Woody Guthrie All-Star Tribute Concert 1970

Woody Guthrie All-Star Tribute Concert 1970 is a captivating musical tribute to one of the most significant figures in American folk music, Woody Guthrie. This nostalgic homage to Guthrie captures the essence of the '70s folk scene, featuring a host of musicians of that era who had been influenced by Guthrie's work. From legendary artists to emerging talents, the concert creates an atmospheric revival of Guthrie's songs, spirit, and the profound influence he left on the music industry.

Released by MVD Visual and Woody Guthrie Publications, the movie does an exceptional job of capturing the 1970 concert that took place at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The concert marked the 2nd anniversary of Guthrie's death with a heartfelt demonstration of respect and admiration for this instrumental figure in folk music.

As the title suggests, the concert is indeed an 'All-Star Tribute'. It includes remarkable performances by folk and country music legends such as Joan Baez, Country Joe McDonald, Odetta, Richie Havens, and Pete Seeger. Their impassioned renditions of Guthrie's songs fill the air with a profound aura of reverence towards the late singer-songwriter. Tom Paxton, Arlo Guthrie, and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott are also among the noteworthy performers.

The film is an engaging watch for music lovers and age-old fans of Guthrie — the 'Dust Bowl Troubadour' known for his honest and poignant songs about social justice. It elegantly captures Guthrie's legacy, highlighting how his music resonated with both his contemporaries and the succeeding generation of musicians, who carry his torch forward.

The performances are interspersed with interviews and snippets depicting Woody Guthrie's life, his musical journey, and how he fought against the injustices of his time through his music. These snippets provide viewers with a more intimate understanding of Guthrie's ideology, his struggles, and his deep-rooted belief in the power of music as a tool for change. The film serves as a platform not only to celebrate Guthrie's music but also to disseminate his belief in the 'folk' - the people.

This concert film is more than just a collection of performances. It is a vivid portrayal of Guthrie's mantra, 'This machine kills fascists,' a phrase he famously painted on his guitars, symbolic of his use of music as a weapon against social disparity. All artists who perform on stage exemplify this mantra, uniting the audience in the spirit of change and egalitarianism that Guthrie’s music embodied.

Woody Guthrie All-Star Tribute Concert 1970 is also notable for the crisp, remastered audio and visual quality. Though recorded at a time when technology was not as advanced as it is today, the remastered film allows the viewer to experience the concert's buoyant atmosphere like never before. Viewers won't just watch this concert; they’ll feel as if they're a part of it, clapping and swaying along with the crowd.

In its essence, Woody Guthrie All-Star Tribute Concert 1970 is not just a movie, it is a journey back in time. It allows viewers to step into the past and witness a historic musical event that celebrates the life and legacy of Woody Guthrie. All aspects of the film—its performances, interviews, and crowd reactions—come together to create a spectacle befitting the legendary folk musician.

A film that transcends the boundaries of a simple concert, it captures the spirit of the era, the influence of a legend, and the power of music to unite and inspire. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Woody Guthrie wanting to relive his magic, an admirer of folk and country music, or someone looking for a heartfelt homage to a musical legend, Woody Guthrie All-Star Tribute Concert 1970 is a film that assures to engage, inspire, and entertain.