
Street Music
A collection of performances by street musicians across the country, from New York to San Francisco, New Orleans to Chicago, the film presents 19 musicians in seven cities, and was one of Doob's first feature-length films. Among the singers, guitarists, drummers, dancers, and other artists, Doob includes street performance legends such as Brother Blue, Gene Palma, Bongo Joe, the Automatic Human Jukebox, and bluesman Jimmy Davis. The film captures a cross-section of Americans filled with raw talent, showmanship, and hustle, and presents a time capsule of the fashion, architecture, and culture of the 1970s. (Yale Film Archive)
Insights
Plot Summary
A struggling musician, trying to make it in the city, finds himself entangled with a group of petty criminals. He must navigate the gritty underbelly of the music scene while attempting to escape their influence and pursue his dreams.
Critical Reception
Street Music received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its gritty portrayal of urban life and its musical score, others found the plot to be predictable and underdeveloped. The film struggled to find a wide audience.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its raw depiction of struggling artists.
- Criticized for a formulaic narrative.
- The soundtrack was noted as a highlight by some reviewers.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for 'Street Music (1979)' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in New York City, capturing the raw and authentic atmosphere of the urban environment during the late 1970s.
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