Louie Bluie: Film Soundtrack Featuring Howard Armstrong
Eight years before he received critical acclaim with the release of his second movie,Crumb, director Terry Zwigoff created the endearing documentaryLouie Bluie. The hourlong movie chronicled the life and art of Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong, one of the last surviving (and performing) musicians from the heyday of black string bands--the '20s and '30s. The soundtrack toLouie Bluieis a diverse mix of Armstrong's repertoire, most of which spans country music, blues, folk, ragtime, and even German songs. Armstrong is backed by his band and guitarist Ted Bogan (Armstrong's friend and bandmate since the '30s), and the music here--a combination of live tunes that Zwigoff captured in the mid '80s and vintage 78 cuts from the '30s--showcases Armstrong's impeccable style on mandolin, fiddle, and vocals. Armstrong's syncopation--he traverses these tunes with the deftness of a jazz improviser--and his banter with Bogan make this a timeless, must-have album for fans of old-time music.--Jason Verlinde