James Brown and the JB's: Live At Studio 54 - New York City 1980
In his final years Brown had staged a remarkable career comeback by anyone's standards. In the U.K. alone he performed to huge audiences in a series of high-profile televised concerts that were seen by millions. These included the 2002 Queen's Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, a TV Special filmed at London's Union Chapel and his show-stopping appearances at the 2004 Glastonbury Festival and Edinburgh's 2005 Live 8 concert. Revered for years by generations of rappers, samplers and funksters, all this high profile media exposure introduced his work to a whole new generation of listeners. Remarkable as his latest live performances were, James Brown was at the height of his considerable powers when the two sensational performances featured were filmed. This show was recorded in 1980 at Manhattan's ultra-fashionable Studio 54 - at that time a disco Mecca for nightlife preeners where you couldn't get in if your face didn't fit or you weren't on the right guest list. The event caught the Godfather and his revue on top form, their barnstorming performance placing less emphasis than usual on the famous JB's horn section being driven more by driving guitar and organ. Following the basic formula of a James Brown show, this show features impassioned readings of all-time stage favorites - such as 'Please, Please, Please', 'Papa's Got A Brand, New Bag' and 'It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World' - with a sprinkling of recent songs thrown in for good measure.
Starring James Brown
Director Bob Ramm