Watch Shake! Otis at Monterey

Shake! Otis at Monterey is a captivating 1987 documentary that showcases one of the most electrifying performances of soul music legend Otis Redding. Filmed at the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967, the movie perfectly captures the raw energy and passion of Redding's soulful singing and stage presence. The Monterey Pop Festival heralded a new era of music and performance, and Otis Redding's memorable act there has since become legendary. The documentary begins with the event's organizer, John Phillips, introducing Redding to a massive crowd, and declaring him as the best soul artist in the world. The camera then cuts to Redding and his backup band, Booker T. & the M.G.s, trotting on to the stage, instruments in hand.

As the first notes of Redding's iconic song, "Shake," begin to play, the energetic tempo and catchy beat instantly set the tone for the performance. The crowd responds with feverish enthusiasm as Redding's powerful voice fills the air with soulful melodies. He sings several other hit songs such as "Respect" and "I've Been Loving You Too Long," which showcase his excellent range and heartfelt lyrics.

Throughout the film, the camera focuses intently on the passion and intensity of Redding's showman persona. His infectious smile, foot-stomping, and stage presence radiate pure joy and charisma. In one of the most iconic moments of the documentary, Redding performs his hit song "Try A Little Tenderness." As the song progresses, he slowly builds up the tempo until he is lost in its frenzied rhythm. The camera then pans to the crowd, who are equally lost in the music, and are seen swaying ecstatically to Redding's performance.

In between performances, the documentary includes several interview segments with Otis Redding's bandmates and other performers like Eric Burdon and Janis Joplin, as well as clips highlighting the significance of the Monterey Pop festival for the music industry of the time. The film also features several other great performances from artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Jefferson Airplane, which punctuate Shake! Otis at Monterey perfectly.

Booker T. & the M.G.s, Redding's backup band in the documentary, also deserve mention for their fantastic musicianship. Their smooth grooves and skillful playing provide the backbone for Redding’s passionate vocals, and the synergy between the band members and Redding is evident throughout the documentary.

Overall, Shake! Otis at Monterey is a masterful ode to one of the most celebrated performances of one of the greatest soul legends of all time. The film's vibrant energy, dynamic music, and captivating footage make it an exciting and must-see documentary for music history buffs, soul music enthusiasts, and anyone who loves music as a whole. It perfectly captures the spirit of an era in music and the unparalleled talent of Otis Redding as both a singer and a showman.

Shake! Otis at Monterey is a 1987 documentary with a runtime of 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.