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Can't You Hear the Wind Howl? - The Life and Music of Robert Johnson

Can't You Hear the Wind Howl? - The Life and Music of Robert Johnson

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Can't You Hear the Wind Howl?
Review: This is another example of Black History that few people know about. The music is raw because mixing didn't exist in those days. But it is not just about the music. The message here is if a black man can survive back then without advertising, agents and the like and be known as one of the greatest artists of all times; What excuse does most young black men have like him today?
Example: This man played and danced on the back roads of Arkansas to earn money to buy a guitar that was lost in a fire. He became so popular for Sunday afternoon drivers even the police had a hard time directing traffic. How many black americans had cars then? Then we know who loved his music too.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Can't You Hear the Wind Howl?
Review: This is another example of Black History that few people know about. The music is raw because mixing didn't exist in those days. But it is not just about the music. The message here is if a black man can survive back then without advertising, agents and the like and be known as one of the greatest artists of all times; What excuse does most young black men have like him today?
Example: This man played and danced on the back roads of Arkansas to earn money to buy a guitar that was lost in a fire. He became so popular for Sunday afternoon drivers even the police had a hard time directing traffic. How many black americans had cars then? Then we know who loved his music too.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I heard the wind howl!
Review: This video is easily a 5-star two-thumbs up production -- Professionally done, excellent real footage, reasonable re-enactments, lots of photos, interviews, and music.

Like most who watch this video I bought the 2 CD Robert Johnson set and read the in-depth booklet that comes with the CDs. The booklet is good, and I'm a good reader, but my retention was not that high and I much prefer this DVD as a medium to the booklet. The DVD is fascinating from so many perspectives: a good biography, a glimpse back at early 20th century culture, and as an attempt to understand the signifigance of this musician.

For people who love documentaries, biographies, or music...highly recommended.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I heard the wind howl!
Review: This video is easily a 5-star two-thumbs up production -- Professionally done, excellent real footage, reasonable re-enactments, lots of photos, interviews, and music.

Like most who watch this video I bought the 2 CD Robert Johnson set and read the in-depth booklet that comes with the CDs. The booklet is good, and I'm a good reader, but my retention was not that high and I much prefer this DVD as a medium to the booklet. The DVD is fascinating from so many perspectives: a good biography, a glimpse back at early 20th century culture, and as an attempt to understand the signifigance of this musician.

For people who love documentaries, biographies, or music...highly recommended.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Can't You Hear The Wind Howl?
Review: This was not just a film about the life of Robert Johnson, but a look at the time and place that he lived in and what influenced him as a musician and a man. I felt a better understanding of Robert Johnson, not just the liner notes I've read in the past about the meaning of the songs, or style of guitar he played. This film put me in the Delta when RJ was growing up and in Texas when he was recording the records.

Keb Mo' was beautifully understated in the reenactments. In fact since he's lip syncing, and the lighting was so dramatic and mysterious, at moments I thought I was seeing the lost footage of Robert Johnson.

The interviews were enlightening and personal. Johnny Shines had me in tears one moment and laughing the next. What a pleasure for the world to find out the relationship Johnnny and Robert had. Any fan of the Blues or Rock N' Roll should see this film.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Can't You Hear The Wind Howl?
Review: This was not just a film about the life of Robert Johnson, but a look at the time and place that he lived in and what influenced him as a musician and a man. I felt a better understanding of Robert Johnson, not just the liner notes I've read in the past about the meaning of the songs, or style of guitar he played. This film put me in the Delta when RJ was growing up and in Texas when he was recording the records.

Keb Mo' was beautifully understated in the reenactments. In fact since he's lip syncing, and the lighting was so dramatic and mysterious, at moments I thought I was seeing the lost footage of Robert Johnson.

The interviews were enlightening and personal. Johnny Shines had me in tears one moment and laughing the next. What a pleasure for the world to find out the relationship Johnnny and Robert had. Any fan of the Blues or Rock N' Roll should see this film.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: A TV Movie
Review: This was originally done for the Discovery Channel. Part of the reason it's lacking certain things is the limitations for commercial interuption on the air. I felt it could have plunged a little deeper, but what I really appreciated were Robert Johnson's contemporaries and friends remininsing. Being that there's very little material around on the historic Robert Johnson it's these sorts of interviews that are going to preserve the biographical aspects on a man whose life and image are just as fascinating as his music. Be forewarned, you'll want it to be longer.


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