Chasin Gus' Ghost

Chasin Gus' Ghost explores the history of the American jug band, through one man's journey to learn more about Gus Cannon and Cannon's Jug Stompers. In searching for this source of inspiration for many jug bands and folk artists in general, the film uncovers numerous photographs, live concert video and stories about how the music evolved.

Campy, homemade graphics kick off this documentary, but you shouldn't let that deter you from watching the film. It quickly gives way to some great, intriguing interview footage with Lovin' Spoonful frontman John Sebastian. Sebastian points out the importance, fascination and fierce influence of groups like the Cannon Jug Stompers and others on the evolution of the folk music revival in the 1960s.

Along with artists like Bob Weir, Taj Mahal, Geoff and Maria Muldaur, Jim Kweskin, David Grisman, Sankofa Strings and a number of other Americana notables, filmmaker Todd Kwait delivers a compelling collection of footage ranging from photos of the all-but-forgotten string bands of the 1920s to video footage of Sebastian strumming an autoharp and singing "Do You Believe in Magic," to Sankofa Strings playing a show a year or two ago.

But it's Kwait's search for the grave sites of some of the great jug band innovators that most effectively drives the story beyond its initial interview-and-photos format—a welcome development.

Jug bands are a rich tradition in American folk music, and Kwait pays due homage to the genre, pointing out its great pioneers, as well as the folks who continue to carry on the tradition and be inspired by it. What's interesting is that two of the foremost experts on the topic live in Sweden, and Kwait traveled there to capture their insight for the film.

Chasin Gus' Ghost can serve as an excellent introduction to the history and influence of jug bands. Kwait and crew did a superb job of pointing out the wide reach of this style of music and its influence on folk, bluegrass, pop and rock bands alike. Set in front of a row of electric guitars, Bob Weir talks about how jug band music influenced the Grateful Dead. It's all a little surreal, to be honest, but indeed that's what drives the film and the music alike.