By Thomas M. Pender
Legendary guitarist Buddy Guy calls it “one of the greatest nights of my life.” John Fogerty of rock’s Creedence Clearwater Revival felt “honored” to be invited. On February 7, 2003, artists of practically every musical genre gathered at Madison Square Garden for one amazing show. Martin Scorsese and Antoine Fuqua (director of “Training Day”) brought the best of the best together to celebrate and pay tribute to an original American institution: blues music.
After notoriously camera-shy Scorsese steps out onto the Garden stage for a very brief introduction, the concert film begins with an African tune performed by Angelique Kidjo. From there, the audience is led along a timeline of music, visiting what is still referred to as “Negro spirituals,” passing through the early days of the blues, right up to today . . . and everyone came out to play! The only imaginable contemporary blues artist missing is John Lee Hooker, who passed away in 2001, but he is there in spirit, as his signature classic “Boom Boom” is modernized by hip-hop group Fine Arts Militia.
During portions of the show, haunting images are projected onto large screens, showing hardships suffered by blacks in America over the years, presented together with the music that expressed their pain and hope. Between songs, portions of interviews with blues greats reveal how they started out, how the music has changed, and yet, how it has always been the same venue of expression. Surviving members of the early days of the blues relate stories of how difficult it was for musicians, and how grateful they are to be present for the show. From Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Mavis Staples of The Staples Singers, and Ruth Brown (who subsequently passed away in 2006), to modern artists Macy Gray and Shemekia Copeland, every generation is represented. Onstage, the fun and respect and joy of simply being together to perform the music they love is evident on each face. The event is highlighted by B.B. King, “The King of the Blues,” as he pours his heart out in his classic “Sweet Sixteen.”
Any fan of the blues who hasn’t already seen this show must see this DVD (also available on CD, in case you are as taken with the music as I was!). Anyone who respects history and music should see it, as well. It’s really surprising how much one concert can teach you!
Tags: Blues Music, Friday Reviews
