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For some 30 years, they embodied 'country blues' for folk music audiences around the globe. Sonny Terry (1911-1986) and Brownie McGhee (1915-1996) were once ubiquitous, and as such tended to be taken for granted in the halcyon days of the 1960s blues rediscoveries. But nearly two decades have passed since the perennial team parted, and the 16 performances here remind us of this superb duo's complementary strengths: Sonny the archetypal country blues harmonica player, whooping and 'fox chasing' in a style old as any known; Brownie the more urbane (but no less passionate) exemplar of the Southeast's Piedmont-style blues, a stunning guitarist and singer. Together they proved that a sense of showmanship refined on New York stages needn't be at odds with the elemental energies of country blues.
This DVD career retrospective begins with two pieces filmed for the Library of Congress in 1948, including a rendition of John Henry with Woody Guthrie. Pete Seeger appears as appreciative host to the duo for two songs from his Rainbow Quest. A wonderful medley filmed in 1970 of Red River Blues/Crow Jane offers two of the oldest known pieces in the Piedmont blues repertoire. Sonny's signature harmonica showpiece, Whoopin' the Blues is heard in a 1973 BBC performance, and a tour de force Rock Island Line closes this exciting survey of a duo who, more than anyone else, introduced a generation to the power and glory of country blues.
This video career retrospectively begins with two pieces filmed for the Library of Congress in 1948, including a rendition of John Henry with Woody Guthrie. Peter Seeger appears as appreciative host to the duo for two songs from his Rainbow Quest. A wonderful medley filmed in 1970 of Red River Blues/Crow Jane offers two of the oldest known pieces in the Piedmont blues repertoire. Sonny's signature harmonica showpieces, Whoopin' the Blues is heard in a 1973 BBC performance, and a tour de force Rock Island closes this exciting survey of a duo who, more than anyone else, introduced a generation to the power and glory of country blues.
Tunes Include:
John Henry
Easy Rider
Fighting a Losing Battle
Couldn't Believe My Eyes
Red River Blues
Crow Jane
Backwater Blues
Life Is a Gamble
My Father's Words
Walking My Blues Away
Whoopin' the Blues
Walk On
Ride, Ride, Ride
Burnt Child (Afraid Of Fire)
Born With the BluesRRock Island Line
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