Chicago blues great Buddy Guy never was the same after he heard John Lee Hooker's seminal "Boogie Chillun'" while growing up in his rural stomping grounds of Lettswork, Louisiana. In 1957 he set out for the Windy City and its vibrant blues scene, where he played his way into the clubs, cut records, befriended and gigged with other greats (Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Otis Rush), forged his skillful, intense, wild persona, hit the road, influenced new generations of musicians (... (Full plot summary below)
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Chicago blues great Buddy Guy never was the same after he heard John Lee Hooker's seminal "Boogie Chillun'" while growing up in his rural stomping grounds of Lettswork, Louisiana. In 1957 he set out for the Windy City and its vibrant blues scene, where he played his way into the clubs, cut records, befriended and gigged with other greats (Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Otis Rush), forged his skillful, intense, wild persona, hit the road, influenced new generations of musicians (Mick, Keith, Eric, Stevie Ray Vaughan), performed at the Obama White House and collected nine Grammys along the way. Supported by a sumptuous assemblage of performance footage, testimonials from those he's inspired (including Clapton, Carlos Santana, Gary Clark Jr., and John Mayer) and some classic blues licks, Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away finds Guy (now a young 84) looking back at his life, providing valuable insight into his music while leaving room for some memorable anecdotes (ever heard about Muddy Waters' salami sandwiches?). If he feels any responsibility as the last of the Chicago bluesman still with us, well he just takes it in stride and deservedly so.
Leave your thoughts about Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away.
| Wall Street JournalJohn AndersonThe Blues Chase the Blues Away is almost alarming in its departure from convention—much like Mr. Guy, as it happens. |
| Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperIt’s a great American story of a great American life, and “The Blues Chase the Blues Away” does that story justice. |
| San Francisco ChronicleChris VognarIt’s a telling scene, musicians enjoying the company of other musicians, professionals all. Guy is a bluesman’s bluesman. They flock to see him jam; he’s still playing ’em, and still losing ’em. |
