Heartworn Highways

James Szalapski's 1975 documentary, "Heartworn Highways," captures a unique moment in country music history. Szalapski shoots and edits the film in much the same style that these young musicians were creating their music, stripped down and raw. Filmed through a cigarette smoke stained filter and Jack Daniels infused lens we are treated to some wonderful performances by the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, David Allan Coe, Charlie Daniels, Steve Earle and Rodney Crowell. Many of these singer-songwriters were part of a movement that was inspired by some of the earliest American music, and it was their passion to bring back those early folk, blues and acoustic sounds. Fans of this new breed of songwriter started referring to their "new" sound as Americana and Outlaw Country.

If you haven't seen this movie I highly recommend it. The DVD is great because the studio has also included a ton of bonus footage/songs. Don't miss the opportunity to sit around the table at Guy Clark's house on Christmas Eve for a hootenanny with a half dozen musicians who would go on to help shape modern day country music. Read more and watch a video clip after the jump.

Some standout scenes for me include:

• The tavern owner who declares that "Johnny Cash has shot his wad."
• Townes Van Zandt introducing his dog before his girlfriend, his request for her to hold his gun while he indulges in some whiskey and Coke, and his moving performance of "Waitin' Around to Die."
• Seymour "The Walking Blacksmith" Washington's theories on making friends with a horse, God and whiskey.
• Guy Clark's "That Old Time Feeling" and "Desperadoes Waiting For a Train" (bonus material).
• Gamble Roger's storytelling and "Black Label Blues."
• Townes Van Zandt's girlfriend getting pissed off that he shares what his royalty check looks like on camera (bonus material).
• David Allan Coe's performance of "Old Man Tell Me" playing over images of a snowy ranch, and, of course, his performance at the Tennessee State Prison where he tells the story of how he had to stick up for himself when he came to prison as a young man.

For the most part the filmmaker sets a "you are there" tone and positions his camera on the periphery of many of these scenes. He lets the musicians be who they are and allows the audience to feel like a fly on the wall.

I tried finding links to the film on Amazon and iTunes, but it doesn't seem to be there.  Perhaps the film is out of print. If you are a Netflix subscriber you can get it there.

This clip Featuring Seymour Washington and Townes Van Zandt is beautiful on so many different levels.



For Collectors...


Thanks to figurebob for the upload to YouTube.