Fiddling Man-The Life of Bob Wills

The Life and Times of Bob Wills

Bob Wills, Fiddlin' Man is a great DVD. I read 'My Years with Bob Wills' by Al Striklin, and was left with the same impression that any time spent with Bob Wills was time well spent. 'Fiddlin' Man' is a well rounded concert/documentary video. Including interviews with former 'Playboys', excerpts from his few movie appearances, and comments from contemporary artists like Mel Tillis, any Bob Wills fan will be delighted. Tunes like 'Sitting On Top of The World', 'Lone Star Rag', 'San Antonio Rose', 'Goodbye Liza Jane', and 'Time Changes Everything' flow throughout the interviews and form the bridges between interviews. The bonus features include a Bob Wills biography, and discography. Either you are tapping your toes, snapping your fingers, or standing up and dancing, it is very clear why Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys swept across America and became an institution. Al Stricklins' book, My Years With Bob Wills, gives a more personal view of the touring years, but the video fleshes out the memories quite effectively. One product compliments the other, and together they give us a view of Bob Wills only someone who was there could experience better.

I had never heard of Bob Wills prior to Al's book. And if I hadn't already had an idea of who and why he was so loved, I would have. My children even liked the music, and they like the Backstreet Boys! Former 'Playboys' Eldon Shamblin, Clarence Cagle, Bobby Koefler, Luke and Johnny Lee Wills, Joe Andrews, Johnny Gimble, and Mel Tillis add much to the legend of Bob Wills. From his charisma to his troubled personal life, the men are candid in their views, but sincere in their admiration for their former leader. It is clear that their mutual love for music held them together, and the crowds that flocked to see Bob Wills fed their desire to play harder and louder.

All I can say about this video is that I highly recommend it. No, enthusiastically recommend it. Try if you might, but whatever you do, don't tap your toes, or hum along with Bob. Bet you can't.
'Fiddlin' Man: The Life and Times of Bob Wills' is available from View Video online at www.view.com, amazon at www.amazon.com or via regular mail for $19.98 at:

View Video
34 East 23rd St
New York, NY
10010
1-212-674-5550

Thanks for humming along with Bob.

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