About This Footage
The rare footage of Little Brother Montgomery in "Blues Like Showers of Rain trailer" (1960) is a precious gem that offers a glimpse into the world of American blues music during its formative years. The clip's brevity, clocking in at 1:14, belies its significance as a fragment of a larger documentary project.
The film itself, "Blues Like Showers of Rain," is a landmark work directed by John Jeremy, featuring a wealth of photographs and field recordings gathered by Paul Oliver on his journey through the South in 1960. This was an era when blues music was still largely unrecorded and its practitioners often overlooked by mainstream audiences. The film's narrative thread, woven together by Blind Arvella Gray's voiceover, provides a poignant introduction to the world of blues, situating it within the rich cultural context of the American South.
Little Brother Montgomery himself is a pivotal figure in this tapestry. As a pianist and singer, he was one of the many unsung heroes of the blues scene during its heyday. Born Eurreal Wilford Montgomery in 1906, he spent his life traversing the musical landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. His contributions to jazz, boogie-woogie, and blues are a testament to his innovative spirit and mastery of the keyboard.
The inclusion of Montgomery's music within "Blues Like Showers of Rain" is therefore a highlight of the film. The trailer snippet offers a tantalizing glimpse into the larger work, showcasing Montgomery's unique style and artistry. His presence alongside other legendary figures such as Otis Span, Billie Pierce, and Lonnie Johnson underscores the significance of this documentary project.
The production team behind "Blues Like Showers of Rain" – John Jeremy (director, producer, editor), Vernon Layton (photographer), and Hugh Strain (sound) – brought a level of craftsmanship to their work that is evident even in the brief trailer. The attention to detail and commitment to preserving the stories of these blues pioneers are qualities that set this film apart from other documentaries of its time.
The rarity of this footage makes it all the more precious, serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving our musical heritage for future generations. "Blues Like Showers of Rain trailer" stands as a testament to the enduring power of Little Brother Montgomery's music and the broader blues tradition he helped shape.
Curated from public records and music databases.
