Seven illuminating films about a musical genre that has influenced everything from rock 'n' roll to hip hop. Each programme is a very personal exploration of the blues by directors including Wim Wenders and Martin Scorsese. Think of it as a musical adventure...
Martin Scorsese | Mike Figgis | Clint Eastwood | Richard Pearce | Marc Levin | Wim Wenders | Charles Burnett
Feel Like Going Home - Martin Scorsese
Monday 3 January 10pm-11.20pm
A homage to the Delta blues that sees musician Corey Harris travel through Mississippi and West Africa, exploring the roots of the music. Includes archive performances by Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker.
About the film
Scorsese interview
List of songs and artists
Red, White & Blues - Mike Figgis
Tuesday 4 January 10pm-11.35pm
During the 1960s the UK saw an explosion of interest in jazz and folk music that led to a cross-fertilisation with blues. At the end of the programme Figgis brings together Tom Jones, Jeff Beck, Van Morrison, and others for a session.
About the film
Figgis interview
List of songs and artists
The Soul of a Man - Wim Wenders
Thursday 6 January 10.05pm-11.45pm
A typically adventurous film from Wim Wenders looks at the lives of three of his favourite musicians: Skip James, Blind Willie Johnson and JB Lenoir. Some of the songs are covered by musicians like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Lou Reed.
About the film
Wenders interview
List of songs and artists
Piano Blues - Clint Eastwood
Friday 7 January 10pm-11.30pm
A series of interviews and archive performances by stars of the blues piano, made by a director who has a life-long passion for the music and plays himself.
About the film
Eastwood interview
List of songs and artists
The Road to Memphis - Richard Pearce
Musical legend BB King is celebrated in this tribute to the city that saw the emergence of a new kind of blues. Includes performances by BB King, Bobby Rush, Ike Turner and Rufus Thomas.
About the film
Pearce interview
List of songs and artists
Godfathers and Sons - Marc Levin
Contemporary hip hop music comes face to face with blues heritage as Chuck D and Marshall Chess travel to Chicago and make an album with veteran musicians.
About the film
Levin interview
List of songs and artists
Warming By The Devil's Fire - Charles Burnett
A semi-autobiographical story infused with the atmosphere of the blues. A young boy in 1950s Mississippi is caught between sacred gospel music and the profane sounds of the blues.
About the film
Burnett interview
List of songs and artists
