Strung Together: The Cigar Box Guitar Revolution

Strung Together: The Cigar Box Guitar Revolution is a captivating 2015 documentary film that explores the origin, history and impact of the handmade cigar box guitar. The film takes its viewers on a journey through the evolution of this unique musical instrument, a journey led by several renowned musicians and musical enthusiasts.

The film is directed by Max Shores and features several notable figures in the cigar box guitar world, including Justin Johnson, Joe Vitale, April Mae, and Ross Newell. Together, these experts guide us through the history of the cigar box guitar, providing insight into its development, growth, and eventual resurgence in popularity.

The film's opening scenes set the stage for an engrossing and informative story that will appeal to music lovers and history buffs alike. We witness the birth of the cigar box guitar in the mid-1800s, when resourceful musicians used whatever materials they could find to create unique musical instruments. The film takes us through the years, showcasing how the cigar box guitar would eventually become an underground favorite, widely used in blues and folk music.

As we progress through the decades, Strung Together: The Cigar Box Guitar Revolution colors the film with an array of interviews, demonstrations, and performances that showcase the versatile nature of the instrument. The film features some of the most innovative and successful musicians in the cigar box guitar world, including Justin Johnson, who has become one of the instrument's most active proponents.

Throughout the course of the film, we are drawn deeper into the fascinating history of this instrument, including its use in early juke joints and at political rallies. We are privy to the unique qualities of the cigar box guitar, its unmistakable sound, and the challenge it poses to traditional musicians. The cigar box guitar is not just a musical instrument, it is a statement, an embodiment of ingenuity and a symbol of those less fortunate.

The documentary also features appearances by several renowned musicians, who offer up their own perspective on the cigar box guitar. Joe Vitale, a seasoned multi-instrumentalist with numerous classics under his belt, ruminates on the beauty and simplicity of the instrument. April Mae, who is known for her soulful voice and bluesy style, speaks to the versatility that the cigar box guitar offers to musicians. Ross Newell, an acclaimed singer-songwriter from South America, shares his experiences on the advantages the cigar box guitar provides as a low-cost performance tool.

As the film reaches its conclusion, we see the impact that the cigar box guitar has had over the years. We witness the instrument's recent resurgence in popularity among a new generation of musicians, who have embraced this unique and historically-rich instrument. It is heartwarming to see such an unlikely and inventive instrument quietly gaining traction once again, and with the help of a new wave of musicians, the future of the cigar box guitar is secure.

In conclusion, Strung Together: The Cigar Box Guitar Revolution is a thought-provoking and inspiring film that tells the story of a remarkable musical instrument that has been underrated for much of its history. The film rewards viewers with a rich educational experience, providing valuable insight into the history and culture of musical instruments. It is a film that will appeal to music and history enthusiasts, and anyone who loves innovative ideas and who are looking for something different. Regardless of musical preferences, Strung Together: The Cigar Box Guitar Revolution is a wonderfully executed film that deserves to be seen.