Blues Film Collection: Godfathers and Sons (2003)

Director: Marc Levin Genres: Music, Performing Arts, Documentary Origin: USA Certificate: M Running Time: 133 min

synopsis

Guided by the phenomenal talent of Martin Scorsese as Executive Producer, The Blues consists of 7 feature-length films that are both personal and impressionistic, viewed through the lens of 7 world famous directors who share a passion for blues music. In the tradition of 'The Buena Vista Social Club' and 'Standing in the Shadows of Motown', The Blues films chart the evolution of blues music, from its roots in Africa to its inspirational role in today's music. As opposed being merely historical overviews or straight documentaries of the blues, the films aim to celebrate and promote the diverse impressions and influences blues music has exerted on artistic and musical forms of expression around the world. Director Marc Levin travels to Chicago with hip-hop legend Chuck D (of Public Enemy) and Marshall Chess (son of Leonard Chess and heir to the Chess Records legacy) to explore the heyday of Chicago blues as they unite to produce an album that seeks to bring veteran blues players together with contemporary hip hop musicians. Along with never-before-seen archival footage of Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, are original performances by Koko Taylor, Otis Rush, Magic Slim, Ike Turner, and Sam Lay. Says Levin: "When we were shooting Sam Lay and his band at the Chicago Blues Festival, they were playing Muddy Waters' classic, 'I Got My Mojo Workin.' I closed my eyes and was transported back to when I was a 15-year-old hanging in my buddy's basement listening to the Paul Butterfield Blues Band for the first time. My life was changed that day, and 35 years later the music's still shakin' my soul. The feel of that day in the basement is what I have set out to capture in this film."