There have been several documentaries about Piedmont Blues. We will discuss 5 of these here: “Shine on Richard Trice and the Bell City Blues”. “Piedmont Blues: NC Style”, “Piedmont Blues: A Search for Salvation”, “Blues Houseparty”, and “Carolina Piedmont Blues and the Pink in Pink Floyd”.
“Shine On: Richard Trice and the Bull City Blues” is a documentary that offers a poignant exploration of the Piedmont blues through the lens of Richard Trice’s life and career.
As one of the last survivors from the heyday of the Piedmont blues scene, 82-year-old Trice’s story is a touching narrative that bridges personal journey and musical genre.
The film serves as a celebration of Piedmont blues, showcasing Trice’s reflections on his life and contributions to the music genre.
It delves into his journey through blues music to spiritual redemption, providing an intimate document that gives meaning to his experiences and contributions to this distinct style of blues that originated from the Southeastern region of the United States.
This documentary traces Trice’s career, highlighting his role in the Durham, N.C., blues scene alongside other notable musicians like Blind Boy Fuller, and emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of the Piedmont blues.
This film is available on YouTube> You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The “Piedmont Blues: NC Style” (2013) documentary explores the unique musical style of Piedmont blues that developed in the Southeastern United States, particularly in North Carolina.
This style is characterized by its melodic, ragtime-influenced sound, setting it apart from other blues genres.
The documentary delves into the origins and evolution of Piedmont blues, highlighting its rich cultural history and its influence on American music.
The style itself is known for its intricate fingerpicking technique, which lends a distinctively rhythmic and melodic quality to the music.
This documentary provides valuable insights into the personal encounters and migration stories of musicians who shaped the Piedmont blues, offering viewers a deep appreciation of this musical tradition.
This documentary is available on YouTube. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwmYScVhyAs
“Piedmont Blues: A Search for Salvation” is a live mixed-media concert experience that showcases the rich heritage of Piedmont blues.
Led by celebrated jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Gerald Clayton, the project is a dynamic blend of music, history, and culture.
Produced by the American Vicarious, the performance aims to explore and celebrate the Piedmont blues genre, which is characterized by its unique fingerpicking guitar style and has roots in the American Southeast.
The concert has been featured at various venues, including Harlem Stage, highlighting Clayton’s innovative approach to blending traditional blues with contemporary elements.
This project serves not only as a musical journey but also as an educational experience, offering insights into the genre’s historical context and its influence on American music and culture.
Information and video download here: https://www.theamericanvicarious.org/projects/Piedmont-Blues-A-Search-For-Salvation.html
The documentary “Blues Houseparty” showcases an intimate gathering of some of America’s greatest traditional blues masters.
Filmed in 1989 at the home of the late John Jackson in Fairfax Station, Virginia, the documentary features performances by Jackson and his son James, John Cephas, Phil Wiggins, and other notable artists like John Dee Holeman and Friz Holloway.
The film provides a rare front-row seat to a private house party, offering a deep dive into the world of Piedmont blues.
It’s not just about the music; the artists also share stories and reminisce about the old days, providing insight into what life was like when blues was a prevailing genre.
This documentary is a valuable resource for fans of Piedmont blues and those interested in the cultural history of American music.
This is available for viewing on YouTube Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yciTrq-SeHw&t=7s
The Carolina Piedmont blues is a distinctive style of blues music characterized by a unique fingerpicking guitar technique, originating from the Piedmont region, which includes parts of North Carolina.
Floyd Council, a practitioner of this style, was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and contributed significantly to the Piedmont blues tradition.
This musical genre has a rich heritage in the area, connecting places like Sanford, North Carolina, and even reaching as far as England in its influence, showcasing its global impact and the diverse connections it fosters through music.
The link to Pink Floyd comes from the band’s name, which was inspired by two influential Piedmont blues musicians:
Pink Anderson and Floyd Council.
Syd Barrett, the founder of Pink Floyd, chose the name by combining the first names of these two artists.
This unique homage underscores the indirect yet profound influence of the Piedmont blues on the band’s identity, even though the members of Pink Floyd never met Pink Anderson or Floyd Council.
This video is available to watch on YouTube. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLkO8WZockQ&t=16
Conclusion
These resources should provide a good starting point for anyone looking to explore the rich history and musical style of Piedmont blues.