Watch Dixon, Willie - I Am The Blues

Dixon, Willie - I Am The Blues is a documentary film directed by Daniel Cross which explores the enduring legacy of blues music through the eyes and stories of legendary blues musicians from the deep south of the United States. The film features intimate interviews with some of the most important living blues musicians, including Jimmy Duck Holmes, LC Ulmer and Bobby Rush.

The film is set against the backdrop of the Mississippi Delta, a region known as the birthplace of the blues. The film charts the pioneering work of blues musicians in the region who helped to shape the sound of modern American music. Many of these musicians continue to perform and record today and their work has influenced generations of musicians around the world.

The film opens with a haunting performance by Jimmy Duck Holmes, who plays his guitar and sings a traditional blues song in a simple, rustic room. This sets the tone for the film, which is a tribute to the raw, authentic sound of the blues. The film then moves on to the first of many interviews with the musicians themselves.

We meet LC Ulmer, a guitar virtuoso who has been playing for over 50 years. Ulmer talks about his life and work, and how he has managed to survive as a blues musician for so long. He also treats us to a performance of one of his many original songs.

Next, we meet Bobby Rush, a blues legend who has been performing for over 60 years. Rush's energetic stage presence and flamboyant costumes have made him one of the most popular performers in the blues world. He talks about his early days in the music industry, and how he has managed to stay relevant and popular after so many years.

Throughout the film, we are treated to a wide range of blues music, from traditional acoustic finger-picking to electrified Chicago-style blues. The film showcases the many different styles and sounds of the blues, and highlights the unique talents of the musicians who perform it.

The film also explores the social and cultural history of the blues, and how it has been shaped by the experiences of African Americans in the deep south. We hear stories of slavery, segregation, and hardship, as well as the resilience and creativity of the people who lived through these experiences.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes towards the end, when Jimmy Duck Holmes performs a song called "Devil Got My Woman". The song is a haunting, mournful lament, and Holmes' performance is deeply moving. It's a reminder of the power and emotional resonance of the blues, and how it continues to speak to people today.

Overall, Dixon, Willie - I Am The Blues is a rich and engaging documentary that celebrates the legacy of the blues and the enduring talents of the musicians who have kept it alive. It's a film that will appeal to fans of the blues, as well as anyone with an interest in American music and culture. Highly recommended.