Down from the Mountain

I love O Brother, Where Art Thou?. I love the soundtrack. So when I saw in my local multiplex that a documentary had been made in my town about the music recorded in my town and the subsequent concert in my town, I knew I had to go. As far a filmmaking goes, the film leaves a lot to be desired. There is no structure, no clarity, etc. It lacks the elements that make a documentary a moving chronicle. It does have, however, great footage of great artists playing great music. I have never been a fan of country music, but I love the old timey sounds of bluegrass and mountain music. Ralph Stanley is awesome! If you can find this film (I think it's only playing in Nashville) see it. It's well worth the time just for the music.

This is a film for music lovers. Here we have some of the most talented performers of folk/bluegrass/blues in America today doing some of the most enduring songs ever written. It is the music that is the star, not the performers or the filmmakers. In fact, I think the filmmakers knew that and deliberately played down the cinematic tricks. What you see (and hear) is what you get. The introductory documentary is more a mosaic than a story. It sets the mood of the entire movie, showing the performers as ordinary folk who might as well be gathering for a neighborhood picnic. The performances are all excellent. Standouts include Ralph Stanley, John Hartford and Alison Krauss. If you have even a passing interest in American Roots music this is a film not to be missed.

I wonder if the reviewers are still around who wrote of this concert in 2000, before 9/11, and since that tragic event if their reviews still stand. I suspect they will look at this fine effort in a different light now, and love it more. It's like looking back at innocent children before bad things happened. Although the film, Oh Brother, Where are Thou, is a favorite of mine I missed this special and didn't discover it until Netflix instant downloads became available. I have been watching it three or four times a week since I discovered it. I was shocked to find out it was done in 2000, 11 years ago. I love hearing the family's, The Cox's, the White's and of course the little Pesall sisters, who I imagine have grown and look a lot different now. I haven't Googled any of the talent in this concert because I was afraid of what I might find. Alison Krauss and Emmy Lou Harris are perfect. The Fairfield Four opened the show and Ralph Stanley closes it but the between part has purest blues and blue grass I have ever heard. That Welch/Rawlings are quit the pair. I will probably spoil this by watching it too many times but I just can't stop.

I am watching this on DVD for the 5th time. I usually don't watch movies over and over again in a stretch, but this is a video album. This is down to earth video, introducing stars as people who become stars on stage but a bunch of talented people who give you a feeling they are you next door neighbors, approachable. The music is superb!

I just feel there should have been more music on this though, but heck, it is great. Perhaps we can get more stuff like this. I like listening to CDs but I do like being brought close to the show, which is possible with todays set ups.

This is a concert film about musicians enjoying to make music. At last a concert film where a shot can be longer than 30 seconds. No special effects, dazling camera movements or superfast cutting here. But a crew of talented cameramen trying to capture the emotion of a concert by concentrating on the faces of the musicians. Take also notice of the incredible sound quality. The sound engineer took the risk of using only a few high quality microphones and let the musicians do most of the balancing. The clarity and transparency is remarkable.