Take Me to the River (2014)

A documentary about the soul of American music. The film follows the recording of a new album featuring legends from Stax records and Memphis mentoring and passing on their musical magic to stars and artists of today.

Director:

Martin Shore

Writers:

Rick Clark, Jerry Harrison

Stars:

Terrence Howard, James Alexander, Al Bell

5 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Terrence Howard	...	Himself - Host
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
James Alexander	...	Himself
Al Bell	...	Himself
William Bell	...	Himself
Bobby Bland	...	Himself
Stephanie Bolton	...	Herself
Scott Bomar	...	Himself
George Brown Jr.	...	Himself
Ben Cauley	...	Himself
Chris Chew	...	Himself
Brandon Chornes	...	Himself
Preston Clark	...	Himself
Otis Clay	...	Himself
Edward 'Hot' Cleveland	...	Himself
Cedric Coleman	...	Himself (as Frayser Boy)

Storyline

Following multiple generations of award-winning Memphis and Mississippi Delta musicians through the creative process of recording a historic new album, to re-imagine the utopia of racial, gender and generational collaboration of Memphis in its heyday. Featuring Terrence Howard, William Bell, Snoop Dog, Mavis Staples, Otis Clay, Lil P-Nut, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Yo Gotti, Bobby Rush, Frayser Boy, The North Mississippi All-Stars and many more.

---

Plot Keywords:

independent film | 

---

Genres:

Documentary | Music

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic material, language and smoking

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 June 2017 (Japan)

Also Known As:

The Memphians

Filming Locations:

Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$25,588, 12 September 2014

Gross USA:

$27,298

Company Credits

Production Co:

EGBA Entertainment, PFL Transmedia

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Time Is Tight
Written by Steve Cropper, Al Jackson Jr., Booker T. Jones & Donald Dunn

User Reviews

Low-Key Documentary is Informative & Enjoyable

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.