This beautifully illustrated documentary teaches about the evolution of African American musical styles from slave songs to spirituals, blues, ragtime, jazz, music of the Harlem Renaissance period, gospel, music of the civil rights movement, R&B and hip-hop. It is written and narrated by author Cynthia Freeman Gibbs and her 14-year-old niece Lauren Anya Hunter.
This film is truly a joy to watch. The information is presented in a clear and concise way that will leave you wanting more.. The filmmakers utilize a wide range of media to tell the story - graphic art, photography, dance, recordings, movies, and videos of live performances. It is easy to be swept away by the music; it is outstanding. The cinematography and camera work are also excellent. I am amazed by the crispness of the old photographs, especially those from during the Civil Rights era. The documentary was filmed at the Carver Community Cultural Center in San Antonio, Texas where many of the famous musicians featured in the film performed. The film includes excerpts of performances by leading figures in Texas music including jazz scholar and performer Aaron Prado, pianist Arlington Jones, vocalist Beverly Houston, mezzo-soprano Veronica Williams, trombonist Ron Wilkins, blues singer and guitarist Marc "Mockingbird" Smith and Andrea "Vocab" Sanderson, a musician and San Antonio poet laureate. The metaphor of the quilt is used, according to the director Julya Jara, to illustrate "the interconnectedness of all the people and cultures and how big an impact African American culture has made." My favorite part is the use of an African American dancer, shot in black and white, weaving dance and music with the history of slavery.
The film's message is to emphasize the importance of African Americans and their cultural influence on music throughout history and today.
I give The Quilt: A Living History of African American Music 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This documentary is an entertaining way to learn about the various styles of African American music and its connection to history and culture. By Pamela L. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
This beautifully illustrated documentary teaches about the evolution of African American musical styles from slave songs to spirituals, blues, ragtime, jazz, music of the Harlem Renaissance period, gospel, music of the civil rights movement, R&B and hip-hop. It is written and narrated by author Cynthia Freeman Gibbs and her 14-year-old niece Lauren Anya Hunter.
This film is truly a joy to watch. The information is presented in a clear and concise way that will leave you wanting more.. The filmmakers utilize a wide range of media to tell the story - graphic art, photography, dance, recordings, movies, and videos of live performances. It is easy to be swept away by the music; it is outstanding. The cinematography and camera work are also excellent. I am amazed by the crispness of the old photographs, especially those from during the Civil Rights era. The documentary was filmed at the Carver Community Cultural Center in San Antonio, Texas where many of the famous musicians featured in the film performed. The film includes excerpts of performances by leading figures in Texas music including jazz scholar and performer Aaron Prado, pianist Arlington Jones, vocalist Beverly Houston, mezzo-soprano Veronica Williams, trombonist Ron Wilkins, blues singer and guitarist Marc "Mockingbird" Smith and Andrea "Vocab" Sanderson, a musician and San Antonio poet laureate. The metaphor of the quilt is used, according to the director Julya Jara, to illustrate "the interconnectedness of all the people and cultures and how big an impact African American culture has made." My favorite part is the use of an African American dancer, shot in black and white, weaving dance and music with the history of slavery.
The film's message is to emphasize the importance of African Americans and their cultural influence on music throughout history and today.
I give The Quilt: A Living History of African American Music 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This documentary is an entertaining way to learn about the various styles of African American music and its connection to history and culture. By Pamela L. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
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