Chasing The Blues

Chasing The Blues is a comedy from 2017 that is directed by Scott Smith and stars Grant Rosenmeyer, Ronald L. Conner, and Chelsea Tavares. The movie follows two collectors, Alan and Paul, who have a passion for rare blues records. When they come across a record that has been missing for over 60 years, they become obsessed with it and will stop at nothing to get their hands on it.

The film offers a humorous and quirky take on the obsessive world of record collecting. Alan (Rosenmeyer) and Paul (Conner) are two different collectors who discover one of the rarest blues records in history, “The Deathbed Tapes” by legendary bluesman Jimmy Kane. The duo hopes to get their hands on it and make a fortune selling it. But it won’t be easy. The record disappeared over half a century ago, and there is only one known copy that is in Big River Records, the shop of a curmudgeonly collector named George (Steve Guttenberg).

When the collectors come to George, he refuses to sell it, and instead proposes a bet. He will give them the record if they can find an original, unedited recording of blues singer Sweetfoot Sam singing "The Deathbed Tapes." It's said that Sam's producer destroyed the tapes, but Alan and Paul are determined. They need to find the tapes before it's too late, and it seems like their only hope is to make a deal with Sweetfoot Sam’s son (Jon Lovitz), who has been locked up in a mental institution for years.

The plot is full of twists and turns, as the two collectors race against time and each other. Along the way, they also get involved with Sam's daughter (Tavares), who has secrets of her own. The movie keeps the audience engaged throughout the film with its well-crafted characters, sharp dialogue, and a great soundtrack full of blues classics. The film nicely balances comedy with drama, making it a fun and entertaining experience.

Grant Rosenmeyer and Ronald L. Conner perfectly capture the conflicting personalities of their characters, Alan and Paul. Alan is an awkward, nerdy record nerd, obsessed with the music and the search for the elusive Sweetfoot Sam recording. Paul is a streetwise, smooth-talking salesman, who views the chase for the record as easy money. They both want the record for their own reasons, but their motivations and personalities clash, leading to hilarious and sometimes tense scenes.

Chelsea Tavares brings depth to her character, turning what could have been a one-dimensional love interest into a fully formed character. She has her own reasons for wanting the Sweetfoot Sam recording and is not just a typical romantic interest. Jon Lovitz provides comic relief in his role as Sweetfoot Sam’s eccentric son. His scenes are some of the funniest in the movie.

The film is full of references to the blues and blues music culture, from vintage vinyl records to the history of the genre. It is clear that the filmmakers have a love for the music, and that passion resonates with the audience. The soundtrack is also a highlight of the movie. The blues classics are well chosen and perfectly placed throughout the film to enhance the mood and tone.

Overall, Chasing The Blues is a fun and entertaining film that explores the world of obsessive record collecting with humor and heart. It has a great cast, an engaging plot and an excellent soundtrack. It's sure to appeal to fans of both blues music and quirky comedies in general. If you're in the mood for a laugh and a good story, this film will deliver.

In conclusion, Chasing The Blues is a film that will keep you engaged from start to finish. With its humor, charm, and great acting, it will have you laughing, cringing, and rooting for Alan and Paul in their quest for the rare Sweetfoot Sam recording. It is a movie that celebrates the spirit of the blues music and reminds us all of the power that music can have. This is definitely a film worth watching.