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Virus Called The Blues (Documentary)
Encyclopedia
Virus Called The Blues was a 30 minute documentary spoof based on a day in the life of blues & jazz guitarist/songwriter Billy Jenkins
and his band The Blues Collective. The documentary was produced, directed by Craig Duncan who met Billy on the set of the BBC Two music series 'Jazz 606' in the mid nineties (filmed at the famous Jazz Venue 606 Club
). It features serious interviews and spoof action, plus actual performance from the band at The Blue Elephant Theatre, Camberwell
, South-east London. Also visible in the audience is stand up comedian Stewart Lee
, a long time friend of Jenkins.
.
The story in the programme follows this pattern: Jenkins convinces his band to do a one off benefit gig to raise money to purchase better lighting in the street surrounding the Theatre. During the run up to the gig the band lose the location of the venue while out in the groups Reliant Robin. As a result the audience are left waiting. Bandleader Billy Jenkins argues with the band and bass player Thad Kelly walks out.
In reality this was a genuine benefit gig and for the most part, a true story and as a result funds were raised and better lighting has since been installed since the documentary was made.
The film was edited by Noel Curry and the Promo was edited by Mike Latham.
Billy Jenkins
Billy Jenkins is an English blues guitarist, composer, and bandleader.Initially Jenkins became famous as a member of Burlesque, then as part of Trimmer & Jenkins. A short period he followed as a member of Ginger Baker's Nutters. For several years, he ran Wood Wharf Studios...
and his band The Blues Collective. The documentary was produced, directed by Craig Duncan who met Billy on the set of the BBC Two music series 'Jazz 606' in the mid nineties (filmed at the famous Jazz Venue 606 Club
606 Club
The 606 Club is a jazz club in Chelsea, London, owned and run by musician Steve Rubie since 1976. The club was originally at 606 King's Road, but moved to 90 Lots Road in 1987. It is currently licensed for 165 people. One, or sometimes two, jazz events are held every day, making it one of the...
). It features serious interviews and spoof action, plus actual performance from the band at The Blue Elephant Theatre, Camberwell
Camberwell
Camberwell is a district of south London, England, and forms part of the London Borough of Southwark. It is a built-up inner city district located southeast of Charing Cross. To the west it has a boundary with the London Borough of Lambeth.-Toponymy:...
, South-east London. Also visible in the audience is stand up comedian Stewart Lee
Stewart Lee
Stewart Lee is an English stand-up comedian, writer and director known for being one half of the 1990s comedy duo Lee and Herring, and for co-writing and directing the critically acclaimed and controversial stage show Jerry Springer - The Opera...
, a long time friend of Jenkins.
Overview
The title of the documentary came from the title of Charles Brown song 'Virus Called The Blues', a version of which is available on the 1990 album 'All My Life' and of which a covered in the documentary by Billy JenkinsBilly Jenkins
Billy Jenkins is an English blues guitarist, composer, and bandleader.Initially Jenkins became famous as a member of Burlesque, then as part of Trimmer & Jenkins. A short period he followed as a member of Ginger Baker's Nutters. For several years, he ran Wood Wharf Studios...
.
The story in the programme follows this pattern: Jenkins convinces his band to do a one off benefit gig to raise money to purchase better lighting in the street surrounding the Theatre. During the run up to the gig the band lose the location of the venue while out in the groups Reliant Robin. As a result the audience are left waiting. Bandleader Billy Jenkins argues with the band and bass player Thad Kelly walks out.
In reality this was a genuine benefit gig and for the most part, a true story and as a result funds were raised and better lighting has since been installed since the documentary was made.
The film was edited by Noel Curry and the Promo was edited by Mike Latham.
Cast members
- Billy JenkinsBilly JenkinsBilly Jenkins is an English blues guitarist, composer, and bandleader.Initially Jenkins became famous as a member of Burlesque, then as part of Trimmer & Jenkins. A short period he followed as a member of Ginger Baker's Nutters. For several years, he ran Wood Wharf Studios...
- electric guitar and voice - Dylan Bates - electric violin
- Richard Bolton - electric guitar
- Thad Kelly - electric and double bass
- Mike Pickering - drumkit