They said traditional blues was dead….Tim Duffy thought he’d double check!
In the late 1980s, Timothy Duffy, a penniless North Carolina musicology student, set out to document and preserve traditional southern roots and blues music. On his travels from Winston-Salem’s drinkhouse music scene, an off-the-grid hotbed of gritty traditional blues, to deep-south family run churches, he found purpose and inspiration from a cast of amazingly talented, pure and unique set of characters (the artists!!).
Toot Blues remarkably captures the true essence and talent of the artists from Guitar Gabriel, a ‘homeless magic potion selling’ blues genius; to Willa Mae Buckner, a snake charming elderly woman taunting delightfully raunchy blues; to Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins, a grandmother who continues to tear up the stage and play a killer electric guitar behind her head; to Bishop Dready Manning and family churning out homebrewed rockabilly-gospel; to Boo Hanks, an 80 year-old bluesman recording an album for the very first time; to blind guitarist, Cootie Stark, mesmerizing crowds world-wide while never failing to find his way home by himself.
Shortly after befriending and championing for these artists Tim quickly realized the limitations set upon them by living in poverty, not only in their struggles to survive and support their families but also their ability to afford time and outlets to continue with their deepest passions-music, by a simple twist of fate, Tim along with his wife Denise, began the Music Maker Relief Foundation.
With rare footage, interviews, and numerous live performances, the film documents these unique musicians, brought together through the Music Maker community and their shared and vital musical heritage.
Toot Blues digs deep into your heart, opening your eyes and ears to seminal musical traditions that have long been overlooked by the mainstream.
Visits to Music Maker’s studio brings blues raconteur Drink Small and Durham legend John Dee Holeman, providing an up-close look at their eclectic styles, while a late night juke-joint guitar jam by Cool John Ferguson supports this `hidden guitarists’ worldwide reputation. The joy the artists bring to recording and touring is infectious, providing a rare window into a classic American musical form at its most grass-roots level.
You won’t see 20 mics or 200 knobs on a board in a swanky recording studio or a million dollar record deal but what you will see is something honest and truthful; amazing talents, their passion and courage, no matter what their age or disabilities!
2009 marks Tim and Denise Duffy’s Music Maker Foundations’ 15 year anniversary of keeping the blues alive by supporting over 250 roots and blues artists with needs from food and shelter to tour support. The artists Music Maker has supported over the years represent styles as diverse as their personalities, yet together weave a rich tapestry of the roots of American music…….this is their story!
Toot Blues was made possible by the generous support and grants from: Martin Scorsese, Paul Allen & The Blues Music Foundation
Director: Chris Johnstone Director of Photography: Anna Ferrarie Editor: Chris Johnstone and Anna Ferrarie Executive Producer: Denise Duffy Producer: Tim Duffy Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Jerrold Launer/Sonic Arts Music Clearance: Anne Pitts Opening Credits: Engine Company 1
"Wall to wall blues from unheralded artists. The film gives a
glimpse of what is being lost, and Tim Duffy's heroic effort to document the passing. In the most humanitarian way, his foundation is bringing security and aid to these wonderful artists- whose time is gone, and whose music still stirs us." (John Cohen)
"..a remarkable history of the blues long forgotten." (Offbeat Magazine)
"...Toots Blues includes footage of early Music Maker artists like Guitar Gabriel, Cootie Stark, and Willa Mae "The Snake Lady" Buckner, as well as current performers like Captain Luke and Macavine Hayes, who are shown touring Europe and South America. Woven throughout the film is the story of the Music Maker Relief Foundation which, for my money, has done more for blues musicians than any other organization." (About.com / Keith's Blues Blog)
"Toot Blues" beautifully captures the inspired work of the Music Maker Relief Foundation. Through their support for musicians, Tim and Denise Duffy are preserving a national treasure. Their work is essential to the future of our nation's traditional music, and it should be supported by every American." (William Ferris)
"Some of the best blues comes from unlikely places, thanks to Music Maker for seeking out the real blues artists"(Derek Trucks)
"I think they're doing wonderful work and I support them for keeping not only interest in the blues alive, but the musicians themselves." (Bonnie Raitt)
Saving the music for future generations
As a musician, I loved this documentary about people, who play music in to their sunset Years called “Toot Blues.” It gives me a lot of hope that we musicians can inspire people and remain vital in our later years.
Luckily, filmmakers Chris Johnstone and Anna Ferrarie let this tale unfold informally. At the center of the film is Tim Duffy, a humble man who wears many hats. Tim’s a musician, part musical Historian, and a modern day “Alan Lomax.”
He is aptly shown changing a set of strings on a vintage guitar, while spinning and tightening down the tales of these great artists. Tim tells his own story while illuminating the tales of blues legends like Guitar Gabriel, Captain Luke, “Cool” John Ferguson, and Freddie King among others.
Tim also introduces us to Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, a grandmother who attacks the guitar with a vengeance and plays it behind her head!
I also admire the brilliance and tenacity of a guy like Cootie Stark. Cootie, who best described the blues as “a magic feeling.” Cootie was a blind and fearless man who somehow always found his way home when he could be almost anywhere in the world!
As Alabama Slim declares in the film, “The blues is like a can opener that’s prying at your heart.” I found not only my heart beating openly, but also my foot tapping to this treasured music. The stories are so compelling and astonishing that they warmed my guarded insides, and put a smile back on my face.
I also enjoyed getting to know about Tim and his foundation called Music Maker. Tim, his lovely wife, and friends fund not only home cooked quality recordings, but also book shows, and host grinding world tours with eighty –year olds!
Importantly, Music Maker brings food and shelter the artists who need it most.
Tim’s epic journey into this music becomes our journey as well, as he takes these artists back from the brink. He provides a new stage for them. After all, what is a musical artist without the audience to cherish them?
After seeing “Toot Blues” I defy anyone to not feel some kind of deeper affection for the blues. I for one have rekindled my love for this genre of music.
This film should be a rest stop for you, your friends, and family, on the music documentary highway. It will be a rewarding one, complete with a souvenir called deep perspective on the blues and maybe on your own life.
Drink Smalls says, the blues is a mixture of Hallelujah and Boogaloo, and may it live long. May it forever be illuminating to the human experience. (Greg Franco/ musician)
