Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #70969 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-04-02
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Color, Compilation, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 60 minutes

Customer Reviews

SPECTACULAR & INTIMATE FOOTAGE
Right off the bat, I have to say that the only reason why I didn't give this dvd five stars, is because an hour just doesn't feel long enough: When presented with such astounding footage of these amazing and unique artists, one can only wish for more. The film shows these performers in a very relaxed environment (a mock juke-joint setup), allowing for moments which I never could have imagined seeing: a drunk Son House dancing (among others) to Bukka White! Having rows with Howlin' Wolf! Skip James playing three outstanding songs to an audience including Bukka White and Howlin' Wolf! I feel priviledged as a young fan of early country blues to have some exposure to this kind of footage, footage which is so real and visceral, and yet seems to have been beamed down from outer space. Highly recommended

Totally Awesome
Where else can you find Skip James and Son House in the same place? Well, this is one of two DVDs that I know of. And where else can you see Son House dance?! No place that I know of. Both of these artists give totally inspired performances. Son House's eyes roll back in his head and he swings his arm when he plays. It's almost as powerful to just watch him--with the sound off. Howlin' Wolf chastises Son House, telling him that he hasn't done anything with his life when Son interrupts his performance (someone gave him whiskey...). Everything is great, although the lighting could bear to be a bit better. Also, if you plan on using this DVD to learn stuff on guitar, you'd be better off getting the Blues Festival vol. Three DVD. The lighting is better and they give some pretty good close-ups of Skip.

A Down Home Gathering of Bluesmasters
Before one starts to be critical about the technical expertise of this documentary, one needs to remember that this was filmed in 1966. All performers were at their peak of their careers and were natural and unpretentious while being filmed. Howlin Wolf and Son House had an interesting dialoge about Howlin's definition of the blues. I am pleased with the performances, the camera is blocked by a dancer or two, but only briefly. If you are a real fan of Son House, Bukka White and Howlin Wolf, you will not be dissapointed.