The Howlin' Wolf Story - DVD

The Wolf is one of the giants of the blues scene and is right up there with Muddy Waters in the creation of what we now consider electric Chicago blues. The differences between the two can be subtle at times, and each have an intense passion, but the Wolf seems to teeter more on the edge than Waters and was known for single chord, riff-oriented blues than memorized while still rockin' and swingin' with a manic intensity.

This DVD includes some fantastic performance videos of him in action and this giant of a man - 6'3" and close to 300 lbs ("of heavenly joy", as the song goes) - would stalk the stage, get on his hands and knees, climb up curtains, bulge out his eyes, lick his guitar & harmonica and sweat out a storm while giving his all. The presence is startling even via video - it is hard to imagine what he must have been like in a small club.

Interviews with long-time guitarist Hubert Sumlin are particularly entertaining and informative - he is quite a character himself - and they talk with Wolf's family, along with period interviews with peers such as Muddy. Footage of greats such as Bukka White appear, as well as a fine cut of Son House from an early TV appearance, but, sadly, House is also shown as the latter-day alcoholic that he became.

This is really indispensable for any lover of the blues - a great story, incredible footage and amazing music. Get it!