Cheap Masters of the Country Blues (Video) Price

Related Products

Customer Reviews of Masters of the Country Blues

Got to give me a chance to get my tools out...
This is the first footage I ever saw of either Son House or Bukka White, and it nearly knocked me over! Being familiar with many of the songs these monolithic figures of Delta blues typically perform, it was a near religious experience to see them performing favourites like Death Letter Blues, John the Revelator, Preachin' the Blues, Aberdeen Mississippi Blues, and Poor boy. While I wasn't quite as familiar with some of the other material, it proved equally stunning; from Son House sermonizing between songs, to Bukka White playing the piano for one track. Moreover, as characters both people are highly fascinating to watch, particularly in response to being filmed and placed in front of a television audience. Son House seems simultaneously bemused and bewildered, while White uses the opportunity to really strut his stuff. After having seen numerous other films of these artists, this one holds up as one of the best: They are not yet so aged that their skills have depleted, and Bukka's playing in particular is fiercer and less resigned than any other performance I've seen of his. So the verdict; if you have any interest in these artist, and like me were not yet alive to see them perform, this is your best chance. Also, if you enjoy this and are looking for other great Delta/country blues videos, "Devil Got My Woman" is a superb document of these artists plus Skip James, Howlin' Wolf and Rev. Pearly Brown playing in a juke joint setting. Also, the series "Masters of Country Blues" has proven rewarding time and time again. This is your chance to see some legendary bluesmen in live performance, so go for it already! <
>

---

This is The Blues
When Jack of the White Stripes appeared on Charlie Rose Show he talked about Son House and the primitive beauty of a just a toe tapping against the floor. If you have interest in what he meant, get this DVD. It shows you that big expression needs only a few well chosen elements.

---

old blues at it's best
<
>This is old blues, as close to first generation as you can get on film. Two different styles both very emotional. Son House gives an emotional performance but his performance is too short. I would have loved to seen more by him but there is only so much film of these old players. His conversation about his life during his performance (though limited) gives good insight to his personality and his perspective of life. That alone is worth watching the video. <
> <
>Bukka White's performance is also excellent. No one quite plays and sings like Bukka. He has a driving style of playing and a voice like none other. One song is done on a piano, which shows a different aspect of Bukka, which I was not aware of before. I've seen two films of Bukka and this one is the best. The funny thing is that Bukka White looks quite serious in the filming but actually has quite a sense of humor and is a funny storyteller. You get more of an idea of his personality through his recorded conversations about reflections of Charley Patton and his telling the funny story of Mixed Water, both which can be found on his recordings. <
> <
>If you love blues then this film gets you as close to what you would have seen in their time. If you are a blues player, then there are good close up shots of both players and how they are playing. <
>