Live at Ground Zero

Studio: Deep Rush Visuals
Product Type: Music

Description

At a time when most of his contemporaries are resting on their laurels, Bobby Rush-a 50-year veteran of the stage-continues to be one of the most exciting and creative artists in the R&B/blues arena. For decades, his provocative and colorful Chitlin Circuit show has been a staple in the black community as well as a cult sensation in alternative circles. He's also been the subject of a documentary titled "The Road To Memphis," Richard Pearces film in the PBS series Martin Scorseses "The Blues." Any fan of Rush's unique brand of sweaty soul-blues will find great satisfaction in this live DVD.

Customer Reviews:

74 Minutes of a Chitlin' Circuit Legend on DVD.......2007-03-27

If you saw the "Road To Memphis" episode of the PBS "Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues" series you will most definitely remember the name Bobby Rush. His was the story of a guy who has been travelin' the "Chitlin' Circuit" of bars and blues clubs for many years. When this - his first ever - DVD was taped in 2003 at the Ground Zero Blues Club (co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, who shows up in the last few minutes of the show) in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Rush was already past 65 years of age and had been performing for over 50 years! You'd never know he was that old when you watch is moves and watch him work the room. This guy is a Showman with a capital "S"!

The 74-minute show features Rush on vocals (except for one instrumental with Rush on harmonica) backed by a six-piece band. As is his trademark - which you'll remember from the PBS Blues show - he's also accompanied by four female "dancers" whose sole job is to shake their buns in a most rhythmic manner. Most songs actually give each woman a "buns solo"! The songs are of the "soul blues" variety and nearly all have a sexual connotation. But Rush does it with a sense of bawdy humor.

The camera work is top notch and the close-ups are sharp. The sound is fabulous too. Rush must rank up there with the late James Brown in the "hardest working man in show business" category.

There's an added bonus track with Rush performing solo on vocal and guitar. It's not up to the rest of the show.

If, like me, you wanted to see more of Bobby Rush ("Bobby Rush! Bobby Rush! Bobby Rush!" the announcer chants) after seeing the PBS show, this is a great place to do it. And be certain that you won't see this show on PBS!

Steve Ramm - "Anything Phonographic"

DVD:

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