Amazing Grace (1972/2018)

At the height of her popularity Aretha Franklin decided to return to her roots and release a gospel album. Recorded over two nights with choral accompaniment at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles Amazing Grace went on to earn double platinum certification, win a Grammy and be the highest selling gospel album of all time. Warner Brothers had a film crew there, helmed by Sydney Pollack, and I think the intent might have originally been to release it as a TV special. However for whatever reason the film project fell apart in post production and it was not until last year that the film was finally put together. I'm not really much of a concert film guy but I loved this, Amazing Grace is alternately beautiful and joyous. The music of course is spectacular, but the vibe you get from seeing it recorded live, its something else. Only mid full the first evening but the second night word must have gotten out and the sanctuary is crowded, Franklin's Baptist preacher father stops by to say a few words and proves to be a thoroughly charming man. Mick Jagger show's up, just to watch. People are rising from the pews and dancing, it's really something, and worth seeing on the big screen if you can. ****