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13/08/2004 A superlative Muddy Waters biography
Last night's Channel 4 biography, Muddy Waters - Can't Be Satisfied, was a fitting tribute to an iconic musician. A rich blend of footage from across the bluesman's career, from his discovery by Alan Lomax on Stovall Plantation to his old age as "Godather of the Blues", demonstrated why he's held in such high regard by musicians and fans alike. Nearly all the important bases were touched - the early days in Mississippi, Chicago, Chess, Newport Festival, Brit Invasion, Electric Mud, car crash, and the late-career Johnny Winter trilogy of albums. In fact, the only significant event omitted from an exhaustive study of Morganfield's career was his triumphant appearance in The Last Waltz. The talking heads, used judiciously, were Premier Leaguers - Willie Dixon, Marshall Chess, Buddy Guy, BB King, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman - and the film made good use of access to former band members. A grand-daughter and various women close to Waters added background colour on his personal life, but the film wisely avoided dwelling on it. The hour long bio showcased Waters's compelling musicality, as well as his sensual stage presence. It argued that his influence lies in his innovative use of a small electric combo, which became the template for rock bands. It also pointed out how near to preaching was the singer's declamatory style. The film failed slightly in glossing over the explosive synergy of Muddy Waters with Chess Records: had Leonard Chess's groundbreaking record label not picked up on Waters, he might not have grown to dominate Chicago blues. He wouldn't then have been championed by the Rolling Stones, or introduced to the massive, emerging white rock market. In short, he might have remained a cult figure, without achieving the status of leader of the blues pack. Chess was arguably more important than any of the musicians it recorded. That shading of interpretation apart, Muddy Waters - Can't Be Satisfied is a fine study of an outstanding musician. Co-directed/produced by Robert Gordon, author of the recent biography of the same name, and produced by Tremolo/C4 in 2003, it seems certain bound to get a global TV release. When it comes to a channel near you, be sure to have your finger on the VCR record button. Essential viewing for grown-up music lovers. Gerry Smith
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