Pocket Full of Soul: The Harmonica Documentary (2009)
Not Rated
Written and Directed by Marc Lempert
The Story:
A musical instrument so simple, it's often regarded as a child's toy, the harmonica has made a huge impact on American music since it's introduction to the states in the 1850s. This wonderful documentary will take you on a historical tour of the instrument and those musicians who have wielded it to create some electrifying music over the decades. While you may not be familiar with many of the names, the list of musicians who have used it is a veritable who's who of musical talent.
I hadn't planned on watching a documentary on the harmonica on April 18th, but when you find out that it's National Harmonica Day and there is a documentary on the subject, interest gets piqued.
Then when you discover that it is narrated by my personal favorite harmonica player, Huey Lewis, it's a no-brainer!
The documentary is both as structured and relaxed as that of the many players that are interviewed alongside the archival footage.
Usually disregarded as an actual musical instrument, when a player takes to the harmonica and learns how to wield that little pocket harp, the effects can be amazing and one person with a harmonica can outdo an entire band with the amount of force and energy that they can elicit.
The harmonica is also not strictly for 1 genre of music. While it would be hard to imagine the Blues being performed without a harmonica, it gets some love from jazz, classical, rock, country, and even hip-hop.
Another film that was backed by the fans and the people who love the subject matter and not the studio, you can tell this was a labor of love by all involved.
I was lucky enough to catch this on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZQSUib0U-g&feature=youtu.be
Not sure if there is a charge or anything now that National Harmonica Day is over, but if you're a fan of music or music history, this shouldn't be missed.
Final Grade: A-
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