JEM's Delectable Documentaries:

As Dilla Month draws to a close, spring’s soothing song can finally be heard resonating in the empty halls of winter as its doors slam shut.

Not wanting to leave February without further facilitating one's craving for yet more James Yancey, I’ve decided to stick up his and a few other worth-while documentaries.

Obviously kicking things off with J Dilla Still Shining, in full. Those that have previously ignored the genius of Jay Dee should take heed from me, an obsessive fan, and dedicate just 40 minutes of their busy lives to this documentary. The man produced The Pharcyde, A Tribe Called Quest, Slum Village, Common, De La Soul and Busta. Hell, did you know that, though uncredited, it was actually he that co-wrote and produced Janet Jackson’s Grammy award winning Got ‘Till It’s Gone?

He’s been dead five years and yet tracks are still being uncovered. Practically on his death-bed his most well-known beat/mixtape was created; Donuts. This musical mastermind worked with a plethora of talents and artists, kicking down genre specific walls and completely re-invented and restructured sampled music. Anyone that respects good music shouldn’t just dip their feet in Dilla’s art, they need to float, swim and dive deep. For every musical artiste you may consider to have a commendable back catalogue, check this dude’s back-library out. You won’t be disappointed!

http://vimeo.com/19637436

   From one musical genius to another. Steveland Hardaway Judkins, or, Stevie Wonder as he’s known to everyone except his mum, needs little introduction or aggrandising. His talent and music sings for itself. For decades now, Stevie has continued to impress, reinvent and entertain. My favourite Stevie period was definitely the 70s.

Just look at this section of his discography:

Music of my Mind – 1972

Talking Book -1972

Innervisions -1973

Fullfillingness’ First Finale – 1974

Songs in the Key of Life – 1976

Two great albums in the same year, the next two a year apart and then two years to make a double album. How many artists can you name these days that can accrue the same level of creative, artistic, ingenious output?

I think I’ve banged on enough now. Stevie really needs little introduction. Be schooled fools and watch Hotter Than July (or Innervisions as some claim it to be so named): An engaging documentary that follows Stevie on his build-up and preparation to his 1979-1980 tour of the USA set to celebrate Martin Luther King JNR’s birthday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnccZm4uw_M 

Lastly, in JEM’s delectable documentary delivery is a lesser known, less commercially pliable musical talent. Wild ‘n You is the story of Stones Throw Record’s Jack Brown, AKA, the Lootpack’s Wildchild.

If you claim to like Madlib but have never heard the Lootpack’s Soundpieces: Da Antidote, then you need to re-educate yourself and check this documentary. It includes insights from Declaime and Peanut Butter Wolf, Madlib in a creative frenzied flow and tons of live footage.

So, without further ado, may I present to you Wild ‘n You:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAu98z_3E2g