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 HOMEMADE
HILLBILLY JAM (First
Run Features) Documentary. 80 minutes. Not rated. In the Ozark
Mountains (Southwestern Missouri), director Rick Minnich follows the
musical lives of some modern day Hillbillies: Big Smith, The Pine Ridge
Singers, and The Baldknobbers. Band members and family are interviewed
about the music and how it is passed from generation to generation. Jams
are covered from bars to churches to halls and even in living rooms during
the holidays. Oddly enough, the one question asked to almost every is also
the same question nobody seems to answer, “What is a hillbilly?”
Before you continue reading,
remove from your brain your prejudices of what you think a Hillbilly is.
These are not your Grandpappy’s Hillbillies. Those interviewed, mostly
members of Big Smith and the Bilyeu family, are simply musicians playing
foot stomping Hillbilly stuff whenever and wherever they can. While
musical and some family history is discussed, the questions and answers do
not get too personal concerning the personal life and how they actually
make ends meet, which is a good thing because it should be about the
music. While Homemade Hillbilly Jam will appeal to those into the
Hillbilly music, fans of Bluegrass may find some interests as well as
those into Gospel as the ‘Billy Boys also offer up some ‘Folk
Gospel.” While the musical aspects of this release are strong, a deeper
sense felt is the necessity and importance of family/friendship strength.
Hoping to pass along their Hillbilly sound minus the drinkin’ and
cheatin’ lyrics to children, Big Smith discusses the happiness
experienced and shared while recording music targeted for the kids. As
seen in one of the extras, the best of all was the corn whiskey moonshine
served during a screening of Homemade Hillbilly Jam…have to love
that. – Denis Sheehan
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