My brother found "The American Folk-Blues Festival: The British Tours, 1963-1966," in a bargain bin somewhere, but I don't care. The DVD is one of the best Christmas presents I've ever received.I knew it was going to be special right away. Sonny Boy Williamson ambles onto the stage wearing a bowler hat and carrying an umbrella and a briefcase. He looks and sounds regal as he performs "Keep It to Yourself."
The documentary also features Muddy Waters, Lonnie Johnson, Big Joe Williams, Lightnin' Hopkins, Sugar Pie Desanto, Howlin' Wolf, Big Joe Turner, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Junior Wells. Predictably, all are great. My biggest surprises were the performances by DeSanto and Wells.
DeSanto lifts the side of her dress and stomps out a beat for the band to follow at the start of "Rock Me Baby." I knew she had a big voice, but I never realized how tiny she was. She kills the song.
I've been a fan of Junior Wells for decades, but I don't think I'd ever seen him on video before. On "What'd I Say," he doesn't even pull out his harmonica. He lets his vocals and his feet do the talking. And, man, can he dance.
