Watch Living on Soul

Living on Soul is a documentary film that takes a behind the scenes look at the legendary music series, the Daptone Records, and its celebrated label band, The Dap-Kings, as they host a series of summer concerts at the historic Harlems Apollo Theater. The concerts take place over three nights in December 2014 and feature some of the most influential musicians in the neo-soul and funk music genres, including Charles Bradley, Antibalas, The Budos Band, and The Como Mamas. The film also features exclusive interviews with the performers, and takes viewers into the makeshift dressing rooms, where performers share their stories and experiences in the music industry.

The film begins with a brief introduction to the history of the Daptone Records, the independent record label that was founded in 2001 by Gabriel Roth and Neal Sugarman. The label has been responsible for launching the careers of some of the most talented soul and funk musicians in the industry including Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley, and Antibalas. Living on Soul focuses on the label's celebrated house band, The Dap-Kings, and their role in organizing the renowned Daptone Revue shows at the legendary Harlem's Apollo Theater.

The film then follows the band as they prepare for their three-day summer concert series in December 2014. The concerts mark a special occasion for the band, as it is their first show after the heartbreaking loss of their lead singer, Sharon Jones, who passed away from cancer just a month before the shows. The band is visibly emotional as they gear up for the concerts, and it becomes apparent that this is a significant moment not only for the band but also for the fans.

Living on Soul showcases the incredible talent and energy of the musicians who graced the iconic Apollo Theater stage. The performances are electrifying, and the audience is shown to be wildly enthusiastic and emotionally invested in the music. There are incredible performances from Charles Bradley, whose emotional rendition of "You Put The Flame On It" is one of the many highlights of the concert series. The performance is a poignant tribute to the recently deceased Sharon Jones, and Bradley's raw emotionality underscores the importance of the evening. Antibalas, the radical Afrobeat orchestra, delivers a powerful set that brings the audience to their feet, while The Como Mamas, the gospel trio from Mississippi, delivers a soulful and emotive performance that elevates the evening to a spiritual experience.

The documentary shines a light on the stories of the artists, and how they have used music to overcome difficult circumstances in their lives. There are touching moments such as when Thomas Brenneck, The Dap-Kings' guitarist, recalls how he and Sharon Jones met and their close working relationship, while The Como Mamas share how their music is inspired by their profound religious beliefs. The viewer is given a glimpse into the personalities and motivations behind the music, and it is a moving and inspiring experience.

One of the significant strengths of Living on Soul is its ability to convey the energy and the joy of live music. The film captures the Apollo's rich and soulful history, and the camera work and editing are masterful. The audience is taken on a journey through the concert, from the anticipation of the doors opening to the euphoria of the performances. The hybrid of different musical sounds that are showcased in the film is a testament to the incredible vision of the Dap-Kings and their label's willingness to take risks and elevate diverse musical genres.

Living on Soul is a masterful documentary that showcases the incredible musicians and performers who have graced the stage of the Daptone Revue. The film is a celebration of the power of music and its ability to bring joy and hope to its audiences. It is a reflection of the talent and passionate performances of Charles Bradley, Antibalas, The Budos Band, The Como Mamas among others, and it is an excellent film to watch for anyone who loves soul and funk music.

Living on Soul is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.