Latest Updates - Al Bell

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Comment by OldMod67 ●:

I was incredibly eager to see this series, which had been mentioned for a couple of years and it's well worth a watch. Previous features on Stax have never disappointed, despite having to cover a vast history in one-off efforts, literally a label of two halves, - the spinning discs and the post-Otis finger clickin' era.
On-camera interviews with surviving artists and writers was very welcome, which included Stax insider and archivist Deanie Parker who's always a great listen. Great to see the makers managed to capture filmed interviews with those that have since passed, Jim Stewart of course but also the wonderful Bettye Crutcher who is often overlooked in the Stax story.
Although not everything can be captured (even Rob Bowman's welcome nineties book had to limit itself), there were a few things that jarred by their omission. The Jim and Estelle label start-up, with financing and initial Satellite imprint, yes it's been covered elsewhere but if this was the high profile final word, I expected a mention. And to book-end it, the sad ending didn't mention the promising reconvening of the MGs and subsequent murder of Al Jackson Jr before that could occur. That subject is still controversial, with plenty of speculation, but remains untold. An acknowledgement of the events should have been included at the very least.
The four parts could easily have been longer. It reminded me of watching and taping The Beatles Anthology from the initial TV broadcast and then getting the expanded version when released on sell-through, so much more. Perhaps there will be.

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Comment by OldMod67 ●:

HBO Documentary in four episodes:
1 Cause I Love You
2 Soul Man
3 Respect Yourself
4 Nothing Takes The Place Of You

Further details

Note: as of July 18th, this series has been nominated for two Emmys!