It Might Get Loud

(Apologies in advance if you tuned in for anything to do with gardening)

We decided to accompany my son and his godmother to dinner and a movie this past Saturday. The past week had been a very busy one for me at work, and I was not involved in the details of the evening, which were fortunately left in the hands of others. I did, however know we were going to be eating at San Antonio Sam's where they pour delicious Margaritas, and at the mention of the "M" word my brain would not move past it, until my thirst was quenched - more than once. The movie was next door at a local treasure, the Naro Expanded Cinema, and I only knew ahead of time it had something to do with electric guitars.

It Might Be Loud is a documentary film about three generations of guitar divinity meeting to discuss their music, influences, instruments and biographies, as well as to play together. Guitar god Jimmy Page was one of the three filmed and looked every bit the cleric with his silver-white hair, long black trench coat and frilled shirt. Coming of age when electric guitars first hit the scene, Page bridged musical worlds creating a new one in the process with his work with Led Zepplin. The next generation was represented by demi-god, The Edge of U2 fame. He also represents what can be accomplished when skilled talent meets the technology of the digital age. Demi-god-in-training Jack White rounds out the trio and is best known for his work with The White Stripes. White plays a grittier less refined, less digital guitar, but it is soulful and close to rock and roll's origins.

The majority of the documentary was filmed in a studio where the three engage in discussion and music. However, there are plenty of segments showing each musician in his element, and there is a lot of archival video and a lot of music. My only complaint with the film is that just when each piece of music gets going it is stopped and the film is cut to another sequence. So you get just enough of the music to make you hungry for more. Overall, it was a good movie for rock and roll enthusiasts and offers great insight into three pillars of the genre.