When it comes to music the summer of 69 is remembered for the Woodstock Festival. In August of that year the Harlem Cultural Festival (Ok not the coolest of festival names) took place with a truly soulful line up.
Film of the event had been forgotten but rediscovered in recent years.
Highlights for me include Mahalia Jackson, whose emotional performance seems from another world. Stevie Wonder a force of nature with unbridled talent on show, playing drums keyboards and in great voice.
Look out for Gladys Knight & the Pips, Sly & the Family Stone, The Staple Singers and the rhythms of Max Roach, Mongo Santamaria and Ray Barretto.
Sound quality is superb, perfectly remastered.
If you can’t see it at the cinema you’ll find it streaming on Disney+ and, no doubt, on other streaming platforms.
Derek Webster's Blog World 