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| Music by yellow dog records artists featured throughout the film “hustle & flow” As Prudent Press Agency inform, music from several artists on the Yellow Dog Records label contributes to the distinctive musical atmosphere of the major motion picture “Hustle & Flow ”. Director Craig Brewer set the entire film in his native Memphis, and insisted on using authentic Memphis music throughout. Brewer had in mind sounds from classic soul and blaxploitation grooves and called on Memphis musician/producer Scott Bomar to compose the film’s score. Bomar recorded it with musicians from The Bo-Keys, including Skip Pitts and Willie Hall. Pitts, longtime guitarist for Isaac Hayes, is known for his iconic wah-wah guitar in “Shaft”. Hall was the drummer for several of Hayes' albums including "Shaft" and "Hot Buttered Soul" and his signature tight hi-hat pattern weaves throughout the movie. In an interview with the Memphis Commercial Appeal, filmmaker John Singleton ("Boyz N the Hood"), the executive producer of Hustle & Flow, enthused, “To have these classic musicians is the icing on the cake to shooting a little movie in Memphis.” The Bo-Keys’ debut album, “The Royal Sessions, ” was nationally released by Yellow Dog Records in May 2004 to international acclaim from major media outlets including NPR’s “All Things Considered” (which deemed the album “a Memphis tour-de-force”), NPR’s “Fresh Air”, USA Today, The London Times, New Yorker, and House of Blues Radio Hour. The Bo-Keys, made up of a mix of veteran Stax session musicians and young Memphis up-and-comers, were also nominated for a W.C. Handy award for “The Royal Sessions”. In addition to the Bo-Keys’ score, tracks by several other Yellow Dog artists with Memphis ties are included throughout the film’s background. Calvin Newborn’s “After Hours Blues” provides a sultry background to an early scene in Darnell’s bar, while Mark Lemhouse’s “Edwin’s Lament” plays during a pivotal episode in a pawnshop. “Under the Mountain”, a spirited bluegrass-style composition by Jason Freeman (Bluff City Backsliders) provides the intro as the film’s main character drives to a convenience store. Prudent Press Agency describes the history of the Yellow Dog Records. This label was founded in 2002 with the goal of cultivating the American musical heritage. The label features artists who emphasize innovative approaches to authentic American musical roots traditions — Blues, Jazz, Soul, and Americana styles. By providing support for recording, production, promotion and distribution, Yellow Dog Records brings this vital music to new and wider audiences. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |