The Mississippi: River of Song

Producer/director John Junkerman spent six years filming and recording musicians up and down the Mississippi River, from Minnesota to New Orleans. It was time well spent. River of Song is one of the best music documentaries ever made, period. Narrated by indy rock legend Ani DiFranco, the film captures the incredible mélange of music in America's heartland. We're offered everything from Minneapolis riot grrrls Babes in Toyland to the gorgeous soul of Irma Thomas to the Bob Lewis Family's bluegrass tunes. Junkerman has polka music, the Mississippi Mass Choir, Iowa folk singer Greg Brown, The Rebel Horns of New Orleans, Levon Helm and James Cotton performing on a riverboat, The King Biscuit Blues Festival, alternative country from Missouri's Bottle Rockets, more blues from Jack Johnson and Little Milton, Spider John Koerner performing in a Dinkytown bar in Minneapolis and the zydeco of Geno Delafose. Mercy! River of Song is the best trip anyone can take down the Mississippi without getting off the sofa. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Van Vleck)