- Actors: The Abyssinians, Jimmy Cliff, Joe Higgs, Inner Circle, Bob Marley
- Directors: Jeremy Marre
- Writers: Jeremy Marre
- Producers: Jeremy Marre
- Format: PAL
- Language English
- Region: All Regions
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3 - 1.33:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: Exempt
- Studio: Digital Classics
- DVD Release Date: 12 Mar 2007
- Run Time: 60 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B000FIMHQW
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 55,569 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Reviews
Product Description
'Roots Rock Reggae' depicts an unforgettable moment in Jamaica's history when music defined the island's struggles and immortalised its heroes. Director Jeremy Marre films Bob Marley and the Wailers, and Lee Scratch Perry record in his legendary Black Ark studio with The Upsetters. Jimmy Cliff rehearses with Sly and Robbie, while Inner Circle's historic live gig is recorded on the violent Kingston streets. The legendary Abyssinians harmonise their haunting Rastafarian songs; Joe Higgs (formerly Bob Marley s teacher) plays and talks; majestic toaster U Roy raps alongside The Mighty Diamonds, and Third World record in a Kingston studio. There is also early archive footage of Toots and the Maytals, and Haile Selessie's royal visit to Jamaica while police and thieves battle it out on the streets, and the ghettos erupt in violence.
Review
Roots Rock Reggae is a from-the-streets celebration of the glory days of Jamaican reggae. With plenty of evocative scenes of life in the Trenchtown ghetto, politics, poverty, music and social history are interwoven to create a unique time capsule that captures reggae at the absolute pinnacle of its Rastafarian righteousness. --Songlines Magazine
A vibrant, moving portrait of an extraordinary time. --Mojo Magazine
By combining a series of intimate performances from the likes of Jimmy Cliff, Lee Scratch Perry and Bob Marley with snapshots of wider Jamaican life, Marre has created a work that exudes soul and creativity. What's more, the genre's further impact on society is examined in a style that furthers the viewer's knowledge without ever patronising or declining into more studious territory. --Clash Magazine
A vibrant, moving portrait of an extraordinary time. --Mojo Magazine
By combining a series of intimate performances from the likes of Jimmy Cliff, Lee Scratch Perry and Bob Marley with snapshots of wider Jamaican life, Marre has created a work that exudes soul and creativity. What's more, the genre's further impact on society is examined in a style that furthers the viewer's knowledge without ever patronising or declining into more studious territory. --Clash Magazine
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is an excellent dvd.it has a great soundtrack and contains excellent footage.I would like to take this oppertunity to point out a couple of things.The people filming this documentary hadnt arranged to visit Lee Perrys studio.They happened upon it.In the studio (The black Ark) were both the Heptones and,The Congos.They improvised for the documentary film crew a song and,called it Mr Musik.The Two men at the rear of the voicing booth,are Cedric Myton(Falsetto) and,Congo Ashanti Roy (Tennor)who,at that time were making the album,Heart Of The Congo.Widely acknowledged to be,in reggae circles,the greatest roots reggae album ever.The album was produced by Lee Perry at The Black Ark in 1977.Up until that time,the studio was better known for recording 7"singles.So an album was something of a rarity.this documentary captures both major players in reggae at that time,musicians and producers.I guess the film crew were in the right place at the right time.This dvd is well worth buying.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is filmed in Jamaica in the 70's. It has a classic dub and roots soundtrack... most of it being played live. My favourite bit is when they go into Lee Scratch Perry's Black Ark studio and watch him recording and mixing a track... worth the price alone.
I'd give it more stars if I could...
I'd give it more stars if I could...
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a truly wonderful collection of footage from the 70's era Jamaica. I first saw a bit of this on youtube, where the almighty Gladiators record a live session doing the tracks 'Jah Works' and 'Hearsay' (highly recommended!). The three vocalists casually spark massive spliffs whilst recording the vocals, meanwhile Errol Thompson dubs parts of the song in the mixing booth... amazing to see footage like that, a rarity and a treat!
Also featured on this documentary are Joe Higgs and the Abbysinnians, both of which play fantastic acoustic versions of classic tunes.... also Jacob Miller & Inner Circle, Jimmy Cliff, Sly & Robbie, U-Roy, Mighty Diamonds... all of which have bits of interviews and/or perform songs. One of my favorite bits in the film is the footage of Lee Perry's Black Ark Studio, where he records a session with the Heptones and Junior Murvin amongst other greats.
Aside from the music there fantastic shots of ghetto life, the markets and record pressing in factories. This DVD tells the story of not just the music of Jamaica in the 70's, but the political and social on-goings as well - so for anyone interested in reggae and Jamaica as a whole, then this should be a no-brainer! The only minor issues I have with it are the price (but still worth it!) and the fact that its only an hour.
Also featured on this documentary are Joe Higgs and the Abbysinnians, both of which play fantastic acoustic versions of classic tunes.... also Jacob Miller & Inner Circle, Jimmy Cliff, Sly & Robbie, U-Roy, Mighty Diamonds... all of which have bits of interviews and/or perform songs. One of my favorite bits in the film is the footage of Lee Perry's Black Ark Studio, where he records a session with the Heptones and Junior Murvin amongst other greats.
Aside from the music there fantastic shots of ghetto life, the markets and record pressing in factories. This DVD tells the story of not just the music of Jamaica in the 70's, but the political and social on-goings as well - so for anyone interested in reggae and Jamaica as a whole, then this should be a no-brainer! The only minor issues I have with it are the price (but still worth it!) and the fact that its only an hour.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Even better with commentary
This truly amazing film is a work of total genius. Words that are very much deserved, I can assure you. Read more
Published 4 months ago by meeky
"Play on Mister Music, play on..."
Amazing documentary filmed in Jamaica, 1977 that vividly brings to life every story and anecdote you've ever heard or read about roots reggae music. Read more
Published 10 months ago by L. Kelly
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