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Richard Trice and the Bull City Blues
Synopsis
Shine On: Richard Trice and the Bull City Blues tells the poignant and lyrical story of one man's fascinating journey through blues music to spiritual redemption. Richard Trice, who died at the age of 82 on April 6, 2000, was the last survivor of the heyday of the blues in Durham, North Carolina in the 1930's. Trice spent over 18 years in a healthcare facility in Durham prior to his death and was best known for his friendship with Piedmont blues king, Blind Boy Fuller, and his encounters with blues legends Reverend Gary Davis, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.
In the film, he revisits with warmth and humor important landmarks from his sharecropping roots and his free-wheeling life as a roaming blues player. Through his memory, the memory of others, and evocative photographic and film images, a world of African American family, music and community emerges. Trices's musical career took him to New York city where he recorded for Decca and Savoy records in the 1930's-1940's.
As he reflects on his recording experiences, Trice hints at the exploitative relationship between race record companies and producers and blues players. Back in North Carolina, he performed at house parties, jook joints, and tobacco warehouses until the early 1960's. Shine On offers a unique perspective on blues music by transcending many of the stereotypes and preconceptions about blues artists and by revealing much about the tensions between secular music and the personal calling to spiritual rebirth. It is both a celebration of the Piedmont blues and an intimate story of Trice's attempt to look back and give meaning to his life.
running time: 49 minutes
original format: MiniDV
screening format: Beta SP/DVCam
Shine On: Richard Trice and the Bull City Blues
Production Credits
Directors: Kenny Dalsheimer and Jamie Hysjulien
Videographer/Editor: Kenny Dalsheimer
Composer/Original Music: Scott Ainslie
On-Line Editors: James Fink and Robert F. Landau
Animation Photography: Marty Rosenbluth
Additional music by: Richard Trice; Blind Boy Fuller; Reverend Gary Davis
John Dee Holeman and Willie Trice
Still Photographer: Lorraine Tipaldi (Photographs available upon request)
Participant List/Storytellers:
Mr. Richard Trice
Ms. Clara Trice
Mr. John Dee Holeman
Dr. Glen Hinson
Richard Trice left an indelible mark on Durham's storied blues history
by Grant Britt
Spectator Online Article
Contact Info: Kenny Dalsheimer / The Groove Productions
302 E. Pettigrew St.,Suite 30
Durham, North Carolina 27701
ph 919/667-1208 fax 919/403-2331
Contact the producers of "Shine On..." by e-mail.
WEBSITE for The Groove Productions
Photo of Richard Trice at top of page: Gaile Welker
Website Copyright © 2000 Blind Boy Fuller Historical Marker Project & Lookin' For The Blues. All Rights Reserved.
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