Monday, July 13, 2015

Bernard Purdie's "A Purdie Good Life," the documentary







What do Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, King Curtis, Louis Armstrong, James Brown, B.B. King, Steely Dan (amongst hundreds of others) all have in common? Every single one of them knew that it took “The Hit-Maker” on the drums to make a genuine and indisputable hit! From the studios of Motown, to Atlantic Records, RCA Records and more…. one name always stood out from the rest when the best was needed: Bernard “Pretty” Purdie! Through his words, his teachings, and his rhythms, together let's explore....

From session recordings to copyright reform, “A Purdie Good Life” explores the active career and past musical achievements of Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, the world’s most recorded and sampled drummer. Through visits with longtime friends and musical collaborators, behind-the-scenes footage, live performances, and within the walls of a recording studio environment with today’s most prominent “up-and-coming” session performers, this Feature documentary will take us on an inter-generational musical journey with the 73 years old “Hit-Maker” himself!

The documentary is not your typical “A to Z” biography of a great musician’s story, or of any specific musical movement or genre. It is an exploration of the essence, the drive, and the determination of a session musician, which in turn has defined a lifetime’s career, and influenced generations of musicians! This film will explore the ideals of one person’s dedication to his art, his timeless contributions to the music industry, and his everyday dealings … each being part of what made his career “A Purdie Good Life” to remember. 

Although this film follows the story of one man, it is meant to serve as a tribute to all session musicians that have performed in the shadows of a studio. Most of us never knew their names, but these session musicians have accompanied many of us since birth through their music.


They were with us when we first danced, and fell in love. They have enlightened our moods when we laughed, and shared their warmth with us when we cried. They are a part of our own personal journeys, and they have influenced who we have become as individuals. Although strangers at best, they are closer to us than anyone can imagine.

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