Category: movie review

This Ken Davenport movie is the definitive biography of the band, Red Wanting Blue. They been around for 14 years, but if you never heard of them, that’s understandable. Considered by some music journalists as the “the best underground independent rock band in the USA.” Yet they’ve never been signed to a record label.

The band’s sound is pure middle America, comparable to Dave Matthews Band and Lifehouse. Lead singer Scott Terry has a soulful vocal similar to Eddie Vedder, and his dogged persistence is central to the bands success. We follow the band on the road and through the process of creating their 8th album and hearing testimonials from fellow touring mates OAR, family members and past band members. A majority of the action is concert footage and backstage scenes. These guys do everything themselves, including posting their own concert fliers on campus in the dead of night. Much like the last film I reviewed, this is the story of a band that deserves fame and fortune, but is relegated to doing it because music is their shared passion. We meet all the members of the band and learn their bios, their day jobs, and how they survive as working musicians. We conclude with a triumphant, yet anti-climactic signing by Fanatic Records. Overall, the film is inspiring and educational as to what it takes to survive in today’s musical landscape.

I learned about this event years ago through Todd Rundgren’s web site. A limited number of fans had the opportunity to spend a week in Hawaii with Todd and his family for his 60th birthday. At that time, I didn’t have the money or opportunity to take a second vacation. Well who knew they’d make a documentary about it? I truly missed out on a life changing experience. Oh well, at least I’ll be able to see the movie.

In 2008 I promoted the documentary “Why Isn’t Chris Von Sneidern Famous?” Well now it’s out on DVD and you get the opportunity to watch the story at home. It’s not only a profile of one of the best musicians you’ve never heard of (who kind of avoids identifying himself with “power pop”), but a debut documentary for director Kathleen Mcnamara. The film is structured around roughly six sit-down interviews that show the relationship and trust that gradually develops between the flattered, but reluctant, subject and novice filmmaker. It has plenty of commentary from critics and friends, as well as CVS performances at small venues, including IPO. The haunting question that hangs over the film is “what is success for a musician and is fame the most important ingredient?” The film is a compelling portrait of a Von Sneidern the musician and artist who sees little value in being “famous.” For Chris, doing great music is what he’s best at, not promotion or PR for himself. Often his friends and family are concerned about him just “making a living” as opposed to being a “starving” artist. Chris’ ego may get in the way of his associates business advice, but there is no doubt of his talent and creative drive. A fun documentary for both musicians and music fans alike.

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Musician Billy Hinsche has a long storied history, but in 1974 he played front and center in The Beach Boys during the “Holland-era” tour. Billy playing guitar and harmonizing with the Wilson brothers is all documented in this new film. Not so much a concert film, but a selection of never before seen “home movies” of the band onstage and off. Lots of footage of the late Dennis and Carl Wilson are shown, intercut with current interview clips of other players in the band and some archival photos. It also really lets you learn about various background players, like sound engineer Steven Moffitt and musician Ricky Fataar and how important they were to the stage show. Highlights include Al Jardine playing bits of “Heroes and Villians,” Carl getting silly at breakfast, Dennis coming off very cool and some concert footage. You really feel like you are hanging out with the band in spots and traveling with them on tour, boarding the band’s private Fairchild F-27 plane in Kansas City, landing in Chicago and then checking in the hotel with Brian Wilson upon landing. Hinsche filmed plenty of private moments with the band, like Dennis and Al discussing transcendental meditation or a rowdy game of backgammon. Most of the movie was shot on Portapak black and white video, so it’s not exactly high definition. But for Beach Boys fans this is must-see TV, in addition is the Hinsche penned theme “Under A Beach Boy Moon” performed by John Hunter Phillips. Don’t miss the extra features: “Director’s Comments” and “Where are they now?” with an update on what became of the players.