since.
As an old white guy who loves 60's music I was shocked to learn I'd never heard of this band. It really gives you an appreciation for the real talent behind the music.
I spent an afternoon with Bob Babbit as we searched for a lighted music stand for him at an Ontario Canada blues festival in the early 2000’s. We had booked The Funk Brothers as a final night closer for the 3 day festival. They were insanely good, and Bob was just fascinating to talk to!
It’s a cherished music biz memory for me!
Peace
A lot of young people worship sports figures growing up. When I was young, I couldn’t care less about sports; my heroes were all musicians. I remember buying tapes in high school (80’s) and reading the liner notes cover to cover and committing to memory producers, engineers and studio musicians. So for me, music documentaries are endlessly fascinating. I could watch those things all day and never get tired of it. Can’t play an instrument to save my life, but I’m definitely a superfan. I love what you guys do and really appreciate it!
The Vocalist on Heatwave in Part 1 is Joan Osborne (From my hometown Louisville KY) Her rendition of "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted brings the house down. I wish all young people would check out documentaries like this to understand the roots of what they listen to now. Music back then was so special & broke down so many cultural barriers. Peace Gentlemen!
Yes! A Joan Osbirne reaction would be most welcome.
The garage with the dirt floor was another studio.
The band were not producers. The producers wete Smokey Robinson, Hollsnd-Dozier-Holland, Sylvia Moi, Mickey Stevenson, Clarence Paul.
James Jameson was the greatest bass player. The end of his life was too sad. He deserved better
Jamerson was Paul McCartney’s bass IDOL! Melodic, inventive bass lines.
the history of muscle shoals and motown, for folks that grew up with those tunes is so cool and interseting to know
Man, I’ve watched it all tonight, loving the reactions.
You lads should check history of northern soul - every town had a band recording Motown type sounds - most didn’t make it, but djs and kids found the cuts, brought them to England and danced to it from 68 on. They wanted that sound.
They gotta do The Wrecking Crew next!
I think they mean the producers like Smokey Robinson and Norman Whitfield.
It's all super interesting to go behind the scenes of the great Motown musicians. I love watching when the guys are older and going down memory lane, their stories are hilarious. As someone who has no musical talent (haha), it's so interesting to me how music just comes out of thin air, they're making legendary stuff off the tops of their heads. Also that they came from jazz backgrounds but were part of the iconic R&B of Motown. Exceptional talents!
The story about getting paid and paying off the tab reminded me of Bob's Country Bunker scene in The Blues Brothers movie.
This is such a fine film. Great to see y'all enjoying it. I'm so glad that they got these guy's stories on film while they were still with us. Also glad that they finally got a little recognition. They played on a hundred songs we all lknow by heart.
Berry Gordy was an incredible organiser and ideas man, but often not a nice dude / production line needs to keep moving.
Those JJ antics were for keeping the driver awake. I was a bus driver and I know all about that..
Great movie. I saw them in Ann Arbor, MI several years agp. A show to remember.
Please watch Tom Dowd "The Language of Music. He was a engineer on many of the best song of the era. His life was beyond impressive.
Studio B came in a little later when Berry Gordy bought Ric Tic Records. (That was how Edwin Starr came to Motown) It was called Golden World studios.
Nice one as always chaps..Pigs feet, pyjamas and an enormous cigar...I'd love to say that's a normal day for me but sadly no...I dont own any pyjamas
Barry had three or four daily shifts 24 hours a day when they had it really going!
This is great guys and very interesting. Love the stories and old photos, so cool...
Also, Happy Father's Day this weekend to both of you!!
Thank you!!
If you're ever in Detroit go to the studio, which is now a museum. I've been twice and it's a fantastic experience.
We are definitely trying to make it to Hitsville!!
If and when you come to Detroit. Reach out and and we can possibly get together.
You guys should do "Tom Dowd: The Language of Music". He was the engineer at Atlantic Records, and worked on a ridiculous number of all time classics. It's also a lot of the story of Atlantic Records.
I am so glad you all are review this documentary! I love this one! However, the version you all are watching has edited out the performances which is such a great addition because it proves that ANYONE could sing on those tracks and they would still be hits! But not every musician could play those tracks and they sound like Motown!
I hope one day you all could see the entire documentary!
We had to edit out the performances so UA-cam wouldn’t block us. We are definitely watching them though.
[Because you MAY not have caught it, on (under) the LAST video. 🤷🤷-I mean: how could *I* tell??🤷♀ :]
..And let's, ALSO, NOT forget: The Andantes!
Marlene Barrow, Louvain Demps & Jackie Hicks
were the background vocalists on over 95% of Motown's recordings (and ALL of the hit singles), beginning in 1962 and running through 1972 [the cusp of the sell-off to Cali.].
The Andantes sang backgrounds, harmonies and other "extra flavor" vocals on OVER 20,000 MOTOWN songs (and worked for OTHER artists and labels, as WELL!).
[And they are NOT considered part of/included in: The Funk Brothers!]
--Not to seem to diminish anyone, in ANY way, but:
Record labels and other music "houses" were built as factories [🔞😡😡🤬🤬].
Essentially: Prior to: The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, etc.
the GREATEST musical "groups" (collectives, really) were all "house bands" for labels: including: those who worked at Chess Records (and whom all of the aforementioned artists, & all of their contemporaries!, IDOLIZED and tried to imitate!), in Chicago; The Wrecking Crew (out in l.a. -starting with phil spectpr and Larry Levine's "Wall Of Sound"); The Funk Brothers; The Mar-Keys [a slightly modified version of whom became Otis Redding's regular and touring outfit! (the majority of whom died in the plane crash with him 😭😭😭😭)]/Booker T. & the M.G.s (at Stax!); The Muscle Shoals "Swampers" [versions 1, 2 AND 3!]; The Hi Rhythm Section [Hi Records/Memphis Soul]; (Later "M.F.S.B." -which became: the SalSoul Orchestra (in N.Y.)- out of Gamble & Huff's Philly stronghold.!)
...Those are the ones *I* can name "off top".... I am certain there are several more!
...but, yes: Really! This was an era of SPECTACULAR musicianship and skill and co-work (and a FABULOUSLY weak and ugly time for: personal acknowledgement and compensation for individuals AND groups of people!, who worked IN these places and created all of this genius! 🤬🤑)!
It, STILL, resonates to this day!
❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 🤘🤘
Welcome to Detroit! This was the time that I grew up in. I grew up 4 miles from the recording studio. Thanks for sharing this fellas! Great job 👏 🎉❤😊
“Hitchhike” was covered by The Rolling Stones as one of their early singles.
Studio A was in the garage with a dirt floor with a piece of plywood for the piano, dude on left doesn't listen too well.
Clarifications of content are helpful. Snarky comments are not helpful but only serve the ego of the poster. 😂
Really enjoying your review of this documentary about the fabulous Funk Brothers. This is history. One of the big thrills of my life was a visit to the Motown Museum. You could feel the music around you without hearing a sound. It was a real experience to stand in Studio A and just think of what was created there. Thank you for this. 👏👏👏🥰
La & Che! The next music history documentaries that you have to get around to reviewing is "Respect Yourself: The History of Stax Records" from Memphis Tennessee, and "The Wrecking Crew" from Los Angeles California! Great review as usual Brothers! Love, Peace & Blessings!!!
Berry worked at the factory for a little while. He borrowed money from his family who were all very successful entrepreneurs which he, before Motown, was not. It has also been said in some books and interviews that he was 'a pimp on the streets of Detroit.' He was also addicted to gambling.
This is right up your alley! Great documentary. As I sad in muscle shoals I really think you two would greatly appreciate The Language of Music the Tom Dowd Story.
Barry bought the house next door too. Both houses were used for Motown studios and offices.
😂😂😂 I would love to see an animated short to that James Jamerson story
the music business is a dirty game !
Enjoyong these documentaries so very much! ..please react to " The Wrecking Crew"...the story of the greatest studio musicians, of the LA sound!
hey fellas need to visit the motown museum the recording place it's open to the public i think !
I believe that they toured with Joan in Japan.
Oh man, Uriel Jones is soooo funny
Lovely, guys!
When you guys talk over the dialogue you miss some good stuff.
Please don't cut out the performances. Especially Joan Osborne 👍
UA-cam blocks our videos if we leave the performances in