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Summary: John Hammond Retraces RL's Life in the Delta
Review: Did Robert Johnson really sell his soul to old Scratch at the crossroads? John Hammond, Jr. explores the life and times of this legendary bluesman. Hammond, a fine blues musician himself, travels through the small towns of the Mississippi Delta and interviews several of Robert Johnson's contemporaries and acquaintances, including Johnny Shines. Hammond even tracks down a woman who claims to have been Johnson's wife. Most of the interviewees are in the later years, giving the documentary a living history feel. The documentary is filled with Johnson's music, much of it performed by Hammond, in Delta settings. It is quite stirring to see Hammond playing Crossroads at the crossroads. If you are a fan of the Delta blues, this is a must have film.
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Summary: Feeling The Blues
Review: I purchased this video about a month back and have watched it at least 6 times. I guess the reason that I like it so much is not only my fascination with Robert Johnson but also the connection that I have to the places in it. I was born in Helena Arkansas (mentioned many times during and has it's own segment) and I have also visited all three alleged gravesites of Mr. Johnson. When you travel through the Delta as Mr. Hammond has done...you start to understand a little more about the music and where it came from. This documentary captures a lot of the essence of the Delta but you must visit it yourself to get the true feeling of how life must have been for the Blues Musicians of the Delta in the early 20th Century. The interviews here are candid, honest, and real. Watching this only make you want to look these people up yourself. Watch this video and try to inherit some appreciation for the heart and soul that went into the music that so many take for granted. Then...if you dare...take your own pilgrimage down to "The Crossroads" and see for yourself what all of this is about.
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Summary: A Must Have For Any Blues Collector
Review: If you are a fan of the blues you MUST have this tape, no question about that.One thing I like about this film is that it is as authentic as original. The is a marked difference in the interview segments when comparing this film with Cant You Hear The Wind Howl. In this film John Hammond Jr is interviewing the woman Robert Johnson cries out for, Annie Mae... in this film when JH Jr plays the song to her she has an expression that she hears a voice from the grave and is visibly affected by the music. In the other film she is inviewed but appearing more relaxed and prepared for discussing Robert Johnson. The corner dueling scene between John Hammond and Johnny Shines is excellent, its as close to the real thing as I will probably see. This is a most excellent documentary, I hope it is able to find its way to DVD, for blues fans it is a must have documentary.
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Summary: Great learning tool
Review: The film is great for everyone. I saw this film in my humanities class and allowed me to learn about Robert Johnson's life and legends, the myths behind his songs. Many people that actually met Robert Johnson are interviewed in this film so it allows the viewer to learn about this icon in a very personal level. I highly recomend it to anyone who is serious about music and blues and also to those who might just be curious.
GREAT FILM!!!!!!!! A THOUSAND THUMBS UP!!!
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Summary: Not as good as others...
Review: This documentary was rather disappointing to me. Mr. Hammond is a fine musician but too much of the film is wasted showing him performing Johnson's music. It was interesting watching Hammond and Mr. Johnny Shines 'cuttin' heads' on the street corners of a delta town. However, Hammond isn't a good interviewer and it seems like he just uses this as a platform to showcase his own considerable talent. I would advise anyone to stay away from this one and get 'Can't you hear the wind howl' instead. This is basically a rehash of all the same material. If your a diehard like me, go ahead and watch it but you might be disappointed.
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Summary: Good inside look at RJ
Review: This is good in that not only does this explore the histroy of the great bluesman Robert Johnson, it also gives you an understanding of the Black Delta culture that he came from and we see some of Johnson's surviving friends and lovers talk about him. A very touching scene shows the actual "Willie Mae" mentioned in "Love In Vain" smiling sweetly as she hears RJ mentioning her name in the song. However, while Hammond is a good narrator, being a serious student of the blues, we could do without his forced and strained renditions of RJ's songs and let the actual recordings speak for themselves. Other than that, blues fans will enjoy this.
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Summary: Good inside look at RJ
Review: This is good in that not only does this explore the histroy of the great bluesman Robert Johnson, it also gives you an understanding of the Black Delta culture that he came from and we see some of Johnson's surviving friends and lovers talk about him. A very touching scene shows the actual "Willie Mae" mentioned in "Love In Vain" smiling sweetly as she hears RJ mentioning her name in the song. However, while Hammond is a good narrator, being a serious student of the blues, we could do without his forced and strained renditions of RJ's songs and let the actual recordings speak for themselves. Other than that, blues fans will enjoy this.
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Summary: Very Strong
Review: this Video is Haunting&Mind-Blowing all at once.I haven't heard another Guitar player like Robert Johnson.The Man's tones&Vibe were like that of Two Players at once.this Video keeps the Mystery&Genius all at once on point.His Box-Set still Blows Me Away The Man had alot of Soul.this is a Video that will hold your full attention.
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