Honeyboy Edwards. Photo, Marc Marnie

I'm sitting comfortably in my seat at the Ritz Five and before too long I feel as though I'm a member of the audience at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Even though I'm not all that familiar with the sound of the blues, I decided that a concert movie might be the best way for me to experience this newly discovered genre of music. And discover it oh I did, so much so, that I nearly began clapping after the very first song. It was an African spiritual performed by Angelique Kidjo, a native of that continent. So whether you're new to the sound of the blues or an aficionado of sorts, seeing Lightning in a Bottle (Vulcan, 2004) is well worth making a trip to the theater. Don't bother trying to read up on the music's history or perform a Google search to find out the most influential artists. Instead, grab a friend who enjoys music and head to the theater.

Lightning in a Bottle captures a night of more than fifty blues artists performing at Radio City Music Hall. Each song is presented in a dramatic and historical context. But this isn't like one of those documentaries produced by NOVA or the History Channel.

Director Antoine Fuqua uses an array of techniques to capture the night's magic. He incorporates backstage footage, which gives the audience more of a feel for who the artists really are -- old friends greeting one another and reminiscing about the past. Backstage Diva Ruth Brown describes the blues as a way for a man to vent his feelings instead of crying. Brown along with Natalie Cole and Mavis Staples sing, Men are Like Street Cars to comical Bill Cosby on stage. Archival clips, interviews and rehearsals weave together the history and passion of the blues. One of the most memorable clips is an interview with a blues artist, Son House. He describes the blues as existing between a male and a female in love. With that definition of two people in love, most of us have probably experienced the blues hands down.

B.B. King

This isn't just a recorded concert but a story of the suffering and triumph of blues musicians. Jim Crow Laws, a song about the struggles of segregation, is powerful enough to move both theater and music hall audiences. Moviegoers aren't just passive observers, but they become part of the show. At times, I found myself tapping my feet. The concert features such familiar faces as Macy Gray, Bonnie Raitt and Steven Tyler. And no tribute to the blues would be complete without the legendary B.B. King. Even though King is nearly eighty years old, the man still has the energy to put on a show.

Music producer Steve Jordan has said that blues is a simple beat that can captivate an audience. Captivating is just what this concert movies is. Think of it as a historical and geographical journey, which crosses not only continents but also generations and genres. It's like going to a live concert, but without the set changes or awful ringing in your ears.

Copyright 2004 | Contact Us | Submission Guidelines | Staff | Obtain a Copy | Home