Last of the Mississippi Jukes

Uhg. This documentary screams for content and editing and frankly some creative directing. Where is the in depth information, history in details of these 'joints' and the origins and reasons for being? Why does the information that is in the doc drag on without added value; lack of creative editing. The interview set ups are as boring as can be with no variety. The audio from the interviews is average at best. One thing I give it, documentation of events/music is immediate and entertaining yet it, too, could have been judiciously edited down to the best and leave the rest on the floor. I am grateful for the documentation but bored with the presentation.

I am very surprised that no one has written anything about this fine documentary about the preservation efforts of the Subway Lounge in Jackson MS. This lounge, in the basement of the Summers Hotel faced closure as the hotel was in disrepair. Many, many fine blues acts and notables like Morgan Freeman offered their assistance in saving one of last of the old Mississippi jukes.

I thoroughly enjoyed the music as it was being played in the lounge and hearing about the history of the hotel and area.

The music was performed in part by such artists as Alvin Youngblood Hart, Chris Thomas King, Bobby Rush, Vasti Jackson, Patrice Moncell, and the King Edwards Blues Band.

Sadly, I have learned that after this film was made, the Summers hotel and the Subway lounge were demolished in 2004. The owner, Jimmy King, has reopened the lounge again in another building in Jackson.

Great, enjoyable music and a fine documentary that blues fans won't want to miss.