| The Language of Music | 
| Director: Mark Moormann
Actors: Thelonious Monk, Aretha Franklin, Ahmet Ertegun, Tom Dowd, Ginger Baker
Studio: Palm Pictures / Umvd
Category: DVD
List Price: $24.98
Buy New: $17.45
You Save: $7.53 (30%)
Buy New/Used from $13.78
Avg. Customer Rating:   (42 reviews)
Sales Rank: 9505
Format: Dvd-video, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Unrated
Media: DVD
Running Time: 90 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 3077
UPC: 660200307721
EAN: 0660200307721
ASIN: B00011ZBOS
Release Date: August 24, 2004
Theatrical Release Date: February 24, 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Description
TOM DOWD & THE LANGUAGE OF MUSIC profiles the extraordinary life and legendary work of music producer / recording engineer Tom Dowd. Historical footage, vintage photographs and interviews with a who's who list of musical giants from the worlds of jazz, soul and classic rock shine a spotlight on the brilliance of Tom Dowd, whose creative spirit and passion for innovative technology helped shape the course of modern music. Tom Dowd's credits include recording sessions with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Otis Redding, John Coltrane, The Allman Brothers Band, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Cream, Rod Stewart, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Booker T. & the MG's and countless other musical luminaries. Includes Music & Interviews with Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, The Allman Brothers Band, Les Paul, Otis Redding, Thelonious Monk, Booker T. & the MG's & many more!
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| Customer Reviews: Read 37 more reviews...
 What a life! October 11, 2008
I don't know how Tom Dowd's identity and influence escaped me for so many years. His influences as engineer, producer and omnipresent encourager of creative greatness were all over the music and albums that were like oxygen to me during the 60's and 70's. And I read every word about every person and player on every album cover like they were scripture. It really speaks to Mr. Dowd's dedication to putting the music first that his undeniable influence is so hard to find an acknowledgment for.
I remember first hearing about him on NPR a few years ago and wondered how he had slipped by my attention as his milieu was Atlantic Records during that label's most incredible heyday and he knew and worked with every amazing musician and band that was affiliated with Atlantic Records.
But I didn't know about this documentary until it popped up on Netflix as an auto-recommend and I jumped on it. I watched it last night and it's an amazing story of a super intelligent guy who understood music and musicians at a molecular level and who had to have been among the nicest and most well loved personalities ever in the music business.
There are a slew of larger than life personalities associated with the Atlantic label; the Ertegun brothers, Jerry Wexler and, of course all the great musicians. But Tom Dowd's place in that group is as secure as any. His story is as unique and implausible as a personal story gets but here it is. If you are into great stories, great Jazz/Rock/R&B etc. and interesting interviews with the some of the giants of the 60"/70's music scene. Watch and enjoy this DVD.
And, of course, there's plenty of great music throughout. And make sure to go through the "extras". Many more insights there and lots of commentary and reminiscing by Tom's peers and creative associates.
I would recommend watching the DVD "Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story" along with "Tom Dowd & the Language of Music". Both DVD's stand on their own without a doubt. But their stories are very intertwined and it really fills out the story's of both Stax and Atlantic to watch both.
Rest in Peace Mr. Dowd. You helped to create a beautiful noise while you were here.
The genius behind the geniuses September 19, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Any fan of 20th century contemporary jazz and rock will love this documentary - Tom Dowd made the genius musician sound like a genius. He would climb into a song just like the musician did and helped create some of the most enduring records of all time. For me in particular, the section where he re-visits the recording of "Layla", and he's sitting at the board and isolates just the guitars of Duane and Eric interplaying is simply spine tingling. Dowd says "Those are not human notes..." I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
Amazing August 11, 2008
Tom's story is amazing and a must see. From the casual listener to the musician, this movie will certainly be relevant. Excellent interviews with Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, and many others help make this story come to life. Tom Dowd was one amazing engineer, one amazing musician, and one amazing human being. You will definitely enjoy this movie.
Music history for music lovers June 23, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
After seeing this on the Sundance channel I had to buy it. I LOVE music and I didn't know who Tom Dowd was. This story has famous musicians relating how important Tom Dowd was in the creation of famous songs like Layla. Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Dickie Betts, and Greg Alman all discuss their relationship with Tom and how influential he was to the music industry. If you like Jazz, Rock, or Soul, you will love this video.
If you are like me, you will enjoy turning your friends on to this must see video.
Important Popular Music History April 21, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Exuburance and innovation, the hallmark of post war America is documented here as it applies to the one of the unsung giants of the recording industry. The high quality of the Alantic label's important legacy owes much to Tommy Dowd. Suprising is the musical influence he enjoyed with artists such as Aretha Frankin, the Allman's, Cream and many others. This is an enormously entertaining documentary. If you enjoy listening to music, this is a must see!
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