Ever wondered what happens when two continents collide? In geographical terms it can be devastating, as tectonic plates grind and trigger a chain of cataclysmic events. In music too, the evens can be equally awe-inspiring with far reaching consequences, and in the case of the 1971 film Soul To Soul that impact is still being felt today. When over one hundred African American musicians travelled to Ghana to perform at a mammoth thirteen-and-a-half concert to celebrate that country’s fourteenth year of independence, the event had a life-affirming impact on each performer and every one of the 100,000 people who attended. Soul To Soul now gets a loving re-release (in addition to a soundtrack album), meaning that this film will have a similar impact on the viewer, too.
This DVD makes a nice companion to the expanded and reissued original soundtrack LP released by Liberation Hall records, and while they can both be enjoyed individually, there’s no denying that they’re inextricably entwined. However, the DVD definitely puts some flesh on the bones, but those expecting a wall-to-wall musical extravaganza will be pleasantly surprised at the content of this film. Running in a more linear fashion than the CD, Soul To Soul begins with an excitable rendition of ‘Soul To Soul’ by Ike & Tina Turner which acts as a signpost for later in the film, but the real starting point is in the aeroplane and the flight to Ghana (however, hopefully somebody will make a documentary about the film’s backstory and the herculean effort in bringing it to fruition). The excitement of the journey and the ecstasy with which they were received at the airport are transferred well to celluloid, as is the sightseeing and the absorption of local customs and culture. Along with the joy there are also moments of tear-inducing poignancy; the visit to Elmina Slave Castle will stay with you long after the final credits roll.
Throughout the film live performances are interspersed with more frequency until the final third of the movie becomes more of a concert film. The fluidity of the genre means the Latin-inspired rock of Santana sits next to the blues/jazz fusion of Les McCann & Eddie Harris quite effortlessly. As with many of these documentaries it is often what happens at the periphery that is most illuminating; if you can tear your eyes away from Ike & Tina’s showstopping ‘I Smell Trouble’ then look at raw emotion on the faces of those in the crowd, or the way that Kevin Griffin (The Voices Of East Harlem) stares with rapt awe at The Staple Singers when they perform ‘When Will We Be Paid’, two moments among many that succinctly encapsulate the power of music.
As we approach the 55th anniversary of Soul To Soul’s original premiere, this timely re-release documents a vitally important moment in history, the reverberations of which are still being felt today. Soul To Soul perfectly illustrates why some music will never go old.
- Soul To Soul is re-released via Liberation Hall/Reelin’ In The Years on 12th May 2026.
Chapter Points:
- Soul To Soul – Ike & Tina Turner
- Flying To Ghana/Airport Reception
- The Black Pot
- Ghana Arts Council
- Libation Ceremony/Accra Ga Royal Drummers
- Ishmael Adams & The Damas Choir
- In The Midnight Hour – Wilson Pickett
- Journey To Aburi, Ghana/Connecting Of The Cultures
- Run, Shaker Life – The Voices Of East Harlem
- Jungle Strut – Santana
- Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen – Santana
- The Price You Gotta Pay To Be Free – Les McCann & Eddie Harris
- Hey Jorler – Less McCann & Eddie Harris With Amoah Azangeo
- Ghanaian Traditions And Their Way Of Life
- Less McCann & Mavis Staples Reflections At The Elmina Slave Castle
- When Will We Be Paid – The Staple Singers
- Are You Sure – The Staple Singers
- Ooh Poo Pah Doo – Ike & Tina Turner
- River Deep-Mountain High – Ike & Tina Turner
- I Smell Trouble – Ike & Tina Turner
- Land Of 1000 Dances – Wilson Pickett
- Closing Credits
