Isaac Hayes — The Black Moses of Soul, 1973

Full concert by Isaac Hayes filmed in 1973, at a time when the artist, nicknamed “Black Moses”, was at the height of his fame. A songwriter, singer, keyboardist and arranger, Isaac Hayes was one of the major figures of soul and an architect of the sound of the Stax label in Memphis. Crowned by the Oscar-winning “Theme from Shaft”, he redefined orchestral soul with his long spoken introductions, lush strings and stretched-out grooves. This filmed live concert conveys the scale of his early-1970s shows: a velvet voice, rich orchestrations and a charismatic presence before the audience. The capture bears witness to a pivotal period when soul was becoming at once more sophisticated and more political, carried by artists proudly asserting their identity. This archival document offers a precious glimpse of the stage talent of a pioneer whose influence extends into hip-hop, which has sampled his productions extensively. A reference full concert for fans of soul, orchestral funk and the golden age of 1970s African-American music, worth watching for its historical value.