Pinetop Perkins
Born In The Honey - The Pinetop Perkins Story
Vizztone SB101
Ninety-four-year-old, acclaimed pianist Pinetop Perkins has
made a living playing blues since 1926 when he was 13. Through enticing narration by Chuck
Dodson and more than 15 artist interviews – interspersed with live performance clips
- you are taken on an entertaining 60-minute overview of Pinetop's life and his
musical achievements. You also learn the significance of the Mississippi River port towns
and the great migration. Plenty is revealed about this preacher's son who was born
Willie Perkins, on the Honey Island Plantation in Belzoni, Mississippi, in 1913. For
example, as depicted in a hilarious drive thru scene, his restaurant of choice is
McDonald's. You also experience Perkins surviving a series of hardships including
abandonment, plantation life, a near music career ending incident, hearing impairment and
alcoholism.
Throughout the '30s,'40s, '50s, Perkins
mainly performed with Sonny Boy Williamson II and Earl Hooker. In 1960, he moved to
Chicago. Pinetop is best known as Muddy Waters' piano player. He held that position
from 1969 through 1980, and continued as a sideman until going solo several years later.
Though he is idolized, he remains humble and down to earth.
This may be his greatest trait. "He doesn't know the impact he has had on the
world", states Kim Wilson. Before the DVD finishes, you'll conclude Pinetop
- a former moonshiner - is a southern gentleman who is a real sweetheart and is
proud of his Mississippi roots. He is to be cherished for all that he's done for
American music.
Pinetop Perkins On The 88's Live In Chicago is the
accompanying bonus live CD. Its songs still encompass his live repertoire to this day. The
49-minute CD was recorded in 2001 just prior to his 88th birthday, whereas the DVD
contains recent footage. The credits do not indicate what venue the recordings come from,
but they do reflect an all-star Chicago blues band was used as support.
Perkins' trademark boogie and rumbling piano is prominent on the swinging 'Down In
Mississippi'. He does not possess a powerful voice. In fact it is very frail on
'Grinder Man Blues' yet it sounds and feels like home. With a dominate right
hand, he tickles the upper register. This is mandatory material for blues fans.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues DVD Review - August 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews - available at our store
