Shake! Otis at Monterey

Shake! Otis at Monterey is a 1987 documentary that feels like a time capsule elegantly capturing an era of transformative music. This short, yet powerful documentary film takes you on a journey through what some consider the golden era of soul music, showcasing the euphoric performance of the dynamic soulful evangelist, Otis Redding, at the Monterey Pop Festival, backed by the legendary Booker T. & the M.G.s and Steve Cropper.

Though the 19-minute short movie may seem brief, the film is thick with musical imprints weaponized with a mesmerizing cornucopia of soulful melodies that impact you intrinsically. The film is a profound homage to the 1967 summer of love at the Monterey International Pop Music Festival in California. This multidimensional motion picture combines black-and-white concert footage, recording studio scenes, and interviews into a luminary blend to immortalize Otis Redding's pinnacle performance just months before his tragic death.

The film's director, D.A. Pennebaker, showcased his technical finesse making this documentary a trendsetter of the genre. He made a commendable effort in documenting Otis Redding's performance, gathering rare backstage footage, and candid moments thereby creating a comprehensive visual narrative that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the festival and the magnetic charisma of Redding himself.

The film immediately greets you with a musical onslaught by the M.G.s, including quintessential names like Donald 'Duck' Dunn, Al Jackson Jr., and Steve Cropper that acknowledges the indispensable role they played in complementing Redding's raw power and soulful resonance. Pennebaker's deftness at creating a narrative around these pivotal musicians nudges us to understand the magic that transpired on stage and behind the scenes in creating the sound that defined an era.

In the sea of musical genius that graced the stage of the Monterey Pop Festival, Shake! Otis at Montereyprimarily focuses on Redding's five-song set that elevated his status from being a prominent figure in the R&B world to a global phenomenon. The songs – Shake, Respect, I've Been Loving You Too Long, Satisfaction, and Try a Little Tenderness - resurrected in this film serve as testament to Redding's vocal prowess, the dexterous caliber of his band, and the pervasive influence of his performance that continues to reverberate through generations.

One of the most haunting moments in the film is the rendition of “I've Been Loving You Too Long”, a heartbreaking ballad by Redding. The film showcases the depth of the singer's emotional spectrum that ranges from the fiery intensity of “Shake” & “Satisfaction” to the haunting melancholy of “I've Been Loving You Too Long”, culminating with the filled-to-the-brim emotion of “Try A Little Tenderness".

Roger Friedman’s film editing is crucial to the success of the film, integrating the performances with intimate interviews and interactions, which effectively immerse you in the musicians’ journey: from rehearsal to dazzling stage performances. Black and white visuals provide a stark contrast that underscores the performances' raw emotion, coupled with the era's prevalent social and cultural tensions.

In Shake! Otis at Monterey, audiences will appreciate how Pennebaker blends the technicalities of musical performances with Redding's magnetic charisma and the raw, relentless energy that characterized that golden period in the world of music. It is not merely a supplement to Pennebaker's feature-length Monterey Pop, but equally significant in its stand-alone story that breathes life into the unfading reminiscences of a much-celebrated music festival.

Otis Redding may have passed away shortly after the festival, but this film continues to house his soul and his relentless passion for music. It is not just a record of his mesmerizing performance but also a testament to his lasting impact on the world of music. Viewers feel his spirit and are transported back to the electrifying moment where, for a brief spell, he held the world captive with raw emotion and soulful rhythms. For fans of Otis Redding and for admirers of the transformative power of music, Shake! Otis at Monterey is not to be missed. It truly embodies the power, passion, and sheer ecstasy of music.