Featuring:
John Cephas and Phil Wiggins, Archie Edwards,
John Jackson, James Jackson, Cora Jackson,
Flora Molton and Larry Wise,
John Dee Holman and Quentin 'Fris' Holloway

Produced and Edited by Eleanor Ellis
Directed by Jackson Frost

"Producer Eleanor Ellis offers Piedmont blues fans a rare front-row seat to a private house party that is as down home and authentic as they come on this 57-minute DVD Blues Houseparty. Filmed in 1989 at the late John Jackson's home in Fairfax Station, Virginia, Blues Houseparty includes performances by Jackson and his son James, John Cephas and Phil Wiggins, Archie Edwards, Cora Jackson, Flora Molton and Larry Wise, John Dee Holman, and Quentin "Fris" Holloway. Between songs, performers talk about the history of country breakdowns, demonstrate traditional dances and swap hilarious stories. The atmosphere is natural and relaxed. The audio and video quality are good. One small criticism: Performers could have been identified earlier in the film. But that's a small price to pay for admission to this rip-roarin' good time."
Michael Swanger, Dirty Linen November 2006


"Even though the heyday of the Piedmont blues sound was over by the 1940s and none of the musicians here ever achieved the notoriety of early headliners like the Reverend Gary Davis, Blind Boy Fuller or Brownie McGhee. you'd never know it by the ebullient music they deliver -- the result of a fascinating intertwining of culture and community. Very well photographed (lots of fretboard closeups) and edited."

Sing Out, Winter 2007


"This was one great party, an extraordinary gathering of musical friends who are also some of America's greatest masters of the Piedmont blues. It was a privilege to be a part of this event and to document that wonderful day." - Eleanor Ellis

“…(blues is) more than sitting in a club somewhere where someone is just sitting down and listening to it, maybe, and trying to analyze it or whatever they do. But to see, to really play at a party where people are dancing and really getting into it. that's what I really enjoy. People forget that a lot of tunes that we do are dance tunes and party tunes... people still dig dancing to it, partying to it and having a good time. Because it's music about life, it's got a good beat and it's happening now. - Phil Wiggins, from the transcript of Blues Houseparty

"Some of America's greatest traditional blues masters get together at home to swap songs from the old days and stories of what those days were like, when blues flourished 'back down home' at country breakdowns, corn-shuckings and houseparties. These musicians and their friends create the lively spirit of houseparty blues, while conveying the values, the history, the good and bad times, and the sense of community that gave form to their music and dance" - Dick Spottswood

"...suffused with the light and life, the warmth of good company evident in ebullient music...testimony to both culture and community...excellent production" - The Washington Post

"...exhibits a vitality of its own...it's all interesting...well shot, recorded and edited" - Sing Out

"...the music is excellent...an opportunity for all of us to see some true blues greats" - Living Blues

NOTE: This DVD is recorded in NTSC, but is not region-specific, so should play anywhere.


Click here for video sample #1.


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Click here for video sample #3.


Click here for video sample #4.