September
2003 Feature Story
The Blues
on PBS
Martin Scorsese’s much talked about PBS series “The
Blues” begins this month. Each filmmaker has a different impressionistic
take on the blues, motivated by a central theme-how the blues evolved
from parochial folk tunes into a universal language. Each episode is
directed by a different world-famous director including Academy Award
winners Clint Eastwood (Piano Blues, 10/4), and Martin Scorsese himself
(Feel Like Going Home, 9/28), plus Wim Wenders (The Soul Of A Man, 9/29),
Richard Pearce (The Road To Memphis, 9/30), Charles Burnett (Warming
By The Devil’s Fire, 10/1), Marc Levin (Godfathers and Sons, 10/2),
Mike Figgis (Red, White & Blues, 10/3).
Seven films for seven nights on PBS, a blues movie marathon Sunday,
September 28th thru October 4th, at 9pm, on KCTS ch. 9 and again on
KBTC ch.28 beginning October 6th, at 9pm. (see our reviews of the films
in mid-September at www.bluestodo.com) Screening previews are at Monterey
Jazz Fest 9/19-21, Woodstock Film Fest 9/17-21, with a panel discussion
in San Francisco on 9/16, in North Carolina 9/19, in Michigan, Memphis,
Kansas, and at King Biscuit in Helena, Arkansas, and more prior to broadcast
of the films. Scheduled discussions with performers and directors include
Marcia Ball 9/8, Chris Thomas King 9/15, at WashingtonPost.com’s
“Live OnLine.” You can also see additional video clips,
an interview with Wim Wenders (Soul Of A Man) & descriptions at
pbs.org or go to yearoftheblues.com.
MORE YEAR OF BLUES: The 13-part radio series is sounding very well done,
with Keb’ Mo’ hosting and EMP’s own blues expert Robert
Santelli along with Ben Manilla producing. This hour long program is
more in the documentary style most fans are expecting. The series is
presented by WGBH radio in Boston and airs in Seattle on KPLU, 88.5
FM Saturday’s, at 11am beginning October 4th. Look for “Sweet
Home Chicago: Big City Blues 1946-1966” with choice items on display
at EMP, Seattle, September 27-January 4, 2004 and then on to Chicago
during Black History Month thru June at the 2004 Chicago Blues Festival.
The book comes out at the end of September on Harper Collins. You’ll
see DVD’s and CD Soundtracks for each of the PBS broadcasts with
over 40 new recordings made for the project, plus compilation CD’s.
High School English, social studies and music teachers can access blues
lesson plans, teaching strategies, exercises and resource materials.
20,000 print guides with a CD of blues songs will be mailed to high
school department heads. Get a blues name thanks to WFYI.org
Back
to Contents of Archive
© 
2002
|