Watch Deep Blues: A Musical Pilgrimage to the Crossroads

Deep Blues: A Musical Pilgrimage to the Crossroads is a fascinating documentary film that takes its audience on a journey through the heart of the deep south of America. Directed by Robert Mugge, the film delves into the origins of the blues, exploring the Mississippi Delta and other parts of the region to uncover the raw and emotional music that has come to define the genre.

The film features a number of prominent blues musicians, including Roosevelt Barnes, R. L. Burnside, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Big Jack Johnson, Junior Kimbrough, Booker T. Laury, Jack Owens, Lonnie Pitchford, and Bud Spires. These musicians share their personal stories and experiences, as well as their deep love and respect for the blues.

The film takes viewers on a journey through the Mississippi delta, exploring the back roads and small towns where the blues was born. The camera lingers on dilapidated old buildings, showing the audience the gritty, raw side of the Mississippi that helped the blues to develop. The film also features interviews with locals, who share their own experiences and stories about the music.

The performances in the film are truly mesmerizing. The musicians featured are all masters of their craft, and they play with an intensity and soulfulness that is hard to match. From Roosevelt Barnes' haunting rendition of "You Gotta Move" to R. L. Burnside's gritty and raw "Poor Black Mattie," the music in the film is stunning.

One of the things that makes Deep Blues such a memorable and unique film is its focus on the "crossroads" where the blues was born. The film explores the myth of Robert Johnson and the story of how he supposedly sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in exchange for his musical talents. Mugge interviews locals and musicians who share their own interpretations of the story, adding to the film's overall sense of mystery and intrigue.

Overall, Deep Blues is a must-see for anyone who loves the blues, or anyone interested in the history and culture of the Mississippi delta. The film captures the raw, authentic spirit of the music and the people who created it, and it does so with a reverence and respect that is truly impressive. For anyone who has ever been moved by the power of the blues, this film is an absolute treasure.