[Dixielandjazz] THE BLUES - 7 preview blurbs

[Jazzjerry at aol.com]

Having looked at the preview blurbs as posted by Nancy I can only hope that 
these programmes are shown on this side of the Atlantic. They look really 
interesting. As far as I can see the series are personal statements about the blues 
by various filmakers not an attempt at a comprehensive history of the genre 
and the various blurbs back this up. Whilst in the USA last Wednesday I saw 
that all the films were available on DVD but unfortunately there was no 
information as to the region code on the sleeves so I could not tell if they would be 
viewable over here.

If the series introduces more people to a real true American art form then 
this surely must be to the good. The fact that the blues has influenced much 
popular music on both sides of the Atlantic cannot be denied and this music 
predated jazz and was one of the strongest influences.

Surely no-one is suggesting that Armstrong and Teagarden and other jazzmen 
were founding influences of 'the blues'. That is completely laughable!

All I can suggest is don't pre-judge the programmes. Watch and enjoy. If they 
are polemical then, so what? Reading the backs of the DVD sleeves l certainly 
did not gain any impression that they were anything more that films made by 
directors with a real love of a truly wonderful music.

Cheers,

Jerry,
Norwich,
U.K.
(Listening to the wonderful two part version of 'Empty Bed Blues' by 
Elizabeth Johnson with King Oliver on cornet and Clarence Williams on piano from 1928)