Re: [Harp-L] Howling Wolf



Bill Hines wrote:

I just watched the 11am showing of this Wolf documentary. It was great.
The footage of Wolf berating a drunk Son House (who was
heckling/interfering at this particular videotaped session) saying
things like "You had yours and you didn't do nothing with it" and "you
only liked one thing and that was your whiskey" was very sad and
striking. Some great footage of the Wolf playing though. What a great
man, a real business-like guy that took his music seriously and educated
himself late in life (someone in his band comments on how he would have
his glasses on and schoolbooks open backstage during breaks when he was
in his fifties!)

If anyone is interested, it airs again at 8pm eastern tonight and then
at 5:30am or something. Check your cable listings, I didn't even know I
got this channel since I don't subscribe to premium stuff. I guess it's
a free one.

PS I was also watching the new live-aid dvd a few days ago just to see
Albert Collins' surprise performance with George Thorogood, and was
caught by surprise by Chrissy Hynde's harp solo on Middle of the Road. I
forgot about that. While I was on a roll, I popped in the Last Waltz to
catch Butterfield on Mystery Train.








Dick Waterman, who was Son House's manager has a different take on the juke joint film. When Son House returned to music he had been an alcoholic for a long time. Waterman took it on himself to ration House's liquor. As long as House was on a maintenance dose, he was a soft spoken dignified man. Like a lot of people who drink heavily his personality changed dramatically under the influence. Waterman claims that John Lomax, who set up the film, arranged to supply House with liquor without Waterman knowing in order to add a little drama. Waterman is furious to this day.

Wolf knew Son House when he was a young man. House and Charley Patton were the big names in the area where Wolf grew up.

--
Hear Barrelhouse Solly--that's me--on the web.
http://www.soundclick.com/barrelhousesolly






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