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Wyclef Jean
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All Star Jam At Carnegie Hall [DVD]
Sandbox Pictures
Release: 12/07/2004
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Rated:
Review by:
David Strickler
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Wyclef Jean is to hip-hop what Paul Simon was to folk rock.
Both are multi-instrumentalists and accomplished
songsmiths. But what sets them apart is their ability to meld
so many different genres into their music. Soul, roots,
classical, hip-hop, rock, Latin, salsa and reggae are not just
mixed into their music, but prominently featured. In January
of 2001, the Wyclef Jean Foundation staged a benefit concert
which promotes music education for youths at the venerable
New York institution that is, Carnegie Hall. Featured in the
line-up were all the elements that make up 'Clef's unique
style of music, from soul to rock to reggae. Finally released
on DVD in 2004, it's a production that merits high marks not
just for its quality of music, but also for its lack of "polish."
Gratefully missing are the jerky cameras shots, surreal
lighting and annoying infinite camera angles. The directors
simply let the music speak for itself.
And speak it does. The stage camera pans the audience
(which incidentally is predominately rich, white people), and
to the strains of "Minnie the Moocher" Wyclef Jean makes his
way to the stage in a white suit that would put a smile on
Cab Calloway's face. From there British child opera star
Charlotte Church launches into "Ave Maria" followed by Third
World and Stevie Wonder in a rousing "Now That We Found
Love" to Eric Clapton deconstructing "Wonderful Tonight" into
a reggae song. There's Mary J. Blige and Wyclef on "911".
Steven Marley plays "No Woman No Cry." Macy Gray and
Wyclef perform Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" (really,
and yes it's wonderful). Then at the end the entire cast,
which also includes Destiny's Child and Marc Anthony
assemble for "Guantanamera/Hot Hot Hot." You get the
picture. It's good.
But what separates this benefit concert apart from the pack
is the inclusion of the actual recipients of the foundation,
'Clef's Kids. The "house band" during the entire show are
kids between 13 and 17 years old, and they can play. One of
these prodigies, Candice, sings a beautiful a Capella version
of "Lift Every Heart and Sing," from the balcony at the rear
of the hall. This performance alone truly accentuates the
acoustics of this great venue. A few songs later, Tim, the 17
year old saxophonist, accompanies Wyclef into the audience
and performs a moving rendition of "Amazing Grace", then
returns to the stage for a medley of Bach pieces conducted
by Wyclef and played solely by 'Clef's Kids
Orchestra.
The accompanying bonus material consists of interviews with
'Clef's Kids and the stars themselves. Hopefully future
releases will feature more behind the scene footage, but you
don't buy or rent a movie for the director's commentary. You
watch it for the content of the feature. Watch this one for the
same reason. |
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