One of the major benefits of movies being released on disc
is that some features that may never have had the chance to play in cities
across the country can be discovered this way. Documentaries in particular seem
to never make it to most theaters. Now they can be on disc. And like this
feature some offer not just informative films but the chance for lost people
from history to be discovered for the first time as themselves.
SIDEMEN: LONG ROAD TO GLORY focuses on three musicians that
many have heard but few might know. Pinetop Perkins, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith
and Hubert Sumlin were all members of two of the most prolific and well-known
blues artists of all time, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. While both of those
men received accolades and recognition their sound wasn’t just their own but
composed by the entire bands that they performed and recorded with.
The keyboards of Perkins helped fill out the musical sound
of Muddy Waters and Smith’s drumming kept the band going to a steady beat. As
members of his band they were treated well but as I said they were considered
sidemen and not the main driving force behind the music not matter how
important their input was.
Sumlin was finally recognized for his inventive and unique
style of guitar playing that helped mold the sound of Howlin’ Wolf. Encouraged
by his mentor and loved like a son the two played up until Wolf’s death. Guitar
legends of today site his guitar playing as influential in their own styles.
Music fans realize the contributions made by the blues when
it comes to rock and roll. Many have said that rock music is the melding of
country music and blues music, the bastard child of the two. In many cases it’s
easy to see how true that is. But perhaps it was the blues that had the most
lasting effect. Consider, as is explained in part here, the number of British
bands who were not just influenced but who performed old blues classics live
and on record in the early sixties and you can see that influence.
The three sidemen came together to perform later in life and
bits and pieces of those performances are on display here. In addition to that Perkins
and Smith won a Grammy for a recording they made in 2010. Sadly Perkins was 97
and Smith 75 when they both died the following year. Sumlin passed away that
same year at age 80.
But their legacy lives on and fortunately this documentary
captures their lives for us to enjoy. Composed of bits and pieces of their
performances in the past combined with interviews done shortly before their
passing the film gives us the chance to enjoy their achievements and to
recognize their accomplishments. The end result is not just an appreciation of
their talent but helps to boost an interest in their music. I know I found
myself seeking out their music to listen to. My guess is you will too.
This movie deserves a place on the shelf of every music fan
who has picked up films like THE WRECKING CREW and STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF
MOTOWN, two films the allowed music lovers to discover performers who were
responsible for the hits of the past but never recognized. All three
documentaries not only increase an understanding of who was responsible for the
sounds previous generations grew up with they bring back fond memories of that
music and a greater appreciation of what went on behind the scenes. All three
deserve to be savored and watched over and over again.
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