Roots of Rhythm

Starring:Gloria Estefan, Harry Belafonte, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Xavier Cugat, RubÃ©n Blades, Desi Arnaz, Dizzy Gillespie
Director: Howard Dratch, Gene Rosow
Studio: New Video Group
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Latin music has always been a fixture in American popular culture, but its history reflects centuries of change and complexity from diverse sources. Roots of Rhythm, an incredible three-hour film originally shown on PBS in 1997, traces the development of this exciting musical genre, going back 500 years across three continents. Hosted by the famed Caribbean American entertainer Harry Belafonte, the film begins in West Africa, in the villages that ring with the ancestral anthems of sacred Yoruba beats and bata drums. The focus shifts to Spain, where modern-day troubadours sing their haunting, Moorish-tinged ballads and Gypsies dance their heated flamenco dances. Those musical influences are brought together by the transatlantic slave trade in the island of Cuba, where enslaved Africans and Spanish immigrants mixed and melded each others' music into a myriad of new, hybrid creations like the rumba, tumba francesa, danzon, and mambo. Belafonte quotes a poet who said, "Cuban music is a love affair between the African drum and the Spanish guitar."

In America, this love affair bloomed in New York, where Cuban and African American jazz musicians like Machito, Mario Bauza, and Dizzy Gillespie melded mambo rhythms to bebop, creating Latin jazz. Belafonte then brings us to the dazzling timbales master Tito Puente and vocalist Celia Cruz, who reigned as the king and queen of salsa, the stateside version of Cuban dance music that emerged in the '60s. The film offers revealing interviews and music clips with many Latin music stars, including Gloria Estefan of Miami Sound Machine and Panamanian RubÃ©n Blades. The rare archival footage features Dizzy Gillespie's 1948 number "Manteca," bandleader Xavier Cugat's "Gypsy Mambo," and a cartoon clip of Donald Duck doing "Tico Tico." After watching this engaging and encyclopedic film, you'll never dance to Latin music the same way again. --Eugene Holley Jr.
Description
Long before World Music became a record store staple, Americans were singing along to the sweet sounds of Celia Cruz and dancing to the rhythmic beats of Tito Puente.

Harry Belafonte hosts this globe-trotting, star-studded celebration tracing the history of the popular sounds we call Latin music, from tribal celebrations in African jungles to Cuba's wild carnivals and New York City's hottest nightspots.

This critically acclaimed production highlights an incredible array of dancing and musical performances from world-renowned stars including Gloria Estefan, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Desi Arnaz, Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades, Isaac Oviedo, King Sunny Ade and many more.Don't miss this celebration of the explosive sound that has the whole world dancing.

Amazon.com

Latin music has always been a fixture in American popular culture, but its history reflects centuries of change and complexity from diverse sources. Roots of Rhythm, an incredible three-hour film originally shown on PBS in 1997, traces the development of this exciting musical genre, going back 500 years across three continents. Hosted by the famed Caribbean American entertainer Harry Belafonte, the film begins in West Africa, in the villages that ring with the ancestral anthems of sacred Yoruba beats and bata drums. The focus shifts to Spain, where modern-day troubadours sing their haunting, Moorish-tinged ballads and Gypsies dance their heated flamenco dances. Those musical influences are brought together by the transatlantic slave trade in the island of Cuba, where enslaved Africans and Spanish immigrants mixed and melded each others' music into a myriad of new, hybrid creations like the rumba, tumba francesa, danzon, and mambo. Belafonte quotes a poet who said, "Cuban music is a love affair between the African drum and the Spanish guitar."

In America, this love affair bloomed in New York, where Cuban and African American jazz musicians like Machito, Mario Bauza, and Dizzy Gillespie melded mambo rhythms to bebop, creating Latin jazz. Belafonte then brings us to the dazzling timbales master Tito Puente and vocalist Celia Cruz, who reigned as the king and queen of salsa, the stateside version of Cuban dance music that emerged in the '60s. The film offers revealing interviews and music clips with many Latin music stars, including Gloria Estefan of Miami Sound Machine and Panamanian Rubén Blades. The rare archival footage features Dizzy Gillespie's 1948 number "Manteca," bandleader Xavier Cugat's "Gypsy Mambo," and a cartoon clip of Donald Duck doing "Tico Tico." After watching this engaging and encyclopedic film, you'll never dance to Latin music the same way again. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Description

Long before World Music became a record store staple, Americans were singing along to the sweet sounds of Celia Cruz and dancing to the rhythmic beats of Tito Puente.

DVD Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Customer Reviews:

Roots of Rhythm.......2006-03-21

If you want to know the roots of Cuban music you must see this DVD. Mr. Harry Belafonte takes you on a tour through Africa, Spain, Cuba and finally to the United States. On this DVD he made a thorough investigation and explains how the Afro-Cuban music evolved from the African/Spanish ancestors and spread to other regions including Argentina. Also he shows how the U.S borrowed the Cuban beat to make songs Like "little Darling" by the Diamonds among other hits in America where the lyrics are in English with the Cuban influence sound. He interviews Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, Dizzy Gillespie and many others, you will see a rare clip of the great trumpet player a young Louis Armstrong singing "El Manisero"(a traditional Cuban song) in one of his early recordings. Many people have asked me to borrow this DVD because it covers an extraordinary amount of information that most people are not aware, not only is the African sound involved, also the Gypsies and the Spanish Flamenco are traced. It's amazing how much information is available to anyone who is serious in learning the roots of what some are calling Salsa (Afro-Cuban) today. To all musicians this is a must for your collection. Three hours of music to educate the true musicians who want to expand their knowledge in the Afro-Cuban or the Afro-Latin roots.

Roots Of Rhythm.......2005-03-21

Wow! I don't even know where to begin...it's a great documentary on the history of Cuba, music, roots, rhythm, culture and the people. It was beautifully edited! Belafonte did a wonderful job in explaining the history of cuba's music. You will want to stand up and begin to dance. Why sit down?

Get it! I am!

Azucar!

So Glad it's on DVD!.......2004-11-19

This is one of my all time favorites, and Harry Belafonte is the perfect host. He's delightfully informal and shares personal insights along the way, such as how his contract was cancelled by the mob who ran the Copacabana because he'd married interracially.

One of the aspects I particularly enjoyed was the look at everyday life in Cuba, and the discussion of the U.S. role in that country's history. Without hammering away at the fact, Belafonte discusses our government's unwillingness to recognize Cuba's sovereignty, and expresses his hope that music will break down the barriers. But politics aside, this video series is a must-see for any student of African American music, and Spanish American heritage.

Harry is cheesy but overall good info.......2002-04-14

Harry Belafonte acts like a cheeseball sometimes, but this video has some great information for fans of latin music. It tells the story of the music, beginning in Africa and Spain, and going to Cuba and the US. Awesome music throughout, very informative movie. My only complaint is that Harry Belafonte is a dork. I have no problem with him, I just think he's a dork.

Best English language history of Latin Music........2000-08-03

This 3 video collection is a must have for all interested in Latin music history from Africa to Cuba to New York. Has some amazing music clips of Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, etc.

African Guitar: Solo Fingerstyle Guitar Music From Uganda, Congo/Zaire...

Average customer rating:

Better than 100 books

African Guitar: Solo Fingerstyle Guitar Music From Uganda, Congo/Zaire...
Starring: Various Artists
Manufacturer: Vestapol
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Zaire & Congo | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

International | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

African Guitar Styles Book with audio CD
A Visit to Ali Farka Toure
DVD-Corey Harris Teaches Blues Guitar-From Mississippi to Mali
Guitar Atlas: Africa
Mwenda Wa Bayeke

ASIN: B000096IAO
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Customer Reviews:

Better than 100 books.......2005-02-04

This DVD might be the best tutorial for those interested in learning African accoustic (read: fingerpicking) guitar styles. Students of ethnomusicology/cultural anthropology will also find it useful. Sometimes the sound quality leaves much to be desired, but remember that these were field recordings from 12 to 40 years ago. Some truly legendary figures are filmed here, including Jean Bosco Mwenda, father of Congolose guitar. However, in my opinion, Malawi's Daniel Kachamba who steals the show, particularly his last song which ends in a full band treatment.

There's more than just fingerpicking here. The plectrum attack of Namibia's Erasmus Ndara's second song is seriously funky, while Zambian Mose Yotamu uses a flatpick for an electric guitar style solo and strums barre chords accoustic rock style. These's also some dreamy slide guitar from Moya Malamusi. Africa being the poor continent that it is , we see the resourcefulness of these guitarists in several aspects; (i) playing with 5 strings due to missing strings and/or tuning posts (ii) using a stick as a pick (iii) sticks and rubber bands as capos (iv) a bottle as a slides. None of this takes anything away from the top-notch musicianship of these guys.

Average customer rating:

The Roots Present
Dope Show!

The Roots Present
Starring: The Roots , and Mobb Deep
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Freestyle - The Art of Rhyme
The MC - Why We Do It
Jay Z - Fade to Black
Anthony Hamilton - Comin' From Where I'm From, Live & More (includes Bonus CD)
Dave Chappelle's Block Party (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B0006N2ELE
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Description

The most exciting live performance in Hip-hop. Filmed live at Manhattan's Webster Hall in June 2004! Songs include: Break You Off (The Roots), Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Gunz), NOD Factor (Skillz), The Next Movement (The Roots), Friday Night (Young Gunz), What Would I Do (Jean Grae), Daily Bread (Martin Luther), Proceed (The Roots), Shook Ones (Mobb Deep), Clap (Jean Grae), 2003 Wrap Up (Skillz), Burn (Mobb Deep), Clones (Dice Raw, Mac Dub, Truck North, Skillz, Jean Grae, The Roots and more!)

Customer Reviews:

The Roots Present.......2007-04-11

The Roots are the greatest live performing act in contemporary Hip Hop. It is such a pleasure to witness a Hip Hop beat being produced with live acoustics and sheer skill and not behind a sterilised studio. I would imagine that's why the group has such an authentic cross appeal. 'The Roots Present' succeeds in bringing out this ability to entertain through live performance in full force. This video is certainly a worthwhile addition to one's DVD collection. Enjoy.

Dope Show!.......2006-04-23

If you love The Roots like i do, You'll love this DVD. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because of wack performances by Mobb Deep & Young Gunz.

Average customer rating:

Terrific - Terrific - Terrific!

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
Starring: Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
Manufacturer: Classic Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings in Concert
Rhythm Kings Live
Willie and the Poor Boys
Just for a Thrill
Blues Odyssey

ASIN: B0002M5U0Q
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Description

This DVD features 2 live performances from Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings both in the studio and on the road during their European tour in 2004. The band performs "roots" music by some of the greatest artists of all time including Little Richard, Nat King Cole, Nina Simmone, Lonnie Donnegan, along with a host of Jazz and Rock `n' Roll classics. With such talented musicianship, together with some of the greatest Jazz and R&B songs over the last 30 years, the stage shows are vibrant and exciting. The band accomplished exactly what Bill set out to do - create an evening of fun - enjoyment for all! "Let the Good Times Roll " - 80 minute live concert recorded January 2004, "Rocking the Roots" -- 45 minutes of live concert highlights recorded January 2004

Customer Reviews:

Terrific - Terrific - Terrific!.......2004-10-03

Every performance a standout! Keyboard and vocalist Mike Sanchez steals the show!

But, hey, Bill Wyman, please lose the cigarette during your playing. Kinda takes everything down a notch, from an otherwise great performance. Plus, we want you (and your band mates) to stick around many more years to make great music.

Average customer rating:

Pete Anderson: Roots Rock Workshop
Starring: Pete Anderson
Manufacturer: Warner Brothers Pub.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000GAKJP0
Release Date: 2007-03-21

Average customer rating:

Como Se Forma una Rumba
Starring: Various Artists
Manufacturer: Quantum Leap
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Latin Jazz U.S.A. Presents: Candido: Hands of Fire
Jimmy Bosch: Allstar Band Live in Puerto Rico
Latin Jazz Founders
Afro Cuban Legends / Juan de Marcos González , Ibrahím Ferrer, Rubén González, Pío Leyva
Cuban Pianists: History of Latin Jazz

ASIN: B000ENUL3Y
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Product Description

COMO SE FORMA UNA RUMBA (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Strip to the Bone: Music by Sly & Robbie

Average customer rating:

Great dvd but too short and not enough options
So-so music, so-so softcore
get this if you like sly and robbie....
3D Music yeahhh!
Strip to what ?

Strip to the Bone: Music by Sly & Robbie
Starring: Sly & Robbie
Manufacturer: Palm Pictures / Umvd
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Dance Hall | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: 6305280452
Release Date: 1999-01-26

Amazon.com

It's Silicone City in this soft-core marriage of L.A. exotic dancers and the dub reggae musings of famed music producers Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. (Who are they, you ask? Cast your mind back to the mention of their names in the Tom-Tom Club's "Genius of Love," or the coproducers credit on the Rolling Stones' early '80s album Undercover of the Night.) This skin show--perfect for guys too short on cash to make the two-drinks-minimum cover at their local topless joint--simply is what it is: 16 ladies gyrating to the wooshes and chugs and shimmering chimes of Sly and Robbie tracks. Directed by music video vet Jeff Stein, the production can induce seizures with its rapid cuts, and there's enough smoke to make you think Southern California is on fire. But if it's women you want, Strip to the Bone has got quite an assortment, with names such as Jackie Lick, Chase, and Deja. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Great dvd but too short and not enough options.......2004-10-05

This dvd is realy great and I like the music a lot as well as the girls but it is just too short. You put it in and next thing you know, it is all over. It has short segments of strippers in different theme (club dancing, pole stripping, and some artsey segments) and barely goes with the music. You sometimes get the feel that the girls were stripping and dancing to another song and the video footage was added later on to the songs on this dvd. Still, the music is pretty good considering most softporn uses bad soundtracks that puts you to sleep. I agree with the other buyer, the music is sometimes good enough for you to show off your sound system and they should of included an option to get rid of the stripping and have something that is more family oriented. I wante to let several of my friends listen to the dvd but it is too embarassing for them to watch girls stripping with it.

So-so music, so-so softcore.......2003-06-23

When I purchased this DVD, I thought I was getting more animated videos like those on the Superthruster DVD single.

I wasn't. I was getting a bunch of dancing strippers who didn't seem to have all that much to do with the music. By the time I realized this, I'd already opened the DVD and couldn't return it. I suppose the softcore isn't all that bad, but that sort of thing really doesn't turn me on that much.

And most of the music wasn't even all that great, either (though I did enjoy a few of the tracks).

get this if you like sly and robbie...........2002-12-08

This is a cool video. I wanted to hear what s & r were up too as I have been a fan of theirs since their black uhuru days. recently i have been more into downbeat and more modern sounding music. well i just got a dvd player and wanted to get something different. this is cool to check out the possibilities of dolby 5.1 and sly and robbie. of course it isnt horrible to see the naked dancers. it isnt the best in porn so if you want porn check out that guy from athens other reviews. i dont think he bought it to listen to sly and robbie ;-) anyways it could have been better if it had the option to watch some animated patterns, hubbel satelite photos of outer space, or something other than the strip club routine, but i enjoy the music mainly and i give sly and robbie credit for going in new directions.

well,

check it out if you like music,

3D Music yeahhh!.......2000-11-18

Here's something for the guy above (Athens). Dude you missing the point here... it's not about Striptease at all. What you've got there is a fully 5.1 album... The closer you'll get to a DVD-Audio.

I've been waiting for this for a long time. 3D music, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround if you prefer. The 5.1 mix is unbeleivable. There's differents sound coming from all 5 speakers, moving and creating a 3D effect, like if you could see the sound moving. You need to try it to understand. All the chick are only there to sell the product and bring people to music on DVD. I've listen to it a couple of time for the chicks, but most of the time, the tv is closed. If you don't have the proper setting (5 speakers and a subwoofer), don't even bother buying it, you won't have fun with it. See it as a 5.1 surround album with a bonus, girls. A must buy for all Dub, Raggae and Drum & Bass listener.

Strip to what ?.......2000-04-26

If this is really "Strip to the bone" when dancers only stay topless, how must other striptease and sexy dancing videos that REALLY show off EVERYTHING (e.g Playboy's Best of Strip search) be called ? Strip to the molecules ? Let alone, that those awful light-strobo effects risk of giving you...epileptic crises even with a perfectly healthy brain... And there is nothing special about the music in it either. Ok, the ladies, especially some of them, really do have potential, but as a conclusion: If you want real hot sizzling exciting striptease action to be really turned-on with, stay away from it.

Average customer rating:

Great performance in a sterile studio setting.
A rollicking R&B set

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings in Concert
Starring: Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
Manufacturer: Inakustic Gmbh
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
Rhythm Kings Live
Pink Floyd - Pulse

ASIN: B00005RKZD
Release Date: 2002-03-26

Product Description

RHYTHM KINGS IN CONCERT (WYMAN,BILL)

Customer Reviews:

Great performance in a sterile studio setting........2004-06-03

A great set of R&B, soul, and rock'n'roll from Bill Wyman's All-Star band recorded in a German TV studio in 2000. Obviously made as a TV show (thankfully the end credits are removed) but I kind of feel cheated the way it just fades out half-way through a brilliant instrumental duel in the middle of "Tear It Up" between Albert Lee and one of the sax players. It just fades to black and up pops the menu without so much as a "by your leave." As far as the 'concert' goes: the performance, sound and picture are all excellent./ Georgie Fame seems to be having the most fun along with the two backup singers. Bill Wyman looks as bored as usual. I expected him to yawn at any moment. The other guys (aside from the afore-mentioned 'duel') go through the motions effortlessly without raising a sweat. They are true professionals who could play this stuff in their sleep and that is the feeling I am left with...hence the 4 stars instead of 5. If you compare this with The Blasters dvd, which displays the kind sincerity, dedication and devotion to this music that it deserves, you'll see what I mean. The Brothers Alvin LIVE this music. Bill's band of virtuosos might dig it, but it just looks like they're doing us a favor by being there and have something better to do after the show. But don't get me wrong, this is great music played by expert musicians, but with all the sincerity and commitment of a "Tonight Show" band...and just when they were starting to cook, it just fades to black and leaves me saying; "Yeah, so where's the rest of it?" Still, I'm glad I've got it. Now I'm gonna watch the Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes concert at the same TV studio. I'll let you know what happens.....

A rollicking R&B set.......2002-10-18

This is an excellent R&B concert featuring Bill with a killer band including Albert Lee on guitar and Gary Booker on keyboards doing most vocals with 2 backup girls, Beverly Skeete and Janice Hoyte who deserve to be better known. The 12 songs include "Let the goodtimes roll", "Melody" (for Stones fans), "I put a spell on you", "Baby Workout", "Mystery Train" (for Elvis fans) and "Groovin'". The sound is excellent. Bill, we miss you at Stones concerts but you've built another terrific band.

Average customer rating:

Rhythm in Harmony: Harlem Roots, Vol. 3
Starring: Various Artists
Manufacturer: Storyville Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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Miracle Worker (REGION 1) (NTSC)

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Spaceballs