Another DVD of blues music gets released and most people will likely roll their eyes and sigh - well don't! This time we are presented with a blues music disc that is so much more that everyone will find something in it to like. The disc's title Blues Masters - The Essential History of the Blues Volume 1 could not be more accurate, and the history lesson that accompanies the musical selections is both moving and thought provoking.

This disc is a collection of fine performances linked by an in-depth, informative look at the history of black America since the introduction of slavery through to World War II, where presumably Blues Masters - The Essential History of the Blues Volume II begins. The images that accompany the narration are often explicit, dark, depressing and frank. The well structured combination of stills and moving footage highlight superbly what the narrator is saying.

This history of the blues covers such dark subjects as poverty, the KKK, the Great Depression, Chicago mobsters and war. At each, the narrator draws the link between that period of history and the importance of blues music. The disc features performances by Leadbelly, Bessie Smith, Son House and the wonderful Big Bill Broonzy. The bonus is the extremely rare performance of Leadbelly, the only known footage of the great man in action.

For those who find the blues a tad boring, or are wondering what all the fuss is about, then do yourself a big favour and give this disc a look. The history lesson alone is worth it, and the blues music that accompanies it is a wonderful bonus, making so much more sense when placed in context. The blues is some of the rawest and most emotional music the world has known, and this disc begins to make the parallels more obvious.

Tracklisting:

When you cover a period of musical history that terminates in the 1940s, and you use actual footage, it is going to be full frame and therefore not 16x9 enhanced. It is also going to be all over the shop as far as quality goes, and a mix of black and white and some colour. Needless to say, the quality here is extremely varied. The black and white images are typical of aged footage in that whites often glare, and stark black bordering white produces auras. The limited amount of colour footage looks washed out, and black levels within it look a dull grey. Shadow detail varies greatly, but is never brilliant. There are some pieces that are quite dirty and affected by artefacts such as dust and other blobs, and there are several noticeable jumps in the footage. There is no layer change.

There are two audio options, including Dolby Digital 5.1, but I would not recommend that option unless you enjoy listening to music with a tin bucket on your head. It sounds hollow, tinny, and does not fill the room as 5.1 audio should. The narration in 5.1 sounds like five people talking in unison, and the music, being originally recorded in mono, does not spread out well in 5.1.

On the other hand, the Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo sounds a lot better. The bass sounds are still not overly prominent, but that's the way of the blues. The narrator, on the other hand, has a loud booming voice and this now sounds very solid. None of the historical footage contains sound to match the vision, but all footage is accompanied by some blues music playing in the background, under the narration. Hiss, some crackles and pops, and some questionable audio synchronisation accompany the actual performances. I can not be sure if this was due to the age of the performances, the transfer, or maybe they were Kylie's mentors and were miming.

There are a few extras but they are pretty lame. There is a Photo Gallery, which is merely eight shots - one for each of the featured performers. Volume Two Preview requires no explanation I hope, and contains a complete performance of Hootchie Cootchie Man by Muddy Waters. Umbrella Propaganda is a still shot of four other Umbrella music releases.

As an introduction to the blues, you won't find better. When placed in the context of the history of black America, the songs take on a whole new meaning, and the rawness of the music is explained. This disc is a history lesson, a music lesson, and great way to spend 50 minutes.