Document/European Premiere
Mark Landsman/USA/2010/84 min/tbc
The stratospheric success and enduring legacy of the phenomenon that was the Kashmere Stage band is chronicled in Mark Landsman’s respectful and exhilarating documentary, Thunder Soul. Beginning with the band’s formation at Kashmere High School in Houston, Texas, in 1972, the film charts the rise, fall and resurrection of a group that changed the face and music of the American Stage Band community.
Created by renowned musician, Conrad ‘Prof’ Johnson in the late 60s, the Kashmere Stage Band was the first all-black troupe in what was a predominantly white scene at the time. Bound together by a love of music, and Johnson’s patriarchal teachings, Kashmere became an unstoppable force in the show band culture with its signature jazz/funk style. By alluding to American society in the 70s, including the civil rights movement, Thunder Soul applies this new found spirit of freedom to the music of Kashmere, creating a sense of pride, purpose and hope. Although created to follow the band’s reunion in 2008, Landsman’s film becomes a tribute to Johnson, as Kashmere’s success led to work for many of his students. Moving, emotional, but above all, uplifting, Thunder Soul is a testament to the power of belief and hard work.
Showing @ Cineworld, 18th of June, 20:20, 19th of June, 15:45
Maybe a little partial since I am one of the band members in Houston. But I still think that this is great inspirational motivating story about trials and victories. I hope everyone that saw it had an uplifting experience. Share the love. That’s what “Prof” did for us.
Reginald (Keyboards) 73-75