Karlton Hester

Body and Soul: An American Bridge is an interesting account of African-American music told largely from a Jewish perspective that centered around the song "Body and Soul". It is, therefore, a familiar approach to American storytelling related primarily from the fringe of African-American "jazz" evolution, community, and culture. Relationships between African-American artists and Jewish musicians and businessmen are indeed longstanding and Robert Philipson centers his film meaningfully around that fact. However, what is deemphasized are the levels of sociocultural separation, exploitation, and debilitating appropriation that enter into that sensitive history and relationship are minimized in the film. This is a common yet significant omission, especially given the degree to which such actions have affected the African-American innovators, progenitors, and other practitioners who created this incredible art form, a cultural practice that has radically altered the course of modern and contemporary music while failing to provide equitable benefit to African-American artists economically for the fruits of their labor. Nonetheless, it is a well-made documentary that is well-produced, worthy of investigation, reflection, and contemplation.