The Jones Family Will Make a Way

The Jones Family Will Make a Way is a colorful and rhythmic journey through the eyes and hearts of a deeply ingrained community of African American faith and gospel music. This 2015 documentary stars cast members Michael Corcoran, Kenneth Freeman, and Alexis Jones, and runs for an engaging 82 minutes. The narrative is based on an unlikely friendship that forms between Bishop Fred Jones, the patriarch of a humble Pentecostal church, and Michael Corcoran; a cynical country Gospel music critic looking for a fresh story.

Bishop Fred Jones of the Southern Bible Belt is our heartwarming protagonist who has led his impassioned congregation for years. Yet, his growing dream was to leave a mark on the world, inspiring gospel music with the voice and spirit of his own family band. This dream was as significant to the Bishop as his faith was, and this instinctive desire gathered momentum as he envisioned extending his influence beyond the four walls of his church.

Enter Michael Corcoran, a Gospel music critic. His skepticism about religious music and his curiosity towards the authenticity of religious faith evolves as he’s drawn to investigate the Bishop and his family. Instead of finding a routine story, Corcoran is introduced to a powerful world of raw music, unshakeable faith, and incredible perseverance in the face of repeated adversity. As Corcoran engages deeper with the Jones family, he experiences a transformation that changes his perspective entirely.

At the center of the story is the Jones Family Singers. Made up of Bishop Jones’ family, the band has been delivering a raw and R&B-tinged form of gospel music, spreading their unique sound around their local Texan communities. They were content with touching hearts locally, but the Bishop dreamed of more. The band members, also an integral part of the movie, take the audience through insightful interviews and soul-grabbing live performances. They serve to demonstrate the reality of their life and struggles and the faith that drives their music. Alexis Jones, daughter of the Bishop, emerges as a vivid character, showcasing her incredible talent as a singer.

The journey isn't without its challenges. The film unravels individual band members' personal dilemmas, their beliefs, their faith, and their struggle to balance the quest to spread their gospel music without losing sight of their spiritual commitments. The movie includes moments where the group encounters realities that test their faith, love for music, and innate commitment to their band.

Each scene underlines the power of genuine human connections, unfiltered faith, and the deep passion for music that binds souls together. Director Alan Berg has intricately woven together the story, blending his vision with cinematic intimacy, which magnifies the emotional narrative of the feature. The music is a character on its own, stirring emotions that words left unspoken.

As Corcoran develops his newfound friendship with the Bishop and his family, he helps turn Bishop’s dream into reality by opening new doors for the band. This results in the Jones Family Singers touring across the nation and gaining recognition. However, the movie brilliantly encapsulates how fame challenges the band's spirituality and throws them in a constant struggle between their music’s growing popularity and their religious faith.

The Jones Family Will Make a Way paints a realistic and incredibly inspirational picture that modern America needs – a story about tradition, faith, music, and the power of individual dreams. It serves as a proudly raised banner of music that could be seen and heard beyond the horizons of segregated small towns. The movie is a love letter to dynamic gospel music, African-American Church culture, and the undying spirit of honesty and resilience in the face of adversity.

Regardless of your music taste or faith, this film resonates with everyone who appreciates the rawness of human dreams, relationships, and the art of music. The movie is a testament to an authentic narrative that African-American faith communities have upheld for centuries.

In its essence, The Jones Family Will Make a Way is not just a film about a gospel-singing family or a cynical critic; it is about a resilient human spirit that resonates universally. This documentary forms a story about faith, dreams, and the journey; it is sure to touch hearts and inspire minds.