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Thread: Music documentaries.

  1. #1

    Default Music documentaries.

    Howdy. First off. Thank you to all who contributed to my post a few weeks ago regarding music biographies. I finished the Ralph Stanley and bill Monroe bios and am part ways through the Carter family book.

    I’m curious which musical documentaries I should look into. I’ve got “high lonesome” and the oh brother concert. Any recommendations? I’m interested in all bluegrass and old time music dvds.

    Thanks.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGBtLbxHayM - The Bluegrass Masters

    I also really enjoyed "May It Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers". I saw it in the theatre but I'm fairly certain it will be released by HBO at the beginning of 2018. They're a folk band and not bluegrass or old time but I figured I'd pitch it in. It was really well done. Gives you a glimpse into what goes into recording an album today. I may be a little biased as I'm a big fan, but I believe they are great song writers.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    I wish they would do on on Lloyd Loar

  4. #4

    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    Thanks for the idea (avett bros). I saw them at red rocks this year. Awesome!

    If you can get your hands on it the punch bros documentary is good (used to be on Netflix). Called something along the lines of “how to grow a band from the ground”

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    Default Re: Music documentaries.


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    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    The DVD '' Jimmy Martin - King of Bluegrass'' is worth watching for an insight into his totally over the top character - a great Bluegrass musician nevertheless,
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    I have read many biographies and autobiographies of musicians. They range from self-serving to wonderful. Not bluegrass, but one of the best is Graham Nash's "Wild Tales".

    Willie Nelson's "Willie: an Autobiography" is fun. Willie presents a chapter, then one of his friends presents a "rebuttal" chapter.

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    ************** Caleb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    https://www.amazon.com/Why-Old-Time-...y+old+time+DVD

    Since you're into DVDs and old time music, I recommend this. A few years ago this DVD was being passed around the Mandolin Cafe community, much like the Traveling Pick Samplers are today. Unfortunately at some point it went missing: i.e. someone decided his or her integrity was worth the price of a DVD and kept it, while claiming it was lost.

    At any rate, it's a really great film. The price of the disc on Amazon has gone into the ridiculous category, but you can stream it for a lot less.

    There is also a ton of random footage of old time music stuff on YouTube. Just look around and you'll find it.
    ...

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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    Quote Originally Posted by jazzjune18 View Post
    Thanks for the idea (avett bros). I saw them at red rocks this year. Awesome!

    If you can get your hands on it the punch bros documentary is good (used to be on Netflix). Called something along the lines of “how to grow a band from the ground”
    I can't believe I forgot about this one! Chris and the rest of the band are a huge inspiration and that film was fantastic. It really gives you a glimpse at the drive and attitude that those guys have towards music.

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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    "This Ain't No Mouse Music" is a great documentary. It's about Chris Strachwitz of Arhoolie Records collecting examples of America's musical roots.
    BJ

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    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World
    This is a mostly untold story of the influence of Native American individuals and culture on American roots music and rock music.

    It's a very recent documentary, and you may have to pay to see it. I know it's included with Amazon Prime membership. There is a an official YouTube channel about this program here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChx...MWofFcZ3QdM8Bw
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    The Howard Armstrong documentary, Louie Bluie is highly regarded.

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    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    One book that i would recommend to anybody interested in Bluegrass music in general,& Bill Monroe specifically,is ''The Music Of Bill Monroe'' by Neil Rosenberg & Charles K. Wolfe. All the info.regarding Bill Monroe's recordings is in there,but also a collosal amount of info. regarding the era,the music(s) & the musicians playing it. It fills in the whole background against which Bill Monroe & his band & the other bands that emulated him,were playing,
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    Here a just a few I watched when I had Netflix, no particular order, no idea how many of these might still be on there:

    The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir
    Ain't In It For My Health: A Film About Levon Helm
    Muscle Shoals
    The Wrecking Crew
    Glenn Campbell: I'll Be Me
    Keith Richards: Under The Influence
    Janis: Little Girl Blue
    Jaco
    Soaked in Bleach
    and Kurt & Courtney (2 "Did Courtney kill Kurt?" docs)
    John Denver: Country Boy
    Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends
    The Zen Of Bennett
    Jimi: All Is By My Side
    Greenwich Village: Music That Defined A Generation
    The Winding Stream
    (Carter Family)
    Alive Inside

    Standouts for me were of course Levon Helm, also Muscle Shoals, Glen Campbell, Alive Inside and The Winding Stream . . .
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    Registered User Tom C's Avatar
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    Bluegrass Journey is a great independent documentary. Mostly from Greyfox and some from IBMA.
    http://www.bluegrassjourney.com/

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  20. #16
    Registered User jdchapman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    Heartworn Highways

    Startling footage, up there with Don’t Look Back

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    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Music documentaries.

    Quote Originally Posted by jazzjune18 View Post
    I’m interested in all bluegrass and old time music dvds.
    Apologies, I missed that last part before I posted earlier. The only one in the list I gave that fits would be The Winding Stream which is a good documentary about the Carter family.

    The only DVD's I own in that vein are Bluegrass Journey and Simply Bluegrass which is an excellent 4-DVD set.

    You may be able to watch Bluegrass Journey and a host of other Bluegrass and Old-time documentaries free on YouTube, here are a few I enjoyed (though I enjoy virtually all music documentaries so YMMV):

    YouTube
    Bluegrass Journey
    Appalachian Journey
    Bluegrass Country Soul
    The Life & Times of Ralph Stanley
    High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass
    Doc Watson: Three Days With Doc
    History of Appalachian People in the U.S.
    Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest 2015

    There are a whole lot more to watch for free on YouTube that I haven't watched yet.
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