Take Me to the River

Actor and musician Terrence Howard hosts this introduction to the soul music of Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. Take Me to the River is both a documentary and a “making-of,” since musician-turned-director Martin Shore captures the artists who appear on the soundtrack as they rehearse, record, and discuss their song selections. Shore received production assistance from guitarist Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads) and singer Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), son of famed producer Jim Dickinson (although Howard neglects to mention it, the Talking Heads famously covered “Take Me to the River,” the Al Green classic that gives the project its title). In an attempt to appeal to a broader audience, young artists join forces with veteran performers here, including session guitarists Hubert Sumlin (Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters) and Charles “Skip” Pitts (the Isley Brothers, Isaac Hayes), both of whom died shortly afterwards. Most of the configurations make sense, such as singer Otis Rush and rapper Frayser Boy (Three 6 Mafia); or Cody's brother, guitarist Luther Dickinson, and singer Mavis Staples; but rapper Lil P-Nut, who turned 13 in 2015, could've used a few more years under his belt, although Otis Clay seems delighted by his tiny partner. Alongside the performance material, Shore intercuts clips of Hayes, Sam & Dave, and other artists who came from the same scene. Howard, who performs the original song "Walk Away" here, also talks about Memphis's connection to the Civil Rights movement. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)