“Sidemen: Long Road to Glory” provides an intimate look into the incredible lives of three of the last Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf sidemen: piano player Pinetop Perkins, drummer Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith and guitarist Hubert Sumlin. These legendary bluesmen, who performed and recorded into their 80's and 90's, played a significant role in shaping modern popular music.
The film features some of the last interviews conducted with all three men as well as their final live performances together. These memorable live performances vividly capture these blues legends with the blues and rock stars they have inspired including: Robby Krieger of The Doors, Elvin Bishop (recent rock ‘n’ Roll Hall inductee with The Paul Butterfield Blues Band), and Tim Reynolds of The Dave Matthews Band.
Personal insights from artists such as, Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, Derek Trucks, Shemekia Copeland, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Perry, Joe Bonamassa and Johnny Winter offer heartfelt accounts of how these three legendary sidemen helped shape their careers as well as rock ‘n’ roll.
“Sidemen” takes us on the road with Pinetop, Willie and Hubert — three of our last direct links to the origins of the blues — as they share the incredible stories about each of their personal histories. From their upbringings on Delta plantations of the Jim Crow south to lives spent on the road in the shadow of two of the biggest figures in music history, their stories are not only a part of music history, but American history as well.
As we ride along, we can’t help but fall in love with these three endearing men as we experience all the trials and triumphs of these remarkable lives.
Both screenings of “Sidemen: Long Road to Glory” will be preceded by a concert featuring local musicians and members of the Northern Arizona Blues Alliance. Additionally, each screening will be followed by a Q&A with board members of the alliance and musicians. Plan to come early to enjoy the concert!
Performing LIVE at the 4 p.m. show: THE SWAMP POETS
The Swamp Poets were NAZBA's 2017 International Blues Challenge nominees for “Best New Album” and “Best Duo Group”, The duo consists of Christian Michael Berry on guitar and vocals, and also the Prescott Area NAZBA VP) and Devil Don Whitcher on slide guitar and vocals. Both are accomplished singer/songwriters with numerous album credits and both have charted in radio airplay with their own individual projects. Chris is also an accomplished producer, (Most notably with Billy Preston) and album cover artist, (Delbert McClinton & Others). The duo plays a unique and patented blend of Mississippi Delta influenced blues and Americana. Chris was born on the Mississippi and Don has spent a lot of time there.
Performing LIVE at the 7 p.m. show: LEON J
Leon J was inducted into The Blues Hall of Fame by the National Heritage Foundation in 2011 and his notable style influence flows from the Delta. Acknowledged as a Music Historian, Leon has a passion for rhythmic interpretation and the stories behind it, in all of his music. His captivating live performances highlight his vocal and musical talent which have garnered a reputation for uncommonly entertaining audiences with his story telling and musical styles true to the original formats of the early JukeJoint's on the plantations when featured artists would bring a variety of influence and style to each show. Leon's main focus is Acoustic Blues/Rock, Country, Country blues, and Americana. Leon has honed his art modeling the early Delta Blues, & Country Blues masters, with the specific influence of Eddie ‘Son’ House