Watch Make it Funky

Make It Funky is a 2005 documentary directed by Michael Murphy that explores the history of New Orleans music and its influence on American culture. The film features interviews and performances by legendary musicians such as Aaron Neville, Allen Toussaint, and Amadee Castenell, as well as up-and-coming artists who represent the current vibrant music scene in New Orleans.

The documentary begins by tracing the roots of New Orleans music back to the African rhythms brought over by slaves and the French and Spanish colonial influences in the city. The film highlights the importance of Congo Square, a public gathering place where slaves were allowed to play music and dance, as a key site in the evolution of jazz and other forms of New Orleans music. We hear from musicians such as Herlin Riley, Cyril Neville, and Donald Harrison Jr. about the significance of Congo Square in the development of jazz and how it provided a space for cultural expression and communication amongst different ethnic groups.

The film then moves on to discuss the rise of R&B in New Orleans in the 1950s and the emergence of influential labels such as Specialty Records and Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studios. We hear from singers like Irma Thomas and Benny Spellman, who talk about their experiences recording at J&M and the importance of Matassa's innovative recording techniques in capturing a distinct sound that defined New Orleans R&B. The film also delves into the role of radio stations such as WLAC and WDIA, which broadcasted R&B music across the nation and helped bring national attention to New Orleans musicians like Fats Domino and Allen Toussaint.

Another major thread in the film is the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the city's music scene. The documentary features interviews with performers such as Kermit Ruffins and Ben Jaffe of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, who talk about the devastation wrought by the hurricane on their homes and communities, as well as the resilience and determination of New Orleans musicians to keep the music alive in the face of such tragedy.

Throughout the film, we are treated to electrifying performance footage of some of the greatest New Orleans musicians of all time. There are stunning renditions of classics like "Iko Iko" by Dr. John, "It's Raining" by Irma Thomas, and "Tipitina" by Allen Toussaint, as well as newer songs by the likes of Trombone Shorty and Galactic. These performances give us a sense of the unique style and energy of New Orleans music and are a testament to the enduring power of this music to move and inspire people.

Make It Funky is a must-watch for anyone interested in music history, particularly the evolution of New Orleans music and its influence on American culture. The film is an engaging and informative look at the people and places that shaped this music, as well as a celebration of the musicians who continue to carry on the New Orleans musical tradition today. The film's emphasis on the resilience and creativity of New Orleans musicians in the face of adversity is particularly poignant, and serves as a fitting tribute to the spirit of this vibrant and culturally rich city.