Rumble; The Indians who Rocked the World
Review of Rumble:- The Indians who Rocked the World. Raindance 26th Film Festival London – till 7th October – closing night includes a party – look online for tickets).
“At one time in parts of the USA you could not own a drum or you would be killed”.
This film which has already been at Sundance festival in the USA is probably the biggest eye-opener ever to reach our screens on the influence of native American Indians on the contemporary music business and also of the appalling struggles they experienced as the original settlers in the USA from prejudiced people who shockingly killed and maimed many of them during civil disputes which raged against their communities for decades. From this point of view be prepared when watching this film to be traumatised and saddened. On the other hand, the audience is treated to tremendous musical footage of major personalities from these communities which wiped the floor with critics and caused huge adoration and massive entertainment to millions of adoring and thankful fans – but not without resistance and censorship in the process.
For an example, Link Wray it is claimed had one of his riffs banned – “Rumble” as it was thought to be too moody and angry to be broadcast…he was mixed raced of Shawnee descent and his mother was disabled for life after having her back broken in a race hate crime from some of the people who were not listening to his songs. His, and others’ natural fantastic good looks and style were something that could not be destroyed and some of these guitar riffs and songs were the forerunner of real rock and roll as played of course by Britain’s The Rolling Stones and many big rock bands in the USA. Rumble symbolized the melancholy, suppressed anger and frustration behind the tailored and immaculate looks of this particular entertainer. The Who’s Pete Townsend and The Ramones also echoed his style. Martin Scorsese is one of the filmmakers documenting Wray’s and may other stars related to the Native American community’s input into modern pop music.
Jimi Hendrix is also associated with being partly related to Native Americans but also in the film we are told that Native Americans who were often driven out of the country would come back secretly alleging to be black rather than native as they would get better treatment that way. Such were the seams of identity people in the USA had to juggle with to try and make a good way forward for themselves and their families. Hendrix was part Cherokee and strongly influenced by his grandmother which interestingly included his style of dress as she was a very glamorous woman.
Charley Patton (mainly guitarist) who influenced Howlin’ Wolf and Robert Johnson and vocalist Mildred Bailey are also covered from the Coeur d’Alene tribe. Bailey (Rockin Chair) was one of the leading jazz singers of the 20s and 30s and contributed to the foundations of swing music. Singer Tony Bennett states that he was completely influenced by Mildred Bailey. Ethnic pride was something these performers carried with them with the ambivalence of declaring their true ethnic identities a part of their personalities.
Stevie Salas was an apache executive who recorded and toured with Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger. There is an allegation that some of these great stars were encouraged to go on drugs perhaps in a way of keeping them hooked to the circle they were performing with. Their handling of drums and guitar, as well as singing, was exemplary. Of course, we are confident there are plenty of people still in the industry with these fantastic roots. Look out for the costumes and revelry on special dressing up events with other cultures definitely in the mix which livens up the story of Rumble.
Coverage of Cree singer-songwriter and longtime social activist Buffy Sainte Marie (“Bury my heart at wounded knee’) is towards the end of the film. There is so much more to say about this film Rumble. You must grab a chance to see it as soon as you can. Produced by Rezolution Pictures. Producers Catherine Bainbridge, Christina Fon, Linda Ludwick and Lisa M Roth. Exec Producers Stevie Salas, Tim Johnson. Directors/Writers. Catherine Bainbridge, Alfonso Maiorana.
Winner of World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Masterful Story Telling at Sundance.
DON’T MISS IT.
Penny Nair Price.