Young at Heart

Last night, I had the pleasure of finally seeing the movie, Young at Heart which is a documentary by Stephen Walker. While visiting the United States, he reluctantly attended a performance by the seniors' chorus Young at Heart. After the performance, he was so excited and touched by what he saw and heard that he decided that he had to produce a movie about the group which is called Young at Heart and is based in Massachusetts.

The movie follows the chorus (average age 80) as they prepare a new repertoire of songs for a springtime tour, putting their signature spin on the classics. Classics like The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go", "Life during Wartime" by the Talking Heads and, naturally, that old chestnut "Schizophrenia" by Sonic Youth.

Apparently, they originally sang songs like Bicycle Built for Two but their musical leader, a young 53 has taken them in entirely new musical directions and they seem to accept and enjoy the opportunity. It was wonderful seeing them sing a James Brown number, "I Feel Good". The group sings for prison inmates who love them and the performance. The joy on their faces both chorus and inmates is remarkable.

This movie is really a testament to the power of music for the performer and audience. If you have not seen it, do. Hopefully, if it is not at your theatres any more,there is a video available.