Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away

Original title:	Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away
Director:	Devin Amar, Charles Todd, Matt Mitchener
Release:	Television
Running time:	83 minutes
Release date:	27 july 2021
Rating:

Chicago blues great Buddy Guy was never 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

Mulder's Review

During the Tribeca festival we were able to discover many documentaries including Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away directed by Devin Amar, Charles Todd, Matt Mitchener. This excellent documentary allows us to look back at the career of George "Buddy" Guy who is considered one of the best American blues guitarists and singers.

His name may be unknown to some people but he is one of the best representatives of the Chicago blues and has been a major inspiration for the likes of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Ranked among the twenty-five greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stones magazine, his long career in the shadow of prestigious artists has left tracks like Stone Crazy that have marked several generations.

Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away is not only a simple music documentary but also a true picture of the evolution of the music industry and how a great artist preferred to stay true to his original inspiration than to become a popular artist ready to do anything to make his income soar. With many never-before-seen images and fascinating anecdotes, this documentary is a vibrant hymn to Buddy Guy, who lived through several musical eras, playing with world-famous artists. Last vestige of the Chicago blues, Buddy Guy tells us about his career and reveals himself completely.

It is interesting to see in this documentary the influence that Buddy Guy has in the United States with excerpts of interviews, magical live performances with the Rolling Stones. A true legend of the blues, he spent a large part of his career away from the spotlight, notably as the regular guitarist for Waters and Howlin' Wolf. Far from releasing success after success, he had to wait until almost the end of his career in the 90's to have a solo career filled with success and numerous recognitions.

Finally, note that the documentary will be broadcast in the United States on PBS on July 27.

Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away
Directed by Devin Amar, Charles Todd, Matt Mitchener
Produced by Sheira Rees-Davies, John Beug
Executive producers : Michael Kantor, Camille Yorrick, Devin Amar, Sheira Rees-Davies
Starring Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Carlos Santana, Gary Clark Jr, Kingfish
Music by Lucas Ellman
Cinematography : Keith Walker
Edited by Matt Mitchener
Distributed by RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment (United States)
Release date : June 13 2021 (United States)
Running time : 83 minutes

Seen on June 13, 2021 (Tribeca Festival Online Press Access)

Mulder's Mark: