Wednesday, November 4, 2009

THE DEATH OF A LOTTA MUSIC - "CRIPS AND BLOODS - MADE IN AMERICA"

I KNOW it sounds a little 'out there' but this film about two rival CALI 'gangs' by director Stacy Peralta can be deftly quoted during conversations about the seemingly impending death of Jazz [and to a lesser degree black Pop and Soul].

Maybe it provided that insight to WAGRadio because our first concern is Black music. The stark understanding that New World African classical music [Jazz] no longer has the once-prolific venues [ghetto clubs, bars, show lounges] to promote itself to working-class Black Americans was, possibly, an unintended bit of enlightenment delivered by "Crips & Bloods: Made In America". An old story. Last to get a job. First to lose it. No work. No spending cash. No income for musicians, record labels, promoters etc.

Please try and see this documentary. I can't stress how evocative its message is. Initially it seems to be a heart-wrenching dissertation on gang violence in L.A., and it is, but then the film's other truer messages begin to appear - told through the clear eyes and voices of the young to middle-aged Crips and Bloods who share their profound knowledge through the camera lens.

DJZigZag and WAGRadio Management

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