**** Newly-edited outtakes stand up on their own
Director: Jeffrey Levy-Hinte
First of all, if you haven’t seen When We Were Kings, the Oscar-winning documentary about the Ali-Foreman “Rumble In The Jungle”, do so now. Whether you’re a fan of boxing or not, it’s simply incredible. Then check out Soul Power.
Along with the 1974 boxing match in Zaire came a three-day music festival featuring James Brown, B.B. King, The Spinners, Bill Withers and a host of others. The filmmakers responsible for shooting the boxing match also captured the music and the footage has finally been edited into a film of its own.
While not as essential as When We Were Kings, Soul Power is full of great moments…promoter Don King regaling the press…a member of The Spinners sparring with Ali…and plenty of excellent performance footage. While Withers, King and The Spinners are all good, James Brown proves just what a dynamic showman he was as he and the JBs put on an amazing display for the African fans. Only Ali matches JB for charisma.
