Questlove’s Sly Lives! Is a Revealing Portrait of the Hazards of Genius

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Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s Oscar-winning music documentary, titled “Summer of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”, made its debut at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. However, due to the pandemic, the festival was held online, which meant that the film didn’t get the full, awe-inspiring, big-screen experience it truly deserved. This was emphasized last night by Sundance festival director Eugene Hernandez during his introduction of Thompson’s latest work, “Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)“, a film that in some ways might be even more impactful on the big screen than its predecessor.

Exploring the Life and Legacy of Sly Stone, a Musical Pioneer: Born as Sylvester Stewart, Sly Stone redefined music landscapes in the late ’60s and early ’70s by inventing his unique style. The documentary sheds light on how Sly & the Family Stone was an extraordinary ensemble for its time – a blend of Blacks and whites, women, and men. Remarkably, their music mirrored the diverse, multi-faceted nature of the group, though most of it was masterminded by Stone, a prodigious producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist. Drawing from gospel, folk, big band, blues, British invasion, and psychedelia, this musical powerhouse flouted the structured norms of the music industry. Furthermore, his emergence, following the turbulent ’60s and embodying the hopefulness and discordance of its aftermath, couldn’t have been more aptly timed.

Similar to numerous rock documentaries, “Sly Lives!” serves as both a celebration and a warning. Given Sly Stone’s extraordinary rise and subsequent struggles, such a portrayal is inevitable. His meteoric success eventually gave way to a protracted descent, with the rock icon becoming increasingly unpredictable, frequently arriving late for performances and eventually failing to attend altogether. Drugs became a significant factor, and encounters with the law became more frequent. However, unlike typical “Behind the Music”-style narratives, director Questlove (collaborating again with producer Joseph Patel from their “Summer of Soul” project) ponders whether Sly Stone’s collapse was due to the weight of Black genius. This suggests that he felt compelled to be a jack-of-all-trades for the Black community, a role made even more unattainable by societal expectations that prevented him from evolving and exploring other identities like white artists such as David Bowie could. The question is raised whether Sly Stone’s downfall was fueled by a culture that enjoys witnessing the fall of artists, particularly Black ones.

In this conversation, musicians such as D’Angelo, Vernon Reid, and Andre 3000 grapple with the idea of Black genius when it’s introduced by Questlove. This discussion isn’t a formal analysis but more like a cultural groove, something intangible. The topic becomes even more elusive because Sly Stone, himself, was often vague about his identity and intentions. In his interview snippets, there’s a sense of unease, a man who desires to create yet may also seek solitude. (Apologies for the term.) It’s worth noting that at times in these interviews, he might have been under the influence, as one bandmate suggests. Given his complex emotions, it’s not surprising that he finds it challenging to express his concerns. Historian Mark Anthony Neal notes that there was no roadmap for Sly Stone during his early ’70s peak fame. “There’s never been a Black Elvis,” he says, hinting at the unique challenges faced by Black superstars. Movies don’t always have to provide answers; sometimes, merely asking and leaving questions unanswered can be enough.

The true strength of “Sly Lives!” shines through as it showcases Stone’s most memorable hits, with Questlove allowing these tracks to play in full while interview subjects delve into the music and the visual imagery connected to them. Constructed primarily from archival footage and discussions, this documentary might seem like a typical or even unoriginal approach for modern documentaries at first glance. However, the editors brilliantly assemble these elements into engaging montages that offer fresh insights. The standout figure is legendary producer Jimmy Jam, who delves deep into the reasons why these songs have such a powerful effect on us. He dissects the tantalizing blend of bass lines and guitar riffs in “Dance to the Music,” explaining how they complement the unison and harmony vocals, giving each band member a moment to shine before the song reaches its harmonious conclusion. Later, he examines the strange, unsettled tension at the core of “Stand!”, discussing how the song appears to build towards a climax that never arrives, only to suddenly transform into something completely different at the end.

In simpler terms, the documentary “Sly Lives!” is more than just a cultural exploration; it’s the behind-the-scenes conversations that captivate. For instance, Larry Graham Jr., the bassist, shares his unique playing style he developed as a young man because he couldn’t play drums at the time. Later, drummer Greg Errico discusses how Sly utilized a Rhythm King drum machine to replace him when he left the band. This technology was often dismissed by artists, but Sly managed to create a completely new sound with it. Additionally, Jimmy Jam explained in detail how he combined a guitar bridge from Sly’s “Thank You” into the funk background of Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation”, which received applause from the audience. Overall, watching musicians discuss other musicians in this documentary leaves you feeling like you’ve gained genuine insights, and you walk away exhilarated.

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2025-01-25 03:54