The Blues Brothers: Private
by Judith Jacklin & Tino Insana (Perigee Books, 1980)
A movie tie-in out of left field, revealing Jake and Elwood’s backstory by way of found (often hand-scrawled) documents and archival photos—the latter used sparingly but adding value to a publication that seemingly anticipated the film’s cult status. For devotees only.
The Blues Brothers 2000
dir. John Landis (1998)
Openly based on and playing homage to its predecessor (though consequently making little sense as a standalone film), this Blues Brothers reprise justifies itself through time-appropriate character progression, in-joke nostalgia, a new car pile-up record and an all-star rhythm and blues soundtrack.
The Blues Brothers
dir. John Landis (1980)
Instantly recognisable and eminently quotable; musically unimpeachable and with widespread cult appeal; spectacularly over-the-top yet brilliantly underplayed: band-on-the-run redemption comedy (and Chicago time capsule) The Blues Brothers must go down as one of the greatest movies — certainly the greatest musical — ever made.
The Soul Men Blues Brothers Tribute
Performance at the Grandview Hotel, Cleveland, 15 November 2015
Strong vocals (both male and female); excellent musicianship; joyful, energetic, iconic: the Soul Men Blues Brothers Tribute brings real justice to our favourite musical recidivists, unlocking the briefcase full of [mostly rhythm and] blues and delving deep into Jake and Elwood’s repertoire.