If you haven't heard the name Charles Bradley, chances are, by the end of SXSW you will. If you're looking for a moving documentary that will also have you tapping your toes, "Charles Bradley: Soul Of America" might just fit the bill.
The R&B singer was the talk of much of the music world in 2011, with the 62 year old singer seemingly coming out of nowhere to drop his debut (!) album No Time For Dreaming, to widespread critical acclaim, with the disc landing on many year end top ten lists. But the journey of how he got there, and how he was making first steps as a musician when many acts are retiring, is all covered in the documentary by Poull Brien. We won't recount the details here — best to save it for the movie — but Bradley's life was one of hard times and tragedy, and yet redemption was found through the healing power of soul music.
This exclusive clip is a nice sneak peak at the doc, which promises an uplifting and inspiring tale of a man finally getting his chance to shine. "Charles Bradley: Soul Of America" will play SXSW tonight at 9 PM at the Alamo Ritz 2, with more screenings over the next two weekends. Watch the clip below, followed by the trailer for the film.
Here is a great Live video from Charles Bradley in Montreal, by Guerrilla Remote. Spread the word. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leprDpQXAGQ&feature=plcp&context=C463ab5bVDvjVQa1PpcFNpEv32-AxRG-FqWmDykH63VCRx4d_aC4A%3D