by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What is the future of the blues? It is one of the formative and most important genres of music. Period. Starting in the south in the early 20th century, many Black men and women sparked this genre through pain and raw unadulterated emotion. There was something so raw and genuine about this music. Musicians making their guitars sing and scream, while pouring every bit of energy they could muster out into their vocals were hallmarks of this iconic genre. I have been a fan of the blues for a long time. I spent many dollars on used CDs at the Princeton Record Exchange as I explored the masters of the genre. Robert Johnson… John Lee Hooker… Muddy Waters… Howlin’ Wolf… Bo Diddley… and the legend himself, Buddy Guy.
Why is Guy so important to this conversation? Director Jim Farrell brings a brand-new spotlight onto the past and living legacy of this blues legend. The Torch is a unique perspective that looks at the past, present, and future of the blues drama. The film balances plenty of elements, while making the most of a noticeably low budget. Does it ever get in the way? It is certainly noticeable, but it never detracts from the greatness of the film.
But where does Farrell start this journey? In the past… where it all began. The film does such a great job of exploring the history of blues music, and specifically Guy’s place in it. There are great clips of Guy performing during his prime, along with some of the other defining members of the genre. Guy speaks a lot about the influence of John Lee Hooker, who thankfully got an introduction to younger generations through a cameo in The Blues Brothers. This is an informative and emotional journey through the past.
But does the film stop there? The real key to the film is the dynamic between Guy and his young protégé Quinn Sullivan. One of the most eye-opening moments in the film is the incredible shredding that Sullivan had as a small boy (around eight years of age). He kills it! It is a treasure that is actual footage (even if the quality is quite bad). This wonderful connection between this aged blues legend and rising star of music and guitar virtuoso is endearing and emotional. There is plenty of great commentary from both Guy and Sullivan that adds plenty of layers.
But let’s look towards the future, shall we? One of the most poignant and impact themes is the fickleness of fame and popularity. One of the best moments in the whole film is the perspective offered up by former child blues star Joe Bonamassa. I am a huge fan of Bonamassa’s work, both on his own and with the fantastic supergroup Black Country Communion. Bonamassa was opening for B.B. King (one of the greatest bluesmen of all time) when he was just a boy. Bonamassa knows the game and his advice to find your persona is real and meaningful.
Where else will you find such a wonderful, blues-filled gem in film today? There are plenty of musicals and music films out there and this one is a must see. The Torch shows great respect to the blues genre while also telling a special story between mentor and mentee. The past and future of blues is on display in this documentary. Hopefully it will spark new love for the genre like I developed during my college years.
Score: 8/10
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