“True musical masters are fortunetellers, truth-seekers; they see beyond the possible. Same could be said of teachers. Same could be said of filmmakers. This is the true story behind the coming-together of the documentary Thunder Soul, about the Kashmere Stage Band – a Houston high school jazz band – and the music director that led them.”

Kate Messer of the Austin Chronicle has written a wonderful article about the making of “Thunder Soul” and the legacy of Conrad Johnson and the Kashmere Stage Band.

The Austin Chronicle announces that the Kashmere Alumni Stage Band will be performing at their annual SXSW Film Bash party at La Zona Rosa on Monday March 15th. They’re also running a competition to give away tickets to the party.

Stones Throw Records, the label that re-issued the awesome Kashmere Stage Band funk records, has announced the THUNDER SOUL premiere on their official blog.

The influential and amazing DJ Shadow has given “Thunder Soul” a shout-out on his official website. Shadow appears in the film, along with his iconic track “Holy Calamity” which samples the Kashmere Stage Band’s song “Kashmere.” Obviously we’re a huge fan of Shadow’s work, and are flattered that he’s so passionate about our film.

Academy Award nominated screenwriter Josh Olson has been covering SXSW for Aint It Cool News. This is his review of Thunder Soul. To call it positive would be an understatement. We’re honored such a great writer enjoyed our film.

Drew McWeeny reviews Thunder Soul for HitFix:

“And did I mention the soundtrack? Good god, y’all. Jump back, make me wanna kiss myself. The Kashmere Stage Band was recorded extensively, both live and in the studio, and the film uses all of it to show the power of what these kids and “Prof” all built together. The film has made me go from having no idea who they are or were to being a believer in the power of the Kashmere Stage Band. There are two more screenings of this here at SXSW, and then my belief is we’re going to be hearing this title a lot over the next year, and if it turns out to be one of next year’s Oscar nominees for Best Documentary Feature, it would make perfect sense. This is exactly the sort of story that a non-fiction film can tell in a way that no fiction film can match, and it’s the charge of knowing that you’re seeing the truth that really pushes it over. I spent the last 20 minutes with a smile on my face and tears on my cheeks, and I suspect audiences will fall in love with the film as soon as some wise distributor steps up and announces the shocking idea that they actually like to earn money. There’s gold in “Thunder Soul,” and it’s the highlight of my fest so far.”

Thunder Soul has won the Audience Award for the “Lone Star States” section of the SXSW Film Festival.