"Rare '60s footage of country blues greats enhances this important video. Stefan begins by letting his co-stars trace the evolution of slide techniques: Bukka White plays a lap-style "Poor Boy" with a skinny steel rod, Mance Lipscomb thumps a jackknife version of "Jack Of Diamonds", and Fred McDowell bottlenecks an electrified "John Henry." Son House slaps a harrowing, loose-hand "Death Letter Blues" on his National and then Bukka concludes with an amazing percussive "Aberdeen Mississippi." Given the magnificence of these B&W clips, the opening 22 minutes justify the $49.95 tag. But that's just the start. A fine country blues player and savvy instructor, Grossman digs deep into old-time techniques. He details slide materials, picks vs. fingers, and the best acoustic guitars. Study his "Spanish tuning" segment and you'll soon be playing Son House tunes, variations of "Roll And Tumble Blues" and Muddy Waters' "Can't Be Satisfied." The "Vestapol" or open-D section demystifies Fred McDowell's "You Got To Move," Blind Willie McTell's "Wake Up Mama," and Blind Willie Johnson's "God Moves On The Water." Stefan's recounting of a Gary Davis slide innovation is especially hip. The tape concludes with more Bukka and Son. Be prepared to absorb several viewings-this is heavy stuff."
Guitar Player Magazine

This 82 minute dvd is a MUST for anyone interested in bottleneck blues guitar. It is a complete survey of country blues bottleneck styles and techniques featuring rare footage of Son House, Fred McDowell, Mance Lipscomb and Bukka White. Left hand playing techniques are discussed as well as choice of bottleneck/slide. Playing in Open G (Spanish) and Open D (Vestapol) tunings are explored.

Titles include: Banty Rooster, One Kind Favor, Someday Baby Blues, Roll And Tumble Blues, Can't Be Satisfied, You Got To Move, Wake Up Mama, God Moves On The Water, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl and Whistlin' Blues.

82 minutes / Level 2-3 / 48 page tab/music booklet

gw902dvd   $29.95