Black Wax
Released: January 12, 1983Runtime: 79 min
Gil Scott-Heron, one of rap's earliest (and unfortunately unknown) pioneers, gets his full due in Black Wax, the 1982 documentary recently reissued on video. Interspliced between performance footage of Scott-Heron and his Midnight Band are vignettes of him walking around Washington D.C., spouting his views on then-President Reagan (dubbed ""Ray-Gun"") and generally dropping knowledge. The live performance features many of Scott-Heron's best-known hits, including ""Johannesburg,"" ""Winter in America,"" and ""Angel Dust,"" among others. Warm, intelligent, and insightful throughout, Scott-Heron is clearly enjoying himself and the opportunity to espouse his views. A must for any fan of Scott-Heron's, and definitely worth a look for fans of the funkier jazz music of the mid to late 1970's.
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Top billed cast
Gil Scott Heron
as Self
Ed Brady
as Self
Robert Gordon
as Self - Bass
Glen Astro Turner
as Self - Keyboards and Harmonica
Larry Macdonald
as Self - Percussion
Carl Cornwell
as Self - Sax, Flute, Piano
Vernon James
as Self - Sax and Flute
Ron Holloway
as Self - Sax
Kenny Sheffield
as Self - Trumpet and Flügelhorn
Gia Scott Heron
as Self
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