History Of The Blues - BBC4 TV

Wonderful stuff

Yes it's great. Trouble is, like the Ken Burns jazz series I just know I'm going to end up buying the bloody lot - 7 DVDs, 20 cds, 5 cd box set and a book!

Good to hear some of you are enjoying this, 'cos most of the reviews I've read have been pretty poor.

I'll look forward to it when it eventually makes it onto proper TV.

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I'll look forward to it when it eventually makes it onto proper TV.

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Greeney; can you not get the terrestrial digitals in your parts?

It's free.

Poor reviews? - what do those twats know?
Those original black Mississippi Delta blues men are magnificent to behold.

Unfortunately No, I can't get Digital, Can't even get channel 5 yet!!! (And I only live 20 miles from the centre of Manchester)

The reviews seem to suggest each program is a bit too personal, with little comparison of the different genre's and evolutions. I was really looking foreward to this when I fist heard about it, but somewhat dissapointed by the reviews, However I'm now a bit more optimistic again

I thought this second show (The British Blues Movement) revealed some unexpected gems. I never thought I would say "I enjoyed Tom Jones performance" in the Abbey Road Studios. The Abbey Road session included great guitar from Jeff Beck and Piano from (? Forgot), Van Morrison and would you beleive Lulu? both belted out top notch performances also. Other old favourites talking (with passion) or playing were Steve Winwood, Lonnie Donnegan, Chris Farlow, Albert Lee, Georgie Fame, Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood and some big headed bloke called Eric Clapton BB King was very complementary about British Bands Touring and bringing Blues to the attention of American audiences, therefore creating mainstreem careers for Black Blues musicians. Two singers I will investigate further from this program are Ray Charles and Otis Redding. Recordings might not be great (unless someone has 2D4 records) but they triggered my memory banks of their familiar songs.

Denis

Before anyone notices, I forgot to mention the considerable influence of course of Jon Mayall and Alexis Korner detailed in the show.

Denis

Here is the CD for this part of the Series here and its available as a CD/DVD at HMV.

Denis

The highlight of this week's film for me, was the reunion of Ike Turner and the late Sam Phillips.

Mr Phillips was obviously nearing the end of his life when this was filmed, which may explain his wonderfully weird manner.

A real delight.

And you have to take your hat off to Bobby Rush; still on the road at 66 years of age and putting on a hell of a show.

And Mr B.B. King - well, need I say more?

A superb series.

J.N.

The highlight for me so far has been the Red White & Blues show and the Imported CD can be purchased
Here

I never thought I would enjoy performances by Tom Jones & Lulu in the same show. The Abbey Road Studio must have been must have been magical place to be during the recording. Strange that Van Morrison's set never made it to the CD, as I thought he was excellent. It should still be cheaper to import this CD than being ripped off by HMV. You might want to by other stuff as well.

Here are the Tracks

RED, WHITE & BLUES/MARTIN SCRSESE PRESENTS CD HIPCD0773 Unit Price: $14.99 In Stock

Detailed Description
Director Mike Figgis (Leaving Las Vegas, Timecode) joins musicians such as Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Tom Jones performing and talking about the music of the early 60’s British invasion that reintroduced the blues sound to America.

Selections:
1. Tom Jones & Jeff Beck -- Goin’ Down Slow
2. Louis Armstrong -- Back O’ Town Blues (Live At Town Hall)
3. Dixie Four -- St. Louis Man
4. Big Bill Broonzy -- Black, Brown & White
5. Sister Rosetta Tharpe -- Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The Air
6. Lonnie Donegan -- Rock Island Line
7. Lulu with Jeff Beck -- Cry Me A River
8. Miles Davis -- Generique
9. Tom Jones & Jeff Beck -- Love Letters
10. Humphrey Lyttelton -- Bad Penny Blues
11. Chris Farlowe -- Stormy Monday Pts 1+2
12. Tom Jones & Jeff Beck -- Hard Times
13. Ray Charles -- Tell The Truth
14. Spencer Davis Group -- Hey Darling
15. Fleetwood Mac -- Shake Your Money Maker
16. John Mayall Bluesbreakers -- Have You Heard
17. Cream -- Crossroads
18. Jeff Beck -- Rollin’ And Tumblin’
19. Tom Jones & Jon Cleary -- Lawdy Miss Clawdy
20. Lulu with Jeff Beck -- Drown In My Own Tears

Denis