David Crosby is a two-time inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his work with three of the biggest groups in rock history—The Byrds, Crosby, Stills and Nash and Crosby, Stills Nash and Young. Now, many could argue that two of those three bands are one in the same. As is touted in David Crosby: Remember My Name, the stunning documentary about the titular musical gift to the universe, that distinguishing is made pretty clear. That, and so much more that will rivet and produce powerful emotive responses from longtime fans and those who perhaps are learning “his name” for the first time. The documentary, from producer (and rock and roll historian extraordinaire) Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous) and director A.J. Eaton, has made its debut on Blu-Ray and is the most surprising gift to anyone who is an appreciator of the art of music and film.
The film is also an inspiring piece of work because by all accounts, it is crazy that Crosby is even alive to discuss his life and share his moving miracle of a titanic tale with the world.
There have been countless bare their soul subjects in the documentary milieu. But there is something uniquely raw and revealing about Remember My Name. Many rock docs chronicle the individual’s muse that spurs their rise, the foibles of success that follows, the conflict that naturally occurs due to fame, drugs, alcohol, ego and a myriad of other elements and then the coming to terms with the fallout to enlighten us to lessons learned and a life changed. What Crowe and Eaton have presented audiences with Crosby’s story feels as if it is a story that is still being written. Given that the Crosby, Stills and Nash legend is 76, prepare to be surprised as the living legend surrounds himself with younger musicians and produces not one, but two new critically lauded records. (In fact, there are more!)
On one hand, there is a rich history that is explored, documented and sensationally saluted by filmmakers. Regardless of your level of awareness with his work, from newbie to seasoned soul who can detail everything that has happened to him since before CSN made their seismic debut at Woodstock in August of 1969. His contribution to music and most importantly, the larger societal context of as a whole, is also elaborately detailed. For this longtime appreciator of Crosby, this doc can be held up for generations to come to impeccably capture the man, the music and yes, the superstar.
But by adding the layers that is his fresh musical inspiration, framed by his health issues—past and present—it is as if we get a window into what it was that first got David Crosby to pick up a guitar all those decades ago, further enhancing the importance of his contribution to musical history. It was a risky endeavor what Crosby does with his new band. Putting himself out there at his age with nothing to gain and everything to lose. After all, this is a world that always comes back to that old phrase about you’re only as good as the last triumph. Why not sit on his laurels and enjoy this home he’s built for himself and his wife, Jan Dance. After all, he makes it pretty clear in the doc that their abode and his better half is utter heaven. What could not be clearer is that without music, the man would wither. After all, his gift of song has been a present that continues to deliver smiles and meaning to countless folks. By getting out on the road and performing, one could argue, as seen in Remember My Name, that he is fanning the flames of what keeps him alive in the first place. It’s a fascinating portrait of an artist, his art and how that intrinsically keeps his heart beating … this being a man who has had three heart attacks and reports having eight stents in his heart.
Another element that is so brilliantly depicted is how, and weightily hangs over the entire picture, is his relationship with everyone he has collaborated with over the years has been strained or is now non-existent. Graham Nash frankly states that he and his former bandmate are not speaking and that appears to mirror Crosby’s association with practically all of his cohorts. Why that is could not be better explored and documented and yet there is a hope that those who he has alienated may see this doc and perhaps, just maybe, rekindle a friendship flame that used to burn blindingly bright.
Yes, there is regret. One could argue that as much as that exists, there too is hope—something Crosby may feel he lacked for many years … particularly when he was fighting heroin addiction or running from the law. See, this is one powerful tale that needs to be seen and appreciated. I hope that it secures one of those coveted Best Documentary Feature nods come Oscar nomination day.
Also, the helmer of the picture, director Eaton may have made his full length documentary debut with this flick, but he shows that he has the mettle of a documentarian possessing 10 times the experience.
It is rare that a documentary contains extras that further enhance the chronicling that already occurred with the film itself. David Crosby: Remember My Name is that movie. The highlights are a (even more) candid chat with Crosby and Crowe, extended scenes and more in-depth interviews (for chats that were already informative!).
In Conversation finds producer Crowe with Crosby on stage at the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. The pair further delve into the film itself and the most revealing aspect of this featurette is hearing Crosby (and Crowe for that matter) answer questions from fans in attendance.
Among the extended or alternative scenes, there are a few highlights. Seeing John Coltrane paints Crosby as so approachable. His recalling his chance meeting with one of his musical heroes enriches the entire film itself. In the end, the musical icon comes off as much of a music fan as any one of us.
A fun extended scene is The Leather Cape. The Teach Your Children singer discusses his youthful style choices that are accompanied by a truly enjoyable animation sequence that was not utilized in the theatrical release.
CSNY Superheroes gives a delightful “synthesis” into how the first real true American rock supergroup came to exist. A delightful accompaniment featurette to that is We Needed Heroes that finds Crosby examining his political stances and how they stemmed from the deeply troubled decade that was the 60s.
The Sad Man gives great insight into how Jan and David commenced their lifelong love affair and what it was that cemented their connection. A New Liver and The Son I Never Knew could not be more emotively powerful as the rock stalwart gets deeply personal as he introduces us to what he considers his most important collaborator of the last 20 years, his son James Raymond.
For fans of The Byrds, do not miss two extended interviews on the bonus features. Chris Hillman, bassist and founding member, as well as Roger McGuinn, the frontman, and fellow founding member of the rock institution. Getting their insight into not only their group, but Crosby specifically, is simply stunning.
Lastly, loved Meet The Band as it showcases his The Lighthouse Band as they ready to head out on the road for their 2017 tour. Getting the first-hand account of these musicians, who clearly were inspired by Crosby themselves to pick up instruments, as they now play with him … is priceless.
Film Grade: A
Bonus Features: A