Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass 2012
In the heart of 1960s Greenwich Village, a folk music revolution was brewing, and *Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass (2012)* captures one electrifying night from that era.
Director: Alan Lomax
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass (2012) about?
This documentary plunges viewers into the heart of the 1960s folk music revival, spotlighting an impromptu jam session hosted by Alan Lomax. The film showcases legendary artists like Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon, capturing their spontaneous performances in a historic Greenwich Village apartment.
Who directed Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass?
The film was directed by Alan Lomax, a pioneer in folk music preservation and ethnomusicology.
Who stars in Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass?
The documentary features Alan Lomax alongside folk and blues icons like Memphis Slim, Willie Dixon, Jean Ritchie, and Jack Elliott.
Is Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass (2012) worth watching?
As an unpolished but vibrant slice of music history, *Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass* is a must-watch for folk and blues enthusiasts. Its raw authenticity and legendary lineup make it a rewarding 35-minute experience, even if it's not a full-length feature.
How long is Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass?
The runtime of *Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass* is 35 minutes.
About Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass (2012) — Inside the 1960s Folk Revival's Raw, Unfiltered Magic
In the heart of 1960s Greenwich Village, a folk music revolution was brewing, and *Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass (2012)* captures one electrifying night from that era. Directed by the legendary Alan Lomax, this raw 35-minute documentary transports viewers into an intimate, impromptu gathering where folk revival icons and rising stars collide. With the city alive with the sound of acoustic guitars and soulful voices, Lomax invites a who's who of pre-war American traditional music—including Memphis Slim, Willie Dixon, and Jean Ritchie—to his West 3rd Avenue apartment for an unscripted jam session. The result? A grainy, vibrant snapshot of authenticity, where the spontaneity of live performance breathes new life into forgotten melodies.
The film's atmosphere crackles with the energy of a movement on the rise, blending the grit of early blues with the haunting beauty of Appalachian ballads. Shot in a documentary style, *Ballads, Blues & Bluegrass* feels more like a backstage pass into history than a polished production. For fans of folk, blues, or American roots music, this short but potent film is a treasure trove of raw talent and cultural preservation.