Sian Anderson delves into a world of black action films and doesn't dig it much...

Various
Can You Dig It? The Music and Politics of Black Action Films 1968-75
(Soul Jazz)

In the early 1970's, black action films exploded into the cinema with three main films. These films, Shaft, Super Fly and Sweet Sweet Badasssss Song, were widely distributed and popular in terms of their audience but died out quicker than a hippy in flares in 1975. Taking this into consideration how is a whole entire double LP of music dedicated to this failure going to help the situation and get black action films noticed? I'll tell you how; having features from American singer, songwriter and general legend Marvin Gaye, musical arranger, film composer and trumpeter Quincy Jones and soul singer, songwriter and actor Issac Hayes.

Unfortunately though, the predominantly jazzy sound of this CD is mostly instrumental with little vocals. Disagree with me if you must, but I'd like to be a tad stereotypical here and say there's a certain type of person whose going to listen to Can You Dig It? The Music and Politics of Black Action Films 1968-75. In terms of reaching out to a mature ear they have an instant win but when it comes to a younger audience I don't feel like the majority of my crew will relate. Using film to point out that once upon a time these tracks were recognised is trying to subliminally force the songs back into our CD players and relive what was.

It leads me to conclude that somethings are best left in the 1970. However, I would like to point that individually the songs featured on here are strongly composed tracks - even I wouldn't take that away from the amazing artists and producers who've worked on them. Unless I'm having a sunday spring clean and Eastender's isn't on I don't think this is the CD for me! (SA)

If you like this...
Alliance Francaise Ghana is putting together its first ever Accra Jazz and World Music Festival to take place at the Alliance Francaise from the October 12 to 17 this year. The event will feature performances from world renowned jazz and fusion artistes including Babu Group, Thico Freeman, the Squeeze Band and locals like the Ayeeko Drummers and Balinga Group.