The Blues is a 2003 documentary film series produced by Martin Scorsese, dedicated to the history of blues music. In each of the seven episodes, a different director explores a stage in the development of the blues. The series originally aired on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) in the United States.[1]
Feel Like Going Home
Director Martin Scorsese pays tribute to the Delta blues, tracing the roots of the music by traveling through the state of Mississippi with the musician Corey Harris and then traveling to West Africa. Willie King, Taj Mahal, Othar Turner and Ali Farka Touré give performances of early Delta blues songs, along with rare archival film of Son House, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker.
The Soul of a Man
Written and directed by Wim Wenders, the film explores the musical careers of blues musicians Skip James, Blind Willie Johnson and J. B. Lenoir.
The Road to Memphis
Directed by Richard Pearce, this episode focuses on the Beale Street music scene, particularly three Memphis blues musicians with different levels of acclaim: B. B. King, Rosco Gordon and Bobby Rush.[2]
Warming by the Devil's Fire
Written and directed by Charles Burnett, this film presents the tale of a young boy traveling to Mississippi to visit relatives. He is caught between the pressures of his religious mother and gospel music, and the eagerness of his blues-loving uncle. The film includes performance by
- Big Bill Broonzy
- Elizabeth Cotten
- Reverend Gary Davis
- Ida Cox
- Willie Dixon
- Jesse Fuller
- John Lee Hooker
- Lightnin' Hopkins
- Son House
- Mississippi John Hurt
- Vasti Jackson
- Bessie Smith
- Mamie Smith
- Victoria Spivey
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe
- Dinah Washington
- Muddy Waters
- Sonny Boy Williamson
Godfathers and Sons
Director Marc Levin follows Marshall Chess as he remembers his father's contribution to Chicago blues history as the co-founder of Chess Records and his own production of the controversial album Electric Mud. He organizes a reunion of the musicians that made Electric Mud to record new versions of Muddy Waters's blues standard "Mannish Boy", with contributions by hip hop artists, including Chuck D of Public Enemy, Common & Kyle Jason.
Red, White and Blues
Directed by Mike Figgis, this episode is dedicated to blues culture in Britain and to the effect of the British Invasion on American blues culture. It contains footage from a jam session and interviews with the musicians Jeff Beck, Van Morrison and others.
Piano Blues
Directed by Clint Eastwood, this episode is dedicated to blues music played on the piano. Eastwood, a piano player and accomplished composer, interviews such key figures as Dr. John, Ray Charles, Jay McShann (shown on the DVD cover), and Pinetop Perkins.
References
- ^ Mitchell, Elvis (September 26, 2003). "TELEVISION REVIEW; The Blues: A History, A Homage". The New York Times.
- ^ Gallo, Phil (September 6, 2003). "The Road To Memphis". Variety.
