Take Me to the River

This documentary, directed by Martin Shore and narrated by the actor Terrence Howard, is really a low-key and congenial film, that brings together some of the musical legends of Memphis and the Mississippi Delta, and pairing them with some of the younger artists of today, for the purpose of making an innovative type album. In addition to Shore, the coordination is done by Luther and Cody Dickinson, the sons of the late Jim Dickinson, an acclaimed musician and record producer.

It will all develop into what one might call relaxed jam sessions, as these revered recording artists get to reminisce about the past, as well as meet and perform with the younger generation, including rappers and hip hop performers.

They'll also be a look at some of the history of Memphis music, and how many of the bands were integrated, such as Booker T. & the M.G.'s, despite prohibitive segregation laws in the South, Also, the history and demise of Stax Records, in Memphis, is covered, and its subsequent re- emergence as the Stax Museum and the Stax Music Academy and Charter School, to help aspiring young musicians.

Overall, despite some slow spots and the low-key nature of the movie, there's plenty of wonderful music to enjoy, and I also found it to be quite informative as well.