The Filtered Excellence: July 4, 2019
Since we officially past the halfway point of 2019 (and it’s a holiday weekend), here’s the Best of what 2019 has offered so far. As you can see, it’s a pretty strong offering, with a LOT more to come. Happy 4th Everyone!
Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Once a week we take a break from comedy to bring you this week’s picks of the best things to watch, the most interesting things to do, great things to try, the best picks to read, our favorite things to listen to and more.
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When They See Us. On April 19, 1989, Trisha Meili was brutally raped and assaulted while jogging in Central Park. Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise were arrested, tried and convicted in a case that came to symbolize a city caught in the grips of rampant crime and heightened racial tensions. There was only one problem: They were all innocent. Ava DuVernay (Selema, The 13th) directs this new four part limited Netflix series that looks back at this critical moment in New York City history largely through the prism of the falsely accused. She captures how a springtime excursion into the park turned into a 25 year legal nightmare for five young men, and the lingering effects it had on them and their families. It also points out how this case put into motion many of the policies – and the people behind them – a forum that’s still being played out today. DuVernay – with a huge assist from cinematographer Bradford Young – assembles an exceptional cast that includes newcomers and veteran actors such as Vera Farminga, John Legiuziamo, Blair Underwood, Michael K. Williams, and, ripe with irony, Felicity Huffman as one of the prosecutors, to tell a gripping story of justice that was long delayed and denied. One of the year’s best from one of our best filmmakers. When They See Us is available now on Netflix.
Deadwood: The Movie. 13 years after its abrupt cancellation, HBO’s Emmy Award winning series gets to tie up loose ends with this two hour movie. It takes place 10 years after the season 3 finale, with South Dakota achieving full statehood status and how the occupants of Deadwood are making their way through its transition. Show favorites Al Swearengen (Ian McShane) and Marshall Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) are back, ready to clash with George Hearst (Gerald McRaney) who is now a California Senator. Expect some bloodshed and swearing that will reach a Shakespearean level. A welcomed one to one of TV’s most respected shows. You can also go to www.hbo.com for more information
Quincy. Rashida Jones co-directed to this extraordinary documentary dedicated to her father – legendary musician, producer, and humanitarian, Quincy Jones. It covers every facet of his life – from his troubled childhood in Chicago and Seattle; joining Lionel Hampton’s band when he was barely out of his teens; moving to Paris to study music composition; his ‘day job’ as Vice President of Mercury Records; his ascension as an in-demand composer for films, TV; to become a hit making producer from jazz, R&B and hip for some of the music’s greatest entertainers. It also dives into how his intense work ethic affected his home life; his complicated relationship with his mentally ill mother and overcoming a number of serious health scares. It wouldn’t be a Quincy Jones doc without the music and there’s plenty of it, with stories by Jones and a number of the best entertainers of the 20th and 21st Century. Told with candor, warmth, introspective and love, Rashida Jones has put together the ultimate portrait of an entertainment iconoclast. Quincy is available now on Netflix.
True Detective. The 3rd season of HBO’s anthology crime series stars Mahershala Ali as Wayne Hays, an Arkansas state cop investigating the same child murder case over the course of 35 years. The story weaves through three specific periods of Hays’ life: First, as a brass young detective in 1980 still dealing with his stint in Vietnam; a family man looking to jumpstart his career in 1990; and in 2015 as a retired widower battling dementia and working with a TV documentarian who reopens the case. Stephen Dorff portrays this partner Roland West and Carmen Ejogo plays Amelia Reardon, a local teacher who falls for Hays. After shifting the series to California in Season 2, series creator Nic Pizzolatto returns to the Southern Gothic overtones of the first season, right down to the primitive sculptures that are found near the victim’s body. Ali excels in the lead role, proving yet again why he’s one of the best actors working today. With the first great performance of the year, Ali’s already put himself in the conversation for Best Lead Actor for this year’s Emmys. A return to form to one of TV’s most captivating shows. Go to www.hbo.com for more information.
King In The Wilderness. This Peter Kunhardt-directed documentary first aired last spring to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King’s assassination. Now HBO is re-airing the film as part of the King national holiday. It looks back how King, in the last 18 months of his life, made the transition from civil rights to economic justice – anchored by a dramatic speech denouncing the war in Vietnam. It irreparably fractured the relationship between King and President Johnson and almost overnight, King lost support across the board. But it also shows how despite such blistering media attacks, death threats, mental and physical fatigue, King remained true to his convictions, with such speeches as ‘Beyond Vietnam’ and ‘I’ve Been To The Mountaintop’ now the stuff of legend. With remembrances from family, friends, key allies, coupled a wealth of archival material, Kunhardt has put together a moving tribute to one of the world’s greatest citizens. King In The Wilderness is available on HBO On Demand and HBO Now. You can also go to www.hbo.com for more information.
Fyre Fraud/Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened. In 2017, The Fyre Festival was launched with the promise of delivering a luxury music festival in the Bahamas. Instead, attendees were greeted with FEMA tents, awful food, no musical acts and no tangible way to get off the island. What was supposed to be the ultimate music vacation ended in a sea of lawsuits, and for organizer Billy McFarland, a 6 year prison sentence. Now, Hulu and Netflix are presenting two documentaries chronicling McFarland’s spectacular fall. Directed by Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and Janner, Fyre Fraud speaks with whistleblowers, insiders and victims to detail how McFarland used social media, deceptive branding and an audience need not to ‘miss out’, to manipulate and defraud all involved millions of dollars. Chris Smith’s documentary, Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened is told exclusively through the eyes of the organizing team, which gives us a front row seat to how the wheels completely came off this project from jump. Fyre Fraud does manage to get McFarland on camera to at least attempt to give his side of the story. Part cautionary tale, ethics lesson, and crime story, both of these documentaries are worth checking out. Fyre Fraud is available now on Hulu, while Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened is out now on Netflix.
Breslin & Hamill: Deadline Artists. This new HBO documentary co-directed by former Newsweek editor/columnist Jonathan Alter looks back at the careers and friendship between newspaper columnists Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill. It examines how two guys from working-class New York City neighborhoods forever changed journalism, despite having no formal training or college degrees. Hamill and actor Michael Rispoli (The Deuce) also read portions of the duo’s seminal pieces on the Kennedy assassinations, the subway shooter Bernhard Goetz; The Son of Sam case; the AIDS crisis, the Crown Heights and Central Park Jogger cases and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The doc also covers how their personal lives intertwined with their work: For Hamill, how his battle with alcoholism became the basis of his book, A Drinking Life. With Breslin, it was his response to the deaths of his first wife and his two daughters. With appearances from family members, contemporaries (including Tom Wolfe, Gay Talise, Mike Lupica, Garry Trudeau), famous fans (Spike Lee, Colin Quinn) and politicos (Gloria Steinem, Andrew Cuomo), this is a fitting tribute to two literary giants. Breslin & Hamill: Deadline Artists is available now on HBO, HBO Now and HBO Go. You can also go to www.hbo.com for more information.
Teddy Pendergrass: If You Don’t Know Me. During his 20 year recording career, Teddy Pendergrass had five consecutive platinum albums, headlined legendary ‘for ladies only’ shows and was considered ‘the Black Elvis’. But in the pantheon of all time great soul/R&B singers, he is, at best, glossed over, at worse, forgotten. Now, nearly 10 years after his death, Teddy Pendergrass’ life, career and legacy gets a much deserved spotlight in this Showtime documentary from director/producer Olivia Lichtenstein and Executive Produced by Pendergrass’ former manager Shep Gordon (Supermench). It shows how he went from singing in church and playing drums in local bands, to turning Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes from fledging local act to a national sensations – all by the time he turned 21. The film also covers the details behind his departure from the Blue Notes and how he was able to launch a massively solo career without the benefit of having a ‘crossover’ hit. Finally, the doc covers the car crash that left him paralyzed from the waist down, his three year absence from the public eye and his emotional return to the stage at Live Aid in Philadelphia. Lichtenstein keeps the pace moving steadily with an array of archival clips, rare concert footage and remembrances from those who were directly in Pendergrass’ inner circle. There’s also, of course, a ton of great classic songs from the entire Pendergrass canon. It’s a long overdue salute to one of the soul/R&B’s greatest ambassadors. Go to www.sho.com for more information.
Leaving Neverland. When Dan Reed’s four hour Michael Jackson documentary screened at Sundance, it was widely reported that the audience left in a state of shock. The Jackson estate immediately slammed the film as ‘the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, now in death’. Now the public will get a chance to make up its own mind as the doc debuts on HBO this weekend. The first half centers James Safechuck and Wade Robson, who were both befriended by Jackson when they were children, and, as they claim, endured sustained abuse while staying at the Neverland ranch. Though they were a few years apart, and from different parts of the world, their stories share a familiar pattern: from childlike playing to sexual advances, long lectures about not trusting your parents and women; and to disclose what was happening in the series of tucked away bedrooms and secret rooms. The second half covers the 1993 case against Jackson by 13 year old Jordan Chandler, and despite what they claimed happened to them later on, felt the need to defend Jackson. The trial’s outcome, according to Safechuck and Robson, triggered various PTSD symptoms, which they are still navigating through, even though they are now married with children. There’s a lot to absorb here: the psychological aftermath of abuse, how brushes with celebrity can skew your moral compass and the complexities behind loving someone who is also hurting you. Reed clearly chooses a side here, but still manages to leave enough room for the audience to make up its own mind. It’s a documentary that will continue to fuel the discussion on sexual abuse. Go to www.hbo.com for more information.
Apollo 11. As the nation celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Moon landing, this new doc from director Todd Douglas Miller puts us at the center of the mission in a way that will totally blow your mind. Working from 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio and newly discovered 70mm footage, Miller presents this momentous event from three different perspectives: The team at Mission Control, the millions of spectators on the ground, and of course from the astronauts who took humankind one giant leap into the cosmos. Miller craftily lets the footage do the talking, showing how the crew on Earth put in the exception time and effort getting the craft into space and extraordinary efforts made by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, James A. Lovell, Jr, William Anderson and Fred Haise, Jr to make the mission one for the ages. It’s a film that will renew our love to see what’s beyond the stars. Go to www.apollo11movie.com for more information.
After Life. Ricky Gervais created, directed and stars in this Netflix series about trying to move on after a life-altering event. He plays Tony, a local newspaper writer whose perfect life is turned upside down after his wife suddenly dies. Unable to cope, Tony strongly considers killing himself. Instead, he decides to punish everyone and everything around him by literally say and do whatever he wants. But while Tony feels empowered by this newfound freedom, he isn’t prepared for when everyone in his orbit feels compelled to help become a better person again. As with his previous series, Gervais walks the line between drama and comedy, finding laughs even in the most mundane and dire situations. It’s another winner from one of the top names in comedy. After Life is available Friday on Netflix.
Fosse/Verdon. Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams star in this limited FX series that explores the five decade relationship between director/choreographer Bob Fosse and dancer/actress Gwen Verdon. Executive produced by Thomas Kali (Hamilton), Steven Levenson (Dear Evan Hansen) and Lin-Manuel Miranda, it tells the story of how Verdon and Fosse transformed American entertainment through such classics such as Damn Yankees, Sweet Charity, New Girl In Town, Cabaret, and All That Jazz. It also goes in depth on how Fosse used sex, drugs and alcohol to fuel his creativity, while Verdon deftly managed a marriage, motherhood and a successful career – all while dealing with an industry that marginalized women and was obsessed with youth. Williams is absolutely electric as Verdon, capturing all of her mannerisms, nuances and faithfully re-creating some of Verdon’s show-stopping routines. Rockwell goes all in as the womanizing, pill popping, chain-smoking, yet obsessively driven Fosse. Together, they have undeniable on-screen chemistry and both are in peak form. By jumping cutting through various periods in their lives, Kali and Levenson have together a series that has the energy and the flow of a Fosse musical, but still carries the dramatic anchor that would be seen in such Fosse-directed dramas such as Lenny and Star 80. With great dance sequences, skillful direction and two incredible leads, don’t be surprised if this series will be making big noise during awards season. Go to www.fxnetworks.com for more information.
Echo In The Canyon. Former music executive, producer and manager Andrew Slater teamed up with Wallflowers frontman Jakob Dylan to produce this new documentary about a pivotal moment in pop music history. It looks back at how, in the mid 60s, artists such as Brian Wilson, The Byrds, The Mamas and Papas, Buffalo Springfield and others formed a musical community in Laurel Canyon that wound up transforming the L.A. – and global – music scene forever. The doc also features one of the last filmed interviews with Tom Petty, who, surrounded by vintage guitars waxes poetic about the artists who played a crucial role in his artistic development. In addition to Dylan speaking with some of these artists from that era, he also teams up with Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor, Beck, Cat Power and Norah Jones to re-create some of the iconic hits from that period on stage and in the studio. These performances are outstanding along with stories from Michelle Phillips, Lou Adler, Crosby, Graham Nash, Jackson Browne and others who made the scene sparkle. Loaded with great music, Slater and Dylan have put together a dynamic look back at a movement whose ripple effects are still being felt today. You can also go to www.echointhecanyon.com for more information.
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Don’t Tread On We by The 1865. Formed in 2017 by musician/filmmaker Sacha Jennings (The White Mandingos, The Wilding Incident), indie shoegaze icon Carolyn ‘Honeychild’ Coleman (guitars, vocals), noted session musician/Pro-skateboarder Chuck Treece (McRad) on drums, The 1865 describe themselves as ‘Bad Brains meets Foo Fighters in a black woman’s hair salon for a cup of tea’. The group would later added bassist Flora Lucini (Maafa) and drummer Jason ‘Biz’ Lucas (Dragons Of Zynth) to deliver a blistering 35 minute set capturing punk’s raw energy with lyrics that connects the plight of Blacks after the Civil War with what is happening today. Ripe with attitude and aggression, this is much needed rock n roll record for the times. Don’t Tread On We by The 1865 is available now on all major music digital platforms.
Feral Roots by Rival Sons. The 6th album by this Long Beach, California Band continues a white hot streak of greatness that began nearly a decade ago. Produced once again by Dave Cobb, this four quartet deliver another another solid set of blues-based hard rock with flourishes of country, bluegrass and gospel. Vocalist Jay Buchanan is a premier vocalist with a delivery that puts him in the same category with some of rock’s greatest frontmen. Scott Holiday is just as formidable effortlessly moving between blistering leads, explosive power chords, greasy slide, and rich acoustic textures. Every great rock band has a powerful rhythm sedition and Mike Miley (drums) and Dave Beste (bass) are as good as anyone out there. Simply put, this is a good old fashioned, no frills, rock n roll record. Feral Roots by Rival Sons is available now through Amazon, Itunes and all major music streaming services. You can also go to www.rivalsons.com for more information.
Western Stars by Bruce Springsteen. Using the wide open spaces of California as a base and metaphor, Springsteen channels the Southern California-based pop made popular by Glen Campbell, Burt Bacharach, along the sweeping orchestral sounds of Roy Orbison to an astonishing effect. Working once again with producer Ron Anielllo, Springsteen unveils a 13 song suite about fractured love, drifters, fading C-list actors, brittle stuntmen, weekend roadhouses and rundown motels. While the album captures the scope and textures of those classic 70s recordings, it’s unmistakably Springsteen, who not only sounds great vocally, but hits another peak as a songwriter. A magnificent work that demands to be heard in full. Western Stars by Bruce Springsteen is available now through Amazon, Apple Music and all major streaming services.
Cuz I Love You by Lizzo. The eagerly awaited debut album by the singer/songwriter/flutist is a lean, mean, all killer, no filler celebration of self-love, awareness and acceptance. Coming off like the love child of Prince, Mille Jackson who was raised by Auntie Missy Elliot (who also appears on one track), Lizzo fuses soul, gospel, funk and hip hop into a musical stew that is decidedly her own. Sassy, brassy, bawdy yet always insightful and straight up fun, this is an album that clocks in just over 30 minutes but leaves begging for more. Cuz I Love You by Lizzo is available now through Amazon, Apple Music and all major streaming services.
Walk Through Fire by Yola. After stints as a featured vocalist for Massive Attack and Bugz In The Attic, and fronting the band Phantom Limb, singer-songwriter Yola has stepped out to release her first full length solo album. Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach produced the set with assistance from some of Nashville’s best session pros such as Vince Gill, Dan Penn and Pat McLaughlin. It continues the Bristol-native’s love for American roots music, wonderfully weaving in country, soul, gospel and blues to an astonishing effect. Auerbach surrounds Yola with production that recalls meshes together classic Brill Building and the sweeping orchestrations that were best used on iconic tracks by Dusty Springfield, Candi Staton, Bobbie Gentry. Tracks such ‘Faraway Love’, ‘Ride Out In The Country’ and ‘Lonely The Night’ will simply reduce you to mist. No longer the industry’s best kept secret, this album marks the arrival of the next music’s next major voice. Walk Through The Fire by Yola is available now through Amazon, Itunes, and all major music retailers.
Tales Of America by J.S. Ondara. As a teenager, the Nigerian-born Ondara was listening to bands like Nirvana, Oasis and Guns N’ Roses. But when a discussion about Guns’ cover of ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’ introduced him to the music of Bob Dylan, it became a transformative moment. Ondara re-located to Dylan’s home state of Minnesota, and aggressively pursued a career in music. Now 26, Ondara has just released his debut album, which looks at the American experience through an immigrant’s eyes. Vocally, Ondara channels the spirit of early Dylan, Odetta, and Richie Havens with lyrics that are both defiant as much as they are poignant. No frills in presentation but no less powerful. Tales Of America by J.S. Ondara is available now through Amazon, Itunes and all major streaming services.
The Prophet Speaks by Van Morrison. He’s been recording and performing for over 50 years, but Van Morrison is still on a touring and recording schedule as if it were still the 1970s. For his 40th album (and fifth album since 2016), Morrison and his band – guitarist Dan Wilson, Michael Ode on drums, and tenor saxophonist Troy Roberts – once again pair up organist/trumpeter Joey DeFrancesco to deliver a collection of six new originals and remakes of classic songs by Sam Cooke (Laughin and Clowin’,) John Lee Hooker (‘Dimples’), Willie Dixon (I Love The Life I Live’) and Solomon Burke (‘Gotta Get You Off My Mind’). The new songs stand alongside these classics quite well with ‘Got To Go Where The Love Is’ an album standout. Backed by a killer combo, Morrison is clearly having a blast, as evidence by freewheeling, relaxed vibe. In paying tribute to his heroes and still delivering outstanding new songs, Morrison has also proved once again that his name stands alongside his musical mentors. The Prophet Speaks by Van Morrison is available now through Amazon, Itunes and all major streaming services.
On The Line – Jenny Lewis. The phrase ‘been there, done that’ was tailor made for Jenny Lewis. The Southern California native has been a child film star, led the band Rilo Kiley, branched out as a solo artist and has weathered fractured family relationships and the ending of a long term relationship. Lewis channels all of these experiences and more on her outstanding new solo album. She’s joined by a A-list crew of collaborators – Benmont Tench, Don Was, Beck, Ryan Adams, Jim Keltner, and RIngo Starr for tracks that go from lo-fi to grandiose with biting detail and relative ease. The sound runs from Laurel Canyon introspection, SoCal rockers to playful funk, all anchored by Lewis’ rich vocals and insightful songwriting. Lewis has always drawn comparisons to other great singer-songwriters such as Emmylou Harris and Aimee Mann. With this album, she now stands as an equal. On The Line by Jenny Lewis is available now on Amazon, Itunes and all major streaming services. You can also go to www.jennylewis.com for tour dates and more information.
You’re The Man – Marvin Gaye. In 1972, Marvin Gaye was at a critical, commercial and creative peak. His album What’s Goin’ On firmly put soul and R&B in the album format, anchored by hit singles, ‘Mercy Mercy Me’, ‘Inner City Blues’ and the title track. Eager to keep the momentum going, Gaye continued with politically charged funk, issuing the single, ‘You’re The Man’ ahead of the 1972 Presidential election. It was intended to be the primer for an album of the same name, with the song reaching the Top 10 on the R&B charts. An album’s worth of material was cut, but Gaye, for reasons that were never made public, scrapped the project. Now, coinciding with what would have been Gaye’s 80th Birthday, this thought to be lost project is finally getting a formal release. While tracks such as ‘The World Is Rated X’, ‘Where Are We Going’ and ‘I Want To Come For Christmas’ continue many of the themes introduced on ‘What’s Goin’ On’, the album also serves an introduction to what would eventually get explored in depth on future releases such as Let’s Get It On and I Want You. Gaye is at his creative peak as a vocalist, arranger and producer. This is a lost gem that is finally having its moment to shine. You’re The Man by Marvin Gaye is available now through Amazon, Itunes, and all major streaming services.
Guy by Steve Earle & The Dukes. When singer-songwriter Steve Earle arrived in Nashville in 1974, he sought out two of his musical heroes: Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. Earle would eventually befriend both, becoming an eager apprentice to whom many consider the pioneers of outlaw country. After Earle released his Van Zandt salute Townes in 2009, he felt compelled to do the same for Clark – especially after turning down a request to write a song with Clark shortly before he passed away. Recorded live in the studio with the reformed Dukes, they revisit such Clark classics as ‘Dublin Blues’, ‘L.A. Freeway’ and ‘Desperadoes Waiting For A Train’ that capture the spirit of the original while retaining the Dukes sound. The album’s elegant and moving closer, ‘Old Friends’ features other Clark devotees and protégés Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Terry Allen, Jerry Jeff Walker, Mickey Raphael, Shawn Camp, Verlon Thompson, Gary Nicholson and Jim McGuire all trading verses and joining in on the chorus. Serving as both a thank you and an elegy, this is an album that showcases one of the best in the game proudly honoring an all-time great. It will also move you to go out and further explore the greatness that was Guy Clark. Guy by Steve Earle & The Dukes is available now on Amazon, Itunes, Apple Music and all major streaming services. You can also go to www.steveearle.com for more information.
Summer of Sorcery by Little Steven. After revisiting his own back catalog with Soulfire, Little Steven pays tribute to the music that informed and influenced him with his latest album, Summer Of Sorcery. Steven dials down the political edge and autobiographical nature of his previous work, but the album is still loaded with the garage rock, soul, Spector-style pop, Latin music and horn-driven R&B turned on an entire generation of Jersey Shore kids in the 1960s and 70s. Steven’s encyclopedic approach to capturing the sound and feel of this period is firing on all cylinders channeling all of the feelings one had of experiencing all of those memorable life experiences for the first time. It’s the perfect music suite to fuel your summer. Summer Of Sorcery by Little Steven is available now through Amazon, Itunes and all major streaming services.
We Get By by Mavis Staples. The legendary gospel/soul icon continues her hot streak of releases with her latest album. This time, she teams up with Ben Harper, who wrote the album specifically with her mind. Though many of the songs stay on Staples’ never ending call for justice and equality, there’s also a hushed, meditative tone throughout, feeling more like a late night sitting than an out and out call to hit the streets. Staples will turn 80 this year, but she still has a vocal power, fire and a passion than any of her younger contemporaries. It’s yet another winner from one of the greatest to ever grace the microphone. We Get By by Mavis Staples is available through Amazon, Itunes and all major streaming services.
Black Pumas by Black Pumas. After taking the Austin music scene by storm – including winning the Best New Band award at this year’s Austin Music Awards, Black Pumas have released the eagerly awaited self-titled debut album. Comprised of guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada and singer-songwriter Eric Burton, they marry vintage 60s/70s soul with hints of psychedelia, Laurel Canyon acoustic soul and splashes of Curtis Mayfield and Ennio Morricone-style orchestration to complete the stew. Burton, an L.A native who busked his way to Austin, combines the ache of Otis Redding with the urgency of David Ruffin that immediate puts him within the ranks of those great soul men. He’s the real deal. Quesada, whose already has a solid reputation for his work with Grupo Frantasma and Brownout, has reached a new level of excellence as a performer, arranger and producer. A dynamic debut that begs for multiple listens. Black Pumas is available now through Amazon, Apple Music and all major streaming services.
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All The Pieces Matter: The Inside Story Of The Wire by Jonathan Abrams. For six years, the HBO series The Wire re-wrote the rules on the police procedural drama, offering a mulit-dimensional look at the cops, criminals, lawyers and politicians within Baltimore. Written and created by former Baltimore Sun writer David Simon, the show launched the careers of Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan, Dominic West, Wendell Pierce, Wood Harris and Michael K. Williams, and gave artistic second winds to the careers of veteran actors such as Amy Ryan, Clarke Peters, Clarke Johnson and Glynn Truman. With this new book, Jonathan Abrams talks with all of the principal players involved to provide the definitive oral history of this landmark series. It’s a detailed, comprehensive look at one of TV’s greatest shows. All The Pieces Matter: The Inside Story Of The Wire by Jonathan Abrams is available now through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and all major book retailers.
