Last of the Mississippi Jukes
by Robert Mugge
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DVD details
Actor: Morgan FreemanDirector: Robert Mugge
Cinematographer: David Sperling
Cinematographer: Christopher Li
Cinematographer: Craig Smith
Editor: Robert Mugge
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 86 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-03-18
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sanctuary Records
DVD Reviews of Last of the Mississippi Jukes
DVD Review: Preserving The Roots Anyway We Can
Summary: 5 Stars
Apparently, from the subject matter of the reviews that I have penned lately I have fallen into something of a roots music preservationist kick. Recent reviews have included a saga about the trials and tribulations of Austin, Texas blues club owner, the late Clifford Antone of "Antone's" fame, in his attempt to save and expand the rich blues tradition that area of the country. I have also highlighted the attempts of Joe Bussard down in Maryland in his seemingly eternal quest to find every relevant old roots 78 rpm record ever produced. In the current review we are faced with the attempts, apparently unsuccessful, to save from the wrecker's ball an old Jackson, Mississippi `juke joint", the Subway Lounge (and attached separately historically important hotel, Summers Hotel) a location that is significant for the blues and for the civil rights struggle in the 1960s, as well.
I had initially intended to review this DVD mainly on the basic of the roots aspect of the documentary. Something along the lines, as I have done in the past, of paying tribute to those like Bobby Rush and King Edwards who continue the roots traditions down at the base without much hope of great recognition or riches. However, after viewing the footage of the up close and very personal indignities suffered by the older performing artists here back in Jim Crow days, day after day, as they were trying to keep the blues alive as an expression of the black cultural gradient that forms the American experience I feel more strongly the need to put on my political hat on this one.
Although there are plenty of references to blues, old and new and several performance from the new crop of blues devotees I was struck, and powerfully so, about the insights that this documentary put forth about the nature of Jim Crow society that existed in the not distant past down in Mississippi (and not just Mississippi and not just in the deeply segregated South). This policy struck the famous and those not so famous among the black population, homegrown or tourist. There are many anecdotal stories here about a number of events that revolved around the hotel, the "juke joint", and just the every day of black experience and what Jim Crow was down at the base for black people. Yes, get this one for its slice of black history. But also get it to remember as I have said it before but Nina Simone's old lyrics brings out so strongly. Once again, "Mississippi god dam".
DVD Review: An education with fun, enlightning performances!!
Summary: 5 Stars
The blues genre has many styles, and Delta Blues originated in Mississippi. The style always intrigued me because of the stories the lyrics reveal and invigorating sounds. This 2003 documentary allows a newcomer to get a grasp on what a juke joint is and how they played out. A juke joint has been called a barrelhouse, and here, they mention that with its reputation of rowdiness - "buckets of blood". Morgan Freeman and his business partner discuss their research to build a juke joint. There isn't a lot of info as to the last of the Mississippi juke joints, but enough on the Subway Lounge and the community's need to save it.
But much of the focus is on saving from demolition, The Summers Hotel and the Subway Lounge. They discuss preserving the culture and history of the Summers Hotel, the only place in Jackson, Mississippi where black entertainers could stay during segregated times.
The performances here are worth the DVD with Patrice Moncell (excellent fun blues), Eddie Cotton, Vasti Jackson, King Edward Blues Band. Coming away from this documentary, newcomers clearly learn what the "real blues" is. Very fun bluesy music!! Gives one to thinking how exciting to have been in the earliest juke joints. Rizzo
DVD Review: Last of the Mississippi Jukes
Summary: 5 Stars
Last of the Mississippi Jukes is a fascinating trip through places I'd heard of as a child growing up in the Mississippi Delta but had never had a chance to experience. My dad often told stories about a juke joint out in the middle of nowhere, at a crossroads near his family's farm. That one is long gone, but here, in this wonderful DVD, I got to see what they were like, listen to some great music, and hear stories of what life was like back in the heyday of the Mississippi jukes. This is a great history not only of a musical tradition, but of a cultural tradition that is waning, but not gone.DVD Review: Patrice Moncell is the best
Summary: 4 Stars
Subway live juke joint jimmy king Patrice Moncell greit people
and greit place.buy this dvd.tbilisi georgia gio vb data
DVD Review: Era of Blues
Summary: 4 Stars
This documentary is a must have, especially for music lovers of the blues and the roots of original American music. The film depicts old and new juke joints and honky tonks throughout the Mississippi Delta region. The main focus of the documentary is on the Subway Lounge in Jackson, MS. Located in the basement of the delapidated Summers Hotel. Sadly to say, The Subway Lounge is now closed due to the condition of the building and is scheduled to be demolished. This is truly a remorseful period because the Subway had been instrumental in preserving blues, jazz, funk, R&B, and blends of indigenious soul music of the South. Notable appearances on the film include actor/true gentleman Morgan Freeman, the secret treasure Patrice Moncelle, the character Fingers Taylor, the legendary Bobby Rush and the obscure but immensely talented J.T. Watkins and Levon Lindsey. Even though one era has passed in respect to the music scene, the rediscovery of the blues in America due to performers such as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Robert Cray has allowed newer establishments to continue the rich tradition of the blues. That being said, I must mention that I am partial to the film due to the fact that I grew up the area and frequented the Subway Lounge for years. And I urge anyone who is fan of Blues to make the journey to Mississippi and experience the music still brewing from old and new juke joints alike.
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