Review of Godfathers And Sons

Introduction

This is one of seven films that comprise the complete: `Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: A Musical Journey`. It was an interesting concept. Scorsese initiated and curated the project, and indeed directed one of the movies. But he also gave six other Directors a set of DV-Cams, a limited budget for archive material and post-production - and carte blanche to go discover the blues for themselves. "Our goal was never to produce a definitive work on the blues. It was to create highly personal and impressionistic films," states Martin Scorsese. Released here and in the US as either individual movies, or as a deluxe box set comprising all 7 DVD`s that each include the movie and a variety of compelling extras. There`s been a lot of interest in these releases since they first aired in the USA (on PBS - the channel for culture-vultures) in 2003 and between them they contain a veritable treasure trove of information, passion and atmosphere that will thrill blues fans.

The movie follows the life of Marshall Chess, son of, and active agent for, Leonard Chess, co-founder of legendary Chess Records. Using anecdotal recollections, alongside factual accounts, it makes for compelling viewing.

You see, Marshall is a guy who can`t stop smiling. He looks and sounds like a guy who can`t believe his luck and his own enthusiasm for the blues is positively infectious. In many respects he`s the perfect host and narrator for this tale. He`s uniquely placed to comment (being involved first hand in this monumental popularising of the blues), and he`s an engaging and likable personality in his own right, relaxed with the camera and scarcely able to hide his own excitement.

The documentary opens with a lo-res monochrome, walking shoulder-shot (ala horror movie killer POV) along a Chicago sidewalk before veering into a blues club in full swing. This is cinema-vertite at it`s most raw and as viewers we find ourselves shoulder to shoulder with the audience of this fine performance (Koko Taylor still struttin` her stuff). The camera pans to the left and we get our first view of Marshall - appreciative smile and all.

The Chess record story is a fascinating one (superbly documented on the superb 15 CD box set, `The Chess Story`) where two Polish Jews emigrate to the US (Chicago), pick the best of the Chicago Blues scene and commit it to vinyl, arguably changing the face of popular music in the process. (It was Chess who picked up Chuck Berry`s speeded up blues that became rock `n roll). You can still see graffiti in Chicago today that reads `Blacks and Jews equals the blues`.

There are some great archive clips to support Marshall`s narrative (Howlin` Wolf, Bo Diddley, et al), and things take a contemporary turn when we join Marshall at the Chicago Outdoor Blues Festival 2003. Magic Slim, Ike Turner, Pinetop Perkins (aged 94. "The music keeps you going..") create magic enjoyed here by children to grandparents.

The narrative takes on real substance when Marshall meets up with Muddy Waters fan, rapper Chuck D, and they trace the roots together. It`s amazing how well they seem to hit it off but this could well have been precipitated by Chuck D`s confessed appreciation of `Electric Mud`, a psychedelic experiment with the blues that Marshall had initiated as a young man at Chess in the late `60`s. Panned at the time, Hip-Hop artists and rappers have sampled it`s earthy and psychedelic grooves, and it continues to have resonance today, much to Marshall`s delight. The plan is to reunite the `Electric Mud` band, and for Chuck D and local rap artist Common to record with them.


Before we see the results in the studio, there is an exploration of the Rolling Stones take on blues. Big chess fans in their own right, Marshall was to meet them when they came to record in the Chess studio in 1964. He later joined them as a kind of tour manager for some 7 years during the early to mid 1970`s.


The results of the re-united Electric Mud band, doing a take on classic `Man Child`, are entertaining enough but the rap performances sit uneasily and self-consciously over Muddy Waters original vocals, and frankly pale by comparison. Not that this worries Marshall in the least. He`s enjoying every creative moment of it and it`s difficult not to get caught up in such un-diluted appreciation.

Video

The images are variable throughout, but this is the down and dirty blues and the film holds together well in the context.

Audio

The audio here is fine with options for stereo or 5.1 surround sound which is preferable for a really intimate feel.

Features

There`s plenty here to get your teeth into. All the songs featured in the film are available in full without narrative interruption. There`s an interview with the Director, with peculiarly lively sound which lends it an amateurish air not felt elsewhere on the disc. There`s a Director`s commentary which offers up little that would warrant the investment in time. (Marshall`s talking. Do we need to hear the guy filming Marshall talking start talking over him?!). There are filmographies and a biography for Marc Levin too.

Conclusion

This is the story of Chess records as told through the anecdotal narrative of Marshall Chess, son of co-founder Leonard. In a cynical world it`s incredibly refreshing to witness the continuing and unbridled appreciation by Marshall of his beloved blues. It`s an infectious enthusiasm that makes this perhaps the most enjoyable film of the set. There are some great performances here and it`s a gentle, unhurried journey using entirely straightforward and unpretentious filmmaking techniques. Thoroughly recommended!