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Scratch

Director Doug Pray's documentary is in its own right a work of art that is visually and intellectually stimulating to watch.

There are many highly regarded artists on this film, including: Grand Wizzard Theodore, Afrika Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, GrandMixer DXT, Qbert and the Invisible Skratch Pikiz, DJ Shadow, Rob Swift and the X-Ecutioners, DJ Babu and The Beat Junkies. DJ Craze and The Allies, DJ Premier, Z-Trip among many other talents.

I'm probably not doing them the justice they deserve. I'll be honest... until I saw this documentary, I didn't grasp how important, creative, inspiring, or difficult it is to be involved in making the artist's voice flow through one's hands on what would be considered for me the canvas that a painter would work on: the turntable the musicians create their art on.

So my recommendation is high on checking them out for yourself because it definitely had me taking a different spin on the music that is called Scratch.

Of course, I'm not that unaware of the artistic accomplishments and influences that scratching has had on the musical society--especially noted is Herbie Handcock's "Rockit." I remember when that song first came out. It was groundbreaking; it was exciting; it was huge! Another famous musician is Mix Master Mike (of the Beastie Boys) who appears on the film as he explains what makes this such a fascinating and rewarding form of artistic expression for him.

What makes this such an important documentary to watch is the sense of pride these musicians hold inside them. From showcasing competitions to the everyday life their world fills them with, these musicians are smart, focused, determined, and talented. They have a pure vision, a driven passion to create a form of music that stood on its own rules.

Flying with supreme energy, this documentary opens the door and lets the fresh air of this jammin', funky, electrifying, rhythmic style of music in.

A must-see for anyone who wants to get a better realization of how the birth of this style of music came to such creative heights for musicians to express themselves by and for the listeners to relate to.

Scratch is such an informative look at how these artists (both familiar and unfamiliar) came into their own skin and helped create a style of music that, without them, would not have been utilized and so important in the world where the musician is the music of our soul.

Written by: Lynda Dale MacLean

Reviewers Rating: 7.5
Reader's Rating: 9.50
Reader's Votes: 2

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