Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music Season 1 Episode 4

Ep 4. Going Electric

  • TV-NR
  • November 17, 2016
  • 52 min
  • 8.1  (71)

Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music is a documentary series that explores the art and science behind the creation of music recordings. In season 1 episode 4, titled "Going Electric," the series delves into the transformation of music in the mid-20th century with the invention and popularization of the electric guitar.

The episode features interviews with prominent musicians and producers who played a role in this shift, such as Chuck Berry, Les Paul, and Jimi Hendrix. Viewers are taken through the history of the electric guitar, from its early experiments in the 1920s to its rise to prominence in the 1950s.

The episode covers the impact of the electric guitar on different genres of music, such as rock and roll, blues, and jazz. Viewers are also given insight into the technical innovations that made the electric guitar possible, such as the development of amplifiers and the use of distortion and feedback.

One of the highlights of the episode is a segment that explores the collaboration between Jimi Hendrix and producer Eddie Kramer on the iconic album "Are You Experienced." Through archival footage and interviews, viewers are transported to the studio where Hendrix and Kramer experimented with different effects and techniques to create truly groundbreaking music.

Another fascinating segment of the episode delves into the influential role of the electric guitar in the Civil Rights Movement. Through interviews with musicians and historians, viewers learn about the use of music as a tool for social change and how artists like Berry, Hendrix, and others used their music to express their political views.

The episode also covers the impact of the electric guitar on the music industry, from the rise of guitar manufacturers to the development of rock festivals like Woodstock. Viewers are given a glimpse into the business side of the music industry and how the popularity of the electric guitar changed the way music was marketed and sold.

Overall, "Going Electric" is a fascinating exploration of one of the most significant developments in music history. With its combination of interviews, archival footage, and expert commentary, the episode provides a comprehensive look at the impact of the electric guitar on the creation and distribution of music. Fans of music history and the electric guitar in particular will find much to enjoy in this episode of Soundbreaking.

Description
Watch Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music - Going Electric (s1 e4) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music, Season 1 Episode 4, is available to watch and stream on PBS. You can also buy, rent Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music on demand at Google Play, Hoopla, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    November 17, 2016
  • Content Rating
    TV-NR
  • Runtime
    52 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (71)