LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua.
Produced by: Margaret Bodde, Alex Gibney & Jack Gulick.
Director of Photography: Lisa Rinzler.
Edited by: Bob Eisenhardt & Keith Salmon.
Released by: Sony Pictures Classics.
Country of Origin: USA. 106 min. Rated: PG-13.
With: Aerosmith, Gregg Allman, Ruth Brown, Natalie Cole, Chuck D., Macy Gray, India.Arie, B.B. King, Odetta & Bonnie Riatt.

A recollection of revolutionary musical pioneers as well as a tribute, this documentary captures a one-night concert at Radio Music Hall, in which blues legends play side by side with a handful of contemporary stars. Although interjected with black-and-white footage of blues performances of the past and interviews with musicians, the film spends most of its time covering the concert itself.

Among the most notable performances is an energetic set from the flame-haired Bonnie Raitt, who proves she still has plenty of life left in both her guitar as well as her smoke-tinged voice. She also takes the stage alongside B.B. King, creating a contrasting duet, with Raitt's impassioned rock take on the blues paired with King's slow, deep yearning vocals.

Onstage alone, King gives the film's central performance, recalling musical days of yore in his deep, overwhelming bravado. Giving a nod to the confused state of music, King recalls being booed offstage by rock fans far too clueless to realize the influence blues has had on their music of choice. The pop stars of today, including Macy Gray and India.Arie, prove their musical credibility and range by taking on the blues genre wholeheartedly. They still, however, pale in comparison to the original blues legends. Gray specifically proves to possess a musical range unseen elsewhere.

The concert footage itself becomes long-winded, and the transitions between the segments aren't always smooth. Still, any music connoisseur will need to make the film required viewing as it sheds light on a time and genre of music too often ignored. Adrienne Urbanski
October 22, 2004