I am the Blues

I Am The Blues, released in 2015, is a passionately crafted documentary film that explores the depths of blues music, as seen and experienced by the artists who live and breathe it. Starring original blues artists including Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, L.C. Ulmer, and Bobby Rush, the film encapsulates the soulful rhythm, lyrical poetry, and raw emotion that is ingrained in every beat of blues music.

The film is directed by Daniel Cross who has masterfully framed it as a living memoir of the blues, capturing the world it emerged from and the artists who have breathed life into it. His camera work breathes life into every frame with intimate filming techniques that gets up close and personal, capturing the heart and soul of blues music through its artists.

Jimmy "Duck" Holmes is a renowned blues musician known for his individual style of Bentonia Blues. As the proprietor of one of the oldest juke joints in Mississippi, the Blue Front Café, he represents the enduring heart of the blues culture. I Am The Blues captures his personal journey and shares his insights on blues, offering viewers a unique and intimate experience of a world seldom seen.

L.C. Ulmer, an accomplished and versatile artist, provides another perspective on the blues in the film. His narrative is intertwined with stories from his life, his experiences and his understanding of the blues as a music form born out of struggle and spirit. His stories bring to light the deep roots of the blues in the fabric of American history and culture.

The movie also features Bobby Rush, a Grammy award-winning blues legend who spent decades in the blues circuit. With hits spanning five decades, Rush's perspective on the evolution of blues and its influence on other musical genres provides a valuable counterpoint to the historical theme of the movie.

I Am The Blues is as much a journey through the impoverished American South, as it is a glimpse into the rich legacy of blues music. The film takes us on a journey through Louisiana, Mississippi, and the dense regions of the Mississippi Delta, where the blues first took root. The breathtaking cinematographic captures of the landscapes, from rambling fields to rustic juke joints, paint a vivid picture of the birthplace of the blues.

In addition to the narratives from Holmes, Ulmer, and Rush, the film includes compelling commentary from several other blues greats including Lazy Lester, Little Freddie King, Carol Fran, and Henry Gray. The insightful anecdotes, recollections and performances shared by these musicians provide viewers with a riveting look into the authentic world of blues music.

The unique musical sequences of the film present a sound tapestry of the blues genre. From soulful to energetic, the film showcases a wide spectrum of blues music, charting its evolution from its inception to the present day. Each artist paints their blues with their unique brush, contributing to an eclectic and powerful musical score that is as engaging as it is enlightening.

I am The Blues also sheds light on the darker aspect of blues legacy in terms of cultural appropriation and commercial exploitation. It underscores the struggle of original artists who, despite creating a unique and influential music genre, often lived and died in obscurity.

Rather than being just a musical documentary, I Am The Blues serves as a cultural exposé, providing an enticing mix of music, American history, social commentary, and vivid storytelling. It combines robust narrative arcs, memorable character sketches and strikingly shot music sequences, making it a remarkable cinematic tribute to the enduring spirit of blues music.

In conclusion, I Am The Blues is a compelling and entertaining watch for music fans and history buffs alike. A unique aesthetic experience that combines the power of cinema, music, and narrative, it takes us on a journey to the heartland of the blues. The film is a testament to the artists who helped shape the genre, breathing life, sorrow, joy, and meaning into each note they played. This film is a lyrical tribute to their contribution and an essential viewing experience for anyone looking to understand the roots of blues music.