Divisions Erased
July 12, 2023
Ron
In 1990 Spike Lee filmed an episode of Great Performances called "Do It a Cappella" and it brought together a cappella groups from around the New York area to face off and showcase their voices — with no music. Just, well, a cappella.
This special had a huge impact on me and I listened to it so obsessively that I had to keep making new VHS dubs, finally securing it on DVD once those were available. Aside from the fabulous vocals and diversity of songs and arrangements, I think what moved me the most about this special was seeing in action what I'd always found to be true throughout my performing career: that art transcends bias, and that music particularly has the ability to erase cultural divisions. It's a very powerful documentary.
"Spike & Co.: Do It Acapella" — Great Performances S19E1 (1990)
SELECTIONS
“Under The Boardwalk” — Rockapella and True Image (1990)
“Zombie Jamboree”— Rockapella (1990)
[Other versions]
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight" — Ladysmith Black Mambazo and The Mint Juleps (1990)
BONUS MATERIAL
“The House of The Rising Sun” — Rockapella (1995)
"Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego" Themes Song Versus Number One Hits — with Sean Altman
[I admit that I’ve never heard of this song, but this is really fun.]
"Tough Motherfucker (With An Eye Patch)" — with Sean Altman
[Never heard it, but I spit.]
"They Tried To Kill Us (We Survived, Let's Eat!)" — with Sean Altman
[The Passover Song]
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