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Sometimes you go to a show and get more than a show.
Sometimes you leave a venue excited about the future.
The glow can last for days.
1 and 2, etc.
capture more than just perfect nights on memorable tours.
Theyre snapshots of artists in full flower.
When I listen to my favorite live albums, I catch myself imagining the room.
It turns out Im projecting.
The real New Temple Missionary Baptist Church is a little different than I imagined.
Church ways stick with you whether you stick with the church or not.
Thats sort of the story of Aretha andAmazing Grace, isnt it?
What was the catalyst?
Was it Pollacks fatal error in shooting the thing without syncing the audio properly?
Maybe the 70s rock-doc explosion made her nervous.
(Amazing Graceisnt the only troubled A/V project of the era.
Whatever the case, the sights ofAmazing Graceare just as valuable as the sounds.
Amazing Gracethe film humanizes a historic performance in vibrant color.
You watch the audience receive the music heartily, clapping and whooping and cheering and crying.
You spot Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts from the Rolling Stones bopping in the back of the congregation.
You see chipper church formalities like the Southern California Community Choirs opening two-step march in glittering silver garments.
Cleveland is the archetypal Baptist preacher triple threat.
He speaks, performs, and hosts, keeping the room in high spirits and good humor.
Hes thrilled to have a superstar share his pulpit and excited to work his way into the mix.
Watching the congregation and the choir go to pieces during Franklinsdevastating ten-minute Amazing Graceis a revelation.
Gospel is a participatory art form.
Its a call and response.
Its about communing with your peers and your maker.
Excellence in the form is a selfless act of sharing and worship.
At Fillmore, Aretha wanted you to know that you were in the presence of greatness.
