An absolute "gotta see it"
Whether you're a musician, a soundman, a producer or simply a fan of pop music through the years, The Greatest Ears in Town may well provide you with more insight into how "hits" are created than any other film you'll ever see. From R&B forward, Arif Mardin understood the nuances of musical creativity, and this film brings them forward for you to see and learn from while also providing a truly entertaining experience. Compare this to any American Masters feature doc from Lou Reed to Les Paul. Wow... no wonder this gentleman won so many Grammy's. Totally recommended...
Packed Full of Amazing Music Moments
This film is a treat for any real music fan. It is packed with priceless stories from the likes of Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Norah Jones, Barry Gibb, Chaka Khan, and tons more. I loved the anecdote about how the "Chaka, Chaka, Chaka Khan" hook from "I Feel For You" was created by Arif Mardin hitting a button repeatedly on the control desk (shown in the film) and another by Barry Gibb telling us how Mardin essentially created the Bee Gees' signature falsetto vocal style. Those are just two magic moments in a tremendous film. I can't recommend this more highly.
Marvelous and loving tribute to an often-overlooked American music icon
When you think of the great producers at Atlantic Records, the first names that come to mind are Amet Ertegun and Jerry Wexler. These are the guys who get the publicity. But another in the group of four Atlantic top staff (including Ahmet's brother Neshui) is Arif Mardin and he was different from the rest in two ways: First, and foremost, he was an arranger and composer, as well as a producer; Second he was more low-keyed and less ego-centric than the rest. In 2006 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and decided to record his third solo album - but with original music, some composed in the 1970s - featuring his "friends". Mardin had talented friends: Bette Midler, Norah Jones, Dr. John, Chaka Kahn (it was Mardin who devised the hip-hop "Chaka Kahn, Chaka Kahn" riff on the 1984 platinum hit "I Feel For You") and Carly Simon. He almost completed the album before his death at age 74 in June 2006. His son, Joe, vowed to finish the album, and did.
It was Joe who decided to...
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