Given pandemic binging, I seem to have finished Netflix. So, I have been scouting out other things to watch. Thought I would look for some bluegrass videos. Searching Netflix for ‘bluegrass’ turns up videos featuring Brad Paisley, Bob Dylan, and George Ezra. All of them are fine musicians, but hardly bluegrass. Not even hardly strictly bluegrass.
DVDs are getting harder to come by, and certainly more expensive. And, if you don’t have a DVD player in these days of streaming, well… you’re out of luck there, anyway.
So, where else to go?
Love them or hate them, Amazon Prime has a fine collection of bluegrass videos, and if you are a Prime member, you can watch for “free.” Some of these are old favorites, but some are relatively new to the scene, and I hadn’t watched them before.
Bluegrass Journey, 2004
This is a documentary which offers a look at the history of bluegrass as well as a glimpse of its current stars as they perform for fans and jam with fellow greats. It includes interviews and performances from the Del McCoury Band, Nickel Creek, Jerry Douglas, Tom O’Brien, Tony Rice, and others.
The Mountain Minor, 2019
This film is the story of a life-worn Charlie Abner, who struggles with leaving his life and family in Ohio to return to the Kentucky mountain home as well as his musical heritage. The story is partially told in flashbacks to Depression-Era Eastern Kentucky, when Charlie’s parents face the decision to leave the way of life they know and move to Ohio for better opportunities. The Mountain Minor’s principal actors are all traditional musicians, including Smithsonian Folkways artist Elizabeth LaPrelle and banjo player and fiddler Dan Gellert. They perform all of the music in the film.
Bill Monroe, Father of Bluegrass Music, 1993
This film performances by Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, Lester Flatt, Emmylou Harris, Paul McCartney, the Osborne Brothers, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, John Hartford and even a Blue Grass Boys reunion. 1990s performances from Monroe’s final years including many of his greatest songs such as “Uncle Pen” and “Muleskinner Blues.”
Country’s Family Reunion – Simply Bluegrass Volume 1 and 3 (2005)
For some reason, 2 and 4 are not available
Thirty musical legends sharing their stories and songs—mostly country, but you’ll find Mac Wiseman, Grandpa Jones, and a few others of bluegrass interest.
A Bluegrass Family, 2019 (short)
If you’re missing festivals, and don’t have a lot of free time – this is the one to watch. This documentary tells the story of the Festival of the Bluegrass, which was started in 1974 by Bob and Jean Cornett in Lexington, Kentucky. It’s only 12 minutes long.
Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story, 2019
We here in California have had a number of opportunities to see Fiddler of the Year and Grammy nominee, Michael Cleveland. This documentary looks at the life and extraordinary talent of Michael Cleveland.
Revival: The Sam Bush Story, 2018
Another bio-pic, featuring Sam Bush’s story, and his role in the Newgrass movement.
James Reams – Like a Flowing River – A Bluegrass Passage, 2020
“Like A Flowing River: A Bluegrass Passage,” tells the story of James Reams who hit the bluegrass scene in the early 1990s. He came from the hills of Kentucky and ended up in New York City. This film addresses the themes of homelessness, loss, and life-threatening illness.
Broken Circle Breakdown, 2013
Not a documentary, but a Dutch film with great bluegrass. A tattoo artist and a musician fall in love at first sight in this intensely romantic portrait of a relationship from beginning to end. In Dutch with English subtitles.
The Other Services
I was so encouraged by what I found on Amazon Prime, that I looked at the other services, too.
Kanopy
Kanopy is a streaming service that offers more off-beat films, and is available through a lot of public libraries. It has a smattering.
Banjo Romantika: American Bluegrass Music & The Czech Imagination, 2012
Czechs first heard bluegrass during World War II over Armed Forces Network broadcasts. The Czech Republic still loves American bluegrass. This film introduces the musicians who play an American-Czech bluegrass hybrid. Inspired by classic American bluegrass sounds, musicians from across this formerly communist nation have come up with a musical tradition of its own.
What about Hulu?
I searched for “Bluegrass” and was connected to “Bladerunner”, “Heathers,” and Joan Crawford in “Johnny Guitar.” I’m confused.
Next.
Paramount+ (used to be CBS)
“Couldn’t find ‘bluegrass’.”
Next.
Acorn TV
Just stares back at me with a blank screen… wondering what this ‘bluegrass’ is I speak of. To be fair, this services features mostly a British productions, or films and series from the current and former colonies.
Disney+
“No results found”
Mubi
This service typically has more offbeat/indie option, but…
“Sorry, no films found”
Peacock TV
Another blank stare.
Well, there you have it–Amazon Prime, and maybe a bit of Kanopy for your bluegrass watching pleasure. Pop up some corn.
