Search - J. J. Johnson, Bobby Womack :: Across 110th Street: Original MGM Motion Picture Soundtrack

The Midnight Mover does Broadway

Eddie Landsberg | Tokyo, Japan | 05/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have any questions about what an incredible CD this is, go rent the movie, which is equally amazing. A film that walks the fine line between "gritty urban drama" and '70s blaxploitation, the story of good cop/bad cop, racial tensions, and people trying to make do features Anthony Quinn and Yaphet Koto, and everyone's fave, Anthony Fargas - - like Shaft and Superfly, the music resonates throught he film and is part of the vital backdrop. It ranges from funky to soulful, with Womack's gritty voice telling some great stories. The highlight tune of the movie is IF YOU DON'T WANT MY LOVE. - - Bobby Womack is an incredible singer/songwriter with a gritty and powerful voice who's songs sometimes mix a bit of folk, into sweet soul and funk. Though no one is comparable to Womack (he's an institution in his own right) I think some comparison's can be made to Terrence Callier... The soundtrack features some funk as well - - for an example a slick instrumental featuring a very funky Clavinet at the forefront (aptly titled Harlem Clavinet.) Another song I really dug is Quicksand, which really let's Bobby's incredibly soulful voice cut loose. - - This soundtrack is an incredible listen with or without the movie, but its interesting to watch the movie after hearing the soundtrack, because a lot of the songs on this album you kind of hear in passing, on the radio and here and there, and they almost pass you buy till you get the album, then you realize the heavy stuff that's in this film. Though J.J. Johnson is in on the game, this is Bobby Womack at his best. Get Womack's greatest hits album to hear his brilliant navigation from Otis Reading influenced R & B to funky Sly and The Family stone tinged disco. Bobby's a top pick for me ! ! !"

Where the streets have Womack's name

Miguel Moura | Coimbra, Portugal | 12/21/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I borrowed this record from a friend of mine just for plain curiosity. Then the curiosity turned into enthusiasm as I heard Bobby Womack's voice. I already knew the first track, "Across 110th Street" from the "Jackie Brown" soundtrack, but I wasn't aware that Womack was such a talented musician. Then, my enthusiasm turned into admiration when listening the wonderfully played "Quicksand", surely the best song on this soundtrack. But J. J. Johnson's score also manages to capture the gritty realism of the streets and its surroundings, and the incidental dialogue that we keep hearing through the entire record helps us establish the link between Womack's words and the context of the film. Strongly recommended."

So rough so smooth, thank you J.J and Bob

Frank A. Brenner | chicago, Illinois United States | 02/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"J.J Johnsons score, and Bobby womacks vocal delivery make this a top funk soundtrack to own. Most def in the same league as Mayfields Superfly. Wonderfully powerful instrumentals sit comfortably next to the vocal tracks. The chase scene and laments are all in order. But it is the conceptual feel that holds this beauty together. J.J's full orchestral arrangements are funky and sophisticated, hot and cool as hell. I especially dig the title track and "If you dont want my love", and "quicksand". Both tracks are strangely depressing and deeply soulful.Respect the funk, Baby."