Dixon, Willie - I Am The Blues

Dixon, Willie - I Am The Blues is a 2015 musical documentary movie that delves into the heart of the American blues music genre. With a runtime of approximately 106 minutes, this film brilliantly captures the essence of blues music, its origin, evolution, and prominence in the American music industry.

Directed and written by Daniel Cross, I Am The Blues features the lives of legendary blues musicians like Jimmy Duck Holmes, L.C. Ulmer, and Bobby Rush who have significantly contributed to the prevalence of this genre. While this film primarily revolves around renowned blues songwriter and musician Willie Dixon, it does not lose sight of the overarching blues music culture. With impressive cinematography and deep-rooted storytelling, the movie presents an enlightening and deeply personal perspective of blues music that both old fans and new listeners will appreciate.

The documentary introduces audiences to the back roads of the deep South, visiting juke joints, churches, and other venues contributing to the birthplace of blues. Willie Dixon, a heavyweight in the blues music industry who wrote over 500 songs and significantly influenced the careers of other musicians, takes center stage as Cross artfully explores his life, talent, passion, and legacy. Other notable musicians like Jimmy Duck Holmes, known for his Bentonia school of blues guitar, L.C. Ulmer, the Mississippi blues musician and multi-instrumentalist, and Bobby Rush, the eccentric and celebrated bluesman, share their life stories, insights, and experiences creating an authentic portrayal of the hardships and triumphs in a blues musician's life.

I Am The Blues provides an immersive experience like no other. It is not just about music but the very soul of the people who devoted their lives to it. Through personal interviews and performance footage, the film gives an insight into the musicians' views on life, their struggles with racial tensions, and how these experiences shaped their art form. The viewer not only gets entertained but also learns about the historical and cultural significance of blues music.

The film's narrative is beautifully woven around the themes of perseverance, resilience, and unyielding passion for music, which is the very essence of blues. These stories are set against the backdrop of America's rural south and the civil rights-era struggles, providing a new perspective on the blues' roots and the political and socio-cultural context in which it thrived.

Featuring a multitude of blues hits, I Am The Blues is an ultimate treat not just for blues enthusiasts but also for anyone who appreciates music. Showcasing a variety of electrifying performances and recording sessions, this documentary skillfully depicts the rich tapestry of the blues genre. The film's soundtrack is a compilation of blues hits, with many performed with raw energy and emotion that epitomizes what blues music stands for.

Production values are pristine with a perfect amalgamation of the warm tones of the Mississippi delta blues and crisp HD footage of places of historic significance. Astute work by the crew is seen throughout the film, especially in the presentation of the archival footage. This interlacing of past with the present provides an engaging visual narrative to viewers.

Dixon, Willie - I Am The Blues is not just a musical documentary but a heartfelt tribute to the brave, resilient individuals who gave life to a music genre revered today worldwide. It is a passionate portrayal of the blues genre, its musicians, and an inside look at the lives they lead and the art they strived to perfect. The uncluttered and tightly woven narrative, along with engaging performances and storytelling, make watching this film a soulful and humbling experience.

In conclusion, I Am The Blues serves as a valuable documentary for fans and newcomers to the genre alike. It is an exploration of the roots and legacy of a music style that has influenced the course of American music history. Providing a comprehensive understanding of the blues, detailing both its highs and lows, the movie works as a historical document, an informative musical journey, and a tribute to one of America's most influential songwriters. It is a must-watch for anyone with an affinity for the blues and an exploration of American music's profound roots.

With its illustrative documentary style, I Am The Blues makes a strong case for not just understanding and appreciating these pioneering figures' contributions in the music industry, but also cherishing and celebrating the authentic raw talent derived from their hard-hitting life experiences. As such, the film is an essential ode to the blues and a deserving tribute to its legendary figures.