Thunder Soul

Stage bands were a popular phenomenon at American high schools in the 1960s and 1970s. Inspired by the big bands of the 1940s, these mostly white orchestras played rather tame fare. Not the Kashmere Stage Band from the black school Kashmere Senior High in Houston, Texas. Music teacher Conrad O. Johnson built up a legendary reputation with his orchestra. They won countless competitions and recorded multiple albums with their funky sound and exciting performances, playing Johnson's arrangements and compositions. This documentary follows the preparations for a reunion of the original band. They come together at their former school for a one-time concert especially for Conrad O. Johnson. The musicians talk about how the band and their now elderly mentor changed their vision on life and music. Johnson himself also appears, explaining that as well as teaching the music, he also increased their chances of success in society. The film includes many clips of this legendary band's sparkling performances, coming to a climax with the reunion concert - some of the musicians appearing had not played together for three decades. But nothing has changed about the soul and sheer joy that emanate from them.