Although she has never quite achieved the reputation and visibility in the UK that she has in the US, Mavis Staples is a figure whose force of personality, not to mention her talent as a singer can grab anyone's attention. Jessica Edwards' meandering yet joyful documentary provides a great introduction for newcomers but has lots to offer for fans. It's built from a combination of archive materials and interviews; Edwards has assembled an impressive number of contributors for the latter. As well as talking about Mavis herself (who is also present, and irrepressible), they talk about her family, about musical development across the many decades during which she has performed, and about the political movements that influenced her work and gradually drew her in as a campaigner. There's footage of the young Bob Dylan, who performed alongside her and went on to woo her, though she confesses she was too naive to understand the seriousness of his intent. Through these stories, a portrait emerges not just of a remarkable woman but of the times through which she has lived.What makes this so affecting is its personal character. Mavis' deep love for her father and her feeling that, musically, she owes Her whole career to him, comes through clearly. This makes for some tearful moments but the general atmosphere is one of relentless positivity drawn from Mavis' joy in expressing herself onstage, something it seems likely she would be doing even if she didn't have such a powerful voice. Coming from a strongly religious background, she's modestly dressed much of the time, which highlights the fact that her charisma doesn't depend on her sexuality. Unlike most women who rose to prominence in the Sixties, she was never promoted on the basis of her looks, and it's latterly that she has started dressing more glamorously, with sequinned dresses emphasising her confidence and fierceness in her Seventies. Edwards captures a lot of laughter and Mavis' sense of fun is infectious.There's also a lot of music in this film, including several numbers from different periods in Mavis' career played all the way through, enjoyable in their own right and interesting as illustrations of her creative development. They include material written for her by Prince, someone she must never have expected to outlive, and she's clearly amazed that he even knew who she was. This helps to illustrate her importance to American music and culture, especially in regard to the protest music that was her contribution to the civil rights struggle. Edwards doesn't always succeed in making these various threads cohere but she has nevertheless produced a rich and entertaining film. SADLY BECAUSE THESE SUNDAY DOCU,S GET BETWEEN 40-90 DOWNLOADS ON AVERAGE ,WITH A FRACTION OF THAT NUMBER BOTHERING TO COMMENT ?.....SO ITS BACK TO DROPPING A COMMENT IN THE BOX IF YOU WANT TO WATCH THIS. WHAT IS UP WITH SOME OF YOU GUYS ? ..I DO THE WORK AND YOU CANT BE ARSED TO SAY A THING?...I REALLY GIVE UP AND MAY STOP POSTING THESE. THE LINK WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE FOR 7 DAYS FROM TODAY.
AMM
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Sunday, March 27, 2022
SUNDAY DOCUMENTARY - MAVIS! (2015)
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17 comments:
Hi Amm. please send me the link to this doc. Thanks for the review!!
this looks very interesting, thanks AMM
You know me. I love the documentaries because it let's me see that artist as you describe in your review. I agree you. All the work you and you can't put a simple thank you. Thank you AMM. Love these documentaries.
Excellent film - saw it when it was first released. Highly recommend to eveyone, whether you are familar with Ms. Staples, or not. Thanks for spreading the gospel of Mavis Staples, AMM.
I love Mavis Staples. An artist who has managed to stay current over the years. Many thanks AMM for this documentary
I'd enjoy seeing this.
Thank for the post of Mav seen her 5 times gets better with age, Great review All Music Man Cant beat a Sunday Matinee but its always Mondays for me that what you get living at the bottom of the world.
Cheers Pedro
Thanks for sharing this interesting documentary
thanks for the review but i have it too so no need sending
but always much grateful for your posting these docs
no need every sunday but please keep it going i will try to help it
Excellent singer from a whole exceptional family. I'm curious to see this movie.
Yves
Would love to watch this one. Thanks in advance
As long as you're completely cured and I'm not likely to catch anything, I'd love a link to this. Make sure you use a hand sanitiser before you click send!
Thanks for the review AMM, would love to watch it
Thanks AMM. Love Mavis and all the other Sunday Docs posted here.
Cheers !
Thank You Kindly
A great film I saw it in a cinema in Spain, would love to see it again, thanks AMM.
Thanks for the Mavis Documentary. I must admit that its one of the best that you have posted this year . We really appreciate the hard work and all the effort that you put into these artists that you are reviewing with us on a daily basis without fail. Thank You Very Much AMM!!
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