"Tom Dowd & the Language of Music"
John Coltraine, Thelonious Monk, Eric Clapton, Ginger
Baker, the Allman Brothers, Ray Charles, Aretha
Franklin, Tito Puente and Les Paul are just some of
the legends of music affected by prodigal recording
engineer and music producer Tom Dowd. Documentary
filmmaker Mark Moormann tells about the life and times
of this remarkable, influential music man in "Tom Dowd
& the Language of Music."
Those familiar with the musical development of the
Beatles have always known that George Martin was a
driving, creative force behind that most famous band.
While I have heard of Tom Dowd, I wasn't expecting to
learn that he had more influence over more musicians
for a longer time than Martin could ever wish for.
Docu-maker Moormann, with the help of the above
mentioned friends and fans of Dowd, tells the story of
this true legendary figure that made a lasting impact
on jazz, R&B and rock music.
The sheer numbers of talented people hailing Tom Dowd
is impressive unto itself. And, every player sings the
highest praises for the man. But, the attraction to
the subject and his music is Dowd himself. The
engineer turned producer provided interview material
for Moormann from 1996 until his death in 2002 and the
incredible numbers of singers and musician he aided
over decades is most impressive. The filmmakers show
Dowd's innovation and shrewd understanding of the
music scene and the impact he had upon it.
You would have to hate music not to find something to
like in "Tom Dowd & the Language of Music." The
interviews are numerous and informative; the music
that he influenced is given good shrift from the jazz
greats like Coltraine and Monk to Cream, the Allman
Brothers and the queen of R&B, Aretha. It is a solid,
entertaining and educational documentary that has
something for nearly everyone. I give it a B.
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