Down home Shakedown

This is a fun thing to see! According to the information provided, it was filmed for a German TV show, in 1965. From looking at the back-drop, I can be reasonably certain that it was filmed as a part of The American Folk-Blues Festival, which began touring in 1962. It was an incredibly successful series of shows that brought African-American blues musicians, to European audiences.

The musicians who were involved, included John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Big Mama Thornton (who plays some fine harmonica, here), Howlin' Wolf, Big Walter Horton, and Sonny Boy Williamson II ... That is a fine representation of the movers and shakers in blues music, in my opinion!

Some of the shows were also filmed. Luckily, the film has been officially released on DVD. I'd recommend them highly! The DVDs can be found here. (That links to 'Volume One'.)

Here's the clip:

What makes this piece so very cool, is that John Lee Hooker, for example, is not known for his harmonica skills. The truth is, that many musicians of the time were able to play multiple instruments, (skillfully) to make a living.

Actually, I did not even know that John Lee Hooker could play harp!

Note: this post has been 'in the vault' for ages. Glad to see it published!

Buy the music, support the artists!

Mitch's Playlist: 0.2

• Astral Weeks -- Van Morrison. From the year 1968. It is sprawling and beautiful release. Astral Weeks is unlike any other album in Van's discography. The tracks are more like paintings, than songs.
  
• Have a good time -- Big Walter Horton and Carey Bell. A unique collaboration, from two giants of the blues harmonica. Sadly, Bell passed away relatively recently. Both are now gone, but the music is still here.
• The Band -- The Band. This is the second, self-titled album; from a group of legendary and talented musicians. Timeless and honest songs. At a time when everybody else who was making music seemed to be wearing flowers in their hair -- The Band played for themselves, and wrote tunes with country, blues and blue grass influences. It's just great!