Alicia Keys - The Diary Of Alicia Keys
"The Diary Of Alicia Keys" is a documentary film that gets behind the scenes with one of the most iconic figures in music today. For those wanting to see Ms Keys in more natural surroundings won't be disappointed. There is plenty of footage of her talking about her personal life, her music and just about everything else in a calm and relaxed manner.
'The Beginning' scene is exactly what it says, Keys talking about her relationship with her mother, her early life in New York, her love of music and experimenting with different styles. It was interesting to note that she saw New York as having many dangers but also a place that had opportunities. Here, she had learned her lessons and she still calls it home. It was nice to see her talking about her first show at 'Joes Pub' and a subsequent early gig at The Bottom Line in The Village; a far cry from the huge arena that she fills all over the world.
The behind the scenes footage of the making of 'Girlfriend' is well put together and shows Keys and the rest of the crew in a natural light; relaxed; though the subsequent scene, 'Number One', which shows the celebrations for the album debut reaching Number One in the charts did become slightly annoying.
The DVD moves seamlessly between live footage and 'behind the scenes'. A typical example of this is 'Touring' which shows everything from rehearsals, live performance and life on the tour bus. Here, Keys informs us that the most important thing on the tour bus is her on-board recording studio. She goes on to tell us that up to 99% of the songs for the album were written on the road; justification in itself for such an indulgence.
We are treated to lots of scenes of Keys and the crew taking time off. Paintballing, time off in the desert and haggling in a Middle Eastern shop for a fancy walking stick are all diversions that she and the crew get involved with. The DVD covers times touring both in the USA and Europe and takes in sound checks and rehearsals. Time on the bus is always amusing; from impromptu singing sessions to the crew just messing about.
The more personal moments are the most memorable, particularly the scenes where Keys takes time to talk to fans and sign autographs and, of course and for all the red blooded males out there, the photo shoot!