A title card at the beginning
of the film tells us that The Grahams (Alyssa Graham and Doug Graham) traveled
the country by train in the summer of 2014, and arrived in Memphis with songs
inspired by their adventures and experiences. Musician Cody Dickinson (of North
Mississippi Allstars), who played with the duo, documented part of that journey, as
well as the recording of the band’s new material. Obviously, Alyssa and Doug
were inspired by Woody Guthrie, and in fact “Hard Travelin’” plays over the
opening titles.
The film is a loose, but
intimate look at The Grahams, and is narrated by both Alyssa and Doug (the
narration having been written by Bryan McCann). Alyssa says, “There’s a special connection between
American folk music and the railroad that has no parallel elsewhere in the
world.” She talks about the band’s own goals in traveling by train: “We’re looking for the modern echo of older
sounds.” The film is about the band, about the rails, and about the land
and towns they visited, but mostly it is about the music. We see them playing “Glory
Bound,” and there is footage of them recording “Promised Land,” “Biscuits” and “Tender
Annabelle.” There is also footage shot at Sun Studios where they perform “Mama,”
which is gorgeous and sweet. I also really like the footage of them playing “Lay Me Down” while leaning against a great old tree. And we see them perform “City Of New Orleans” on
the actual City Of New Orleans (as well as with a full band in New Orleans).
The Grahams Rattle The Hocks is approximately thirty minutes, and
is a treat for all fans of American folk music. It was released on digital
formats on July 8, 2016. There are no special features.
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