Watch Kids' Reviews of
MUSIC ROOTS

I love that Music Roots is produced by an 18-year-old from New Orleans! The footage is mainly archival, but also interviews musicians such as Daryl Oates, from Hall and Oates. The points made incorporate the best and worst of how American music, jazz and blues culture evolved.

The film gives a brief historical example of how slaves came to America and how they influenced musical forms. He also shares how American music affected the sounds of African music. Because this film is only six minutes long, it is a "Whitman's Sampler" of the influence of African American music on the arts and music culture of Rock'n Roll, Jazz and Blues. The narrative, by Cameron, is professional and interesting.

I highly recommend this film. It is only six minutes long and that is the biggest disappointment of the film. It leaves me wanting more, much more! The director/writer, Burke Mairs Cameron, shares footage of himself as a child learning drums and piano with jazz greats, and I think audiences will be thrilled to see this, particularly young people. The content is an accurate account of American music development. The beauty of the musicians, in period attire, is delightful. Ma Riney has a particularly lovely scene, walking down the street in heels then picking up her guitar and wailing. Music Roots benefits the audience by sharing the beauty and difficulties of African American culture in America. There are adorable scenes of children dancing and doing acrobatics, parades and performances - the best of what New Orleans has to offer. Children may be left with sadness of what slavery is and its negative consequences. But again, this is a sliver of what this short film encourages children to see, and is a realistic look at the roots of American history.

The film's message is that there is unseen power in music - all music brings joy, connectivity and human culture to us all! So enjoy it. Be aware that the film does show images of slaves in chains and poverty.

I give Music Roots 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

I love that Music Roots is produced by an 18-year-old from New Orleans! The footage is mainly archival, but also interviews musicians such as Daryl Oates, from Hall and Oates. The points made incorporate the best and worst of how American music, jazz and blues culture evolved.

The film gives a brief historical example of how slaves came to America and how they influenced musical forms. He also shares how American music affected the sounds of African music. Because this film is only six minutes long, it is a "Whitman's Sampler" of the influence of African American music on the arts and music culture of Rock'n Roll, Jazz and Blues. The narrative, by Cameron, is professional and interesting.

I highly recommend this film. It is only six minutes long and that is the biggest disappointment of the film. It leaves me wanting more, much more! The director/writer, Burke Mairs Cameron, shares footage of himself as a child learning drums and piano with jazz greats, and I think audiences will be thrilled to see this, particularly young people. The content is an accurate account of American music development. The beauty of the musicians, in period attire, is delightful. Ma Riney has a particularly lovely scene, walking down the street in heels then picking up her guitar and wailing. Music Roots benefits the audience by sharing the beauty and difficulties of African American culture in America. There are adorable scenes of children dancing and doing acrobatics, parades and performances - the best of what New Orleans has to offer. Children may be left with sadness of what slavery is and its negative consequences. But again, this is a sliver of what this short film encourages children to see, and is a realistic look at the roots of American history.

The film's message is that there is unseen power in music - all music brings joy, connectivity and human culture to us all! So enjoy it. Be aware that the film does show images of slaves in chains and poverty.

I give Music Roots 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!

Music Roots is a powerful, original film exploring the deep ties between American music and its roots in West African traditions. It traces the evolution of genres like jazz, soul, rock, and blues, while emphasizing how this history is often overlooked due to its connection to painful truths. Some of the film's highlights include an interview with Daryl Hall and the influence of trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. As a whole, it illustrates not just the story of a single genre, but the evolution of American music as we know it.