A bluegrass legend celebrated on film

Herschel Sizemore in a hotel lobby in Nashville during IBMA's World of Bluegrass 2006 (photo: Carol Hawkins)

Thanks to Rick Bowman of Backyard Green Films, maker of the documentary film Mandolin in B, released last month on DVD as a tribute to the great mandolinist Herschel Sizemore (a brief mention of the release appeared on the BIB on 12 September). Rick sends this YouTube link to the trailer for Mandolin in B, and this introductory text:

Bluegrass legend Herschel Sizemore and his wife Joyce were both diagnosed with cancer on the same day in the fall of 2011. On the evening of 19 February 2012, bluegrass stars came out for a special benefit concert in Roanoke, Virginia, and the music community that supported the event captures the spirit of the man being feted. With interviews and performances by the Seldom Scene, David Grisman, Doyle Lawson, the Travelers, Chris Thile, and a special reunion of Del McCoury and the Dixie Pals. This is a lasting tribute to one of the greatest mandolin players of our time.

Rick also sends links to reports and reviews of the release that have appeared in the media: Bluegrass Today, Mandolin Cafe, Cybergrass, and IMDb. We particularly like this passage in the Cybergrass review:

Much of the video is in black and white which really adds to the atmosphere. It has often been said that black and white permits more emotion and in the case of this video, that is most certainly true.

Rick would also be glad to know whether there might be any interest in setting up a screening of the film in Ireland. Ideas and proposals can be sent to him by e-mail.