CIGAR BOX REVOLUTION - UK DOCUMENTARY

[keithalan10]

Really nice..there is certainly a CBG revolution here in the states as well.....nice vid.

[kevinmkraft]

Would you be able to send me this on disk??? I'd love to show it at my city's first cigar box guitar festival to show the CBG community abroad!!!! Please, if I send oyu my address? You could send it C.O.D., if you like.

[900blueberry]

That's hilarious and sad that American blues is now an English thing now.

[LeSaMilano]

@900blueberry I don't think it's sad, I think it's cool. The Rolling Stones liked American blues 50 years ago and took it , put their spin on it and gave it back as Rock and Roll. Not a bad exchange rate.

[TheBarryNoVa]

@LeSaMilano very well put and great documentary.wish it was longer though.

[LeSaMilano]

@TheBarryNoVa thanks very much - have been filming a longer documentary about CBGs which should be finished in about 6 months. :)

[TheBarryNoVa]

@LeSaMilano wicked.you never know i might be in one of your documentaries one day.lol.take it easy and keep up da good work.

[TEXMEXY]

I can,t wait for that,thats brilliant news!:)

[TEXMEXY]

Love this I wish it was 2hours long!

[LeSaMilano]

@TEXMEXY Thanks! Am in the middle of production on a 30 minute doc about the cigar box guitar folks! Stay tuned :)

[rebob59]

you guys rock

[javajini]

Wow, Leslie! You have really captured the spirit of the CBG movement. Really great work. I enjoyed it a lot.

[ixis99]

A very nice piece.LeSa! I

love cigar box guitars.Happy holidays from Berlin

[BasicModelling]

I didn't know it had quite such a following.. :)

[faunoram]

excellent job !

im learning final cut pro and i hope someday i could do a video as cool as this !

cheers from south america !

[LeSaMilano]

@faunoram Hola Sud America! FCP is great - I just started learning it last year - I used to use Sony Vegas (and some things about it are better than FCP).

Thanks for watching :)

[cinderellalifestyle]

Excellent! :-) excellent documentary,, (looks like I viewed vol2)...look forward to checking out your other productions...a friend tipped me to this vid,..of interest to me, you've featured a few of my fav players in the UK. It really is an International movement...I've yet to make one, but have a hekka fun time playing them.....:-)

Laurie

[LeSaMilano]

@cinderellalifestyle Thanks Laurie - and you do those three strings justice!

Did you see MrRandomwritings in the mix? He was instrumental in helping me get the film made and is my right hand man in the production of the 30 minute CBG film I'm making now. The Brits group are a great bunch of people - maybe you can come nto next year's fest!

[ShaktiLila]

~*~ Troubadour Magic ! ~*~

[kenrg]

Excellent documentary! More! More!

[LeSaMilano]

@kenrg Thanks Ken - there will be! stay tuned :)

[thebuffalogotee]

i made one of these. it doesnt look as good as the ones in this production but it sounds great and was very fun to make

[LeSaMilano]

@thebuffalogotee from what I understand, no one makes just one! It's addictive!

[edubyas]

@LeSaMilano I know, I've made about ten so far, and yes it is addictive!

[DelisaProductions]

Lesley, is this Part 2 of your documentary? You'll be posting it in its entirety here? What an amazing production!!! Love, love LOVE your mad editing skills. I am such a huge admirer of your work. So proud of you too, here's to all the fabulous women directors out there. All my love and best wishes, I hope word gets around about this documentary and it's shown in many venues when completed.

[LeSaMilano]

@DelisaProductions Thanks so much Lisa. I wish we lived near each other because I think we could really have fun working on projects together. I love the way your mind works.

This was actually meant as a stand-alone short doc and grew into more of a teaser film for a longer documentary which I am working on right now. I starting shooting last month but it's definitely a work in progress! I've got several films going at the minute - madness!

[atree3]

great vid

[LeSaMilano]

@atree3 Thank you - I love the idea of giving objects a new purpose a new life, old shirts for example :)

[ajdpadbury]

Amazing production, well done Lesley!:)

[LeSaMilano]

@ajdpadbury Thanks Anthony! had a great time making this :)

[phekwig]

Beautiful work as usual!

[LeSaMilano]

@phekwig Thanks Andy. A subject close to home!

[flydarling]

Max thinks this is really cool. I said "which the making or the playing?" "Both of course" his eyes sparkling. I will blame you if he starts smoking cigars at an early age.... Cheers, Lesley

[LeSaMilano]

@flydarling hehe - Max has the makings of a fine diplomat - and smoking is so UN-P.C. that he probably won't take it up!

[flydarling]

It's taken me ages to watch this because I wanted to sit and appreciate it. These guys are so fantastic and you let them come across just the way they are. This is a world I didn't know much about but am now so interested in because Max plays guitar. You of course my dear are also a master craftswoman I love how you've put this together. A treat I can't wait to share with my friends. Cheers, Lesley x

[LeSaMilano]

@flydarling aww thanks Lesley, that means a lot to me that you dedicated the time to watch - tough for a busy mum! I'm pleased with the film but more the outcome, which has been that I've met a whole bunch of great folks and am continuing the journey and making a film for and about them. xx

[dioramajue]

Fantastic stuff Lesley - you did us all proud - if this short clip is anything to go by the full length Documentry is going to be superb - thanks for dedicating your time to it

PS it was also good to meet both you and Brian in Person your a great couple

juju :)

[LeSaMilano]

@dioramajue Thanks Juju! It was really great meeting you too. Your resonator blues makes the mood of the film I think! Thanks so much for your support.

now I need to get back to work!

[Jordmate]

This is beautiful and so original Lesley - I love it!

[LeSaMilano]

@Jordmate thanks Richard! While I am not a builder or musician I can surely appreciate the whole idea, and they are a really nice group of people!

[Blinkazoid]

Well done Lesley! I watched in full screen and the video quality was great for 480p. There's quite a group of characters involved in the cigar box scene I must say. I'd give one a try myself if I could play. I've had my thrift store prop guitar here in a corner for almost two years and it's yet to make a video appearance, LOL.

[LeSaMilano]

@Blinkazoid Thanks Robert. I did have to reduce the film quite a bit to get it down to size for YT, The DVd version of course is much higher quality, but I'm pleased it looks ok here. In the old days it would not have been possible to upload it. Cigar Box Guitar builder would probably lust after your guitar for parts!! LOL

[andymooseman]

Great video Lesley. I love the whole DIY ethic involved here. There's nothing quite like getting back to basics.

I was thinking about Seasick Steve myself & then he was mentioned.

And any film that features the Blues, just has to have a shot of railway tracks doesn't it? :)

[LeSaMilano]

@andymooseman Thank you Andy, Yes I think Sea Sick Steve's popularity started the ball rolling....or moving faster perhaps.

couldn't NOT have rail tracks!

[VeliciaL]

Fantastic! What a wonderful testament to people's ingenuity.

[LeSaMilano]

@VeliciaL thank you! I agree, I love it when humans are resourceful.

[anniehiggy]

If I could play and enjoy a bottle of bubbly at the same time like Bluesbeaten Redshaw...

I love the sights AND sounds of this video. Bravissimo! Favorited! xo

[LeSaMilano]

@anniehiggy Thanks Annie - yes, now that makes sense, recycle bottles - I'll be the prime supplier ;)

[GizzardsandGravy]

great great great!!! love what i see here..and hear...thanks . olds sleeper.

[LeSaMilano]

@GizzardsandGravy love the channel name LOL

thanks for watching- glad you enjoyed :)

[smileykai77]

wow.. loved it. informative and very relevant to today's need for REAL music.

[LeSaMilano]

@smileykai77 Thanks! Yes, I think you said it very well - "REAL" music!

[sunsetlover]

Omg I love this fav'd it and sent it on to many of my cigar box playing friends

[LeSaMilano]

@sunsetlover Thanks Angie! This hand-made instrument world is so appealing in so many ways.

[alphaba2]

I remember the first one you put up. Love this. 

[LeSaMilano]

@alphaba2 thanks Ann - I really loved making this film! Great group of people.

[cooksterz]

Hand made things always sound better, because of the love put into them. Great film covering the artists that make these so intriguing. For me being a blues person at heart and from the deep south, i dont associate the Brit accents with blues at all, so it did make it interesting, but i kept hearing ole blues souls from eras past, nodding their heads towards them!! Bravo.

[LeSaMilano]

@cooksterz I love the FEEL of these instruments, too, somehow each object has a story to tell.

Brits might take issue with saying their accents don't go with blues, after all they borrowed black maestros' blues back in the 60s and gave it back to us as universal rock n' roll!

[thehouseon9thstreet]

I liked all the scenes, but I responded best to the interviews, which I thought were especially well done. I loved the use of the screen, near the end, to display five or six different scenes at one time. This is a *beautiful* documentary. I don't know very much, but I wonder whether that isn't all your own territory?

[LeSaMilano]

@thehouseon9thstreet it's the people that drive the movement, indeed - just regular folks from all walks, architects, lawyers, carpenters, plumbers, firemen, housewives - all coming together to share their ideas and junk conquests!

I'm fascinated by the idea of building things out of nothing and recycling with a purpose other than industrial need.

[johnmcnair]

this is so fantasticly awesity awsome!!!!!!!!!

[LeSaMilano]

@johnmcnair hey thanks very much John. You make some beautiful instruments - got to see one in person when i interviewed Hollowbelly. Great stuff!

[ChickenboneJohn]

I'm so pleased to have been able to be part of this...it's such a major step forward for what's happening in the UK in the Cigar Box Guitar and Home-Made Music scene. Well done..and keep this stuff coming!!

[LeSaMilano]

@ChickenboneJohn I couldn't have done it without you and the gang. Can't tell you how much I appreciate your support. You ARE the Godfather and you rock.

[GreatGig1]

This is sooooooooooooooooo amazing! The Mistress of all Things continues on in grand style! I can't wait to see the full version of this one! I LOVE that MrRW is in there too! I know, can't make a documentary on cigar box guitars without him! He has become an amazing luthier these days and I REALLY want one of his one of a kind, hand made with loads of TLC, creations!

Any plans as to where we can see/buy the documentary?? :-) xoxoxo

[LeSaMilano]

@GreatGig1 Thanks Caylyn! Brian's keep getting better and better let me tell you - each one is now a 'keeper' so am sad when he takes them down to the local instrument shop to be sold! I am in the process of getting quotes on DVD printing and such - will keep you posted! xxoxx

[bemuzic]

yeah love it, just watched it all again!!!...can't wait for the long one : -)

[LeSaMilano]

@bemuzic Thanks Belinda. a joy to make. Now am working my way through footage and planning the next phase of shooting :)

[H0LL0WBELLY]

cool man.

[LeSaMilano]

@H0LL0WBELLY you gave the film it's 'cool' factor dude! :D

[thizizliz]

Well done! I enjoyed it a great deal. Amazing to hear the sounds they are making from what would normally be junk. When we were kids we used them for pencil boxes to keep our school desks tidy. I like this use so much better.

[LeSaMilano]

@thizizliz Thanks Llz - it's amazing how something so ordinary can be made into something that sounds so good. Some of the instruments are really amazing pieces of art. We used old cigar boxes as keepsake boxes, but then it became un-PC to smoke!

[bugsinrug]

I had no idea that so many people were into cigar box guitar strumming and the making of them. Not until Brian started demonstrating his talent for both. Great video Lesley. Hugs, Chris

[LeSaMilano]

@bugsinrug a sekrit underground that's making it's way to the surface! Thanks Chris xox

[Pippilly]

That was so interesting, loved it! Most of the videos I watch are "Do it yourself" or "How to" It certainly is the way and so much more enjoyable. So many "arts" lost in the world of factory merchandising and cigar boxing is a wonderful example of that.

Looking forward to seeing your 30 minute documentary! Cheers!

[LeSaMilano]

@Pippilly Thanks Michelle! I love that people who share this interest are so giving and leave their egos at the door. Something about using found objects to make something that makes music makes me smile! xx

[greggfla]

I love it! Incredibly well made doc.! I watched it twice and put it straight in my favorites! Please keep up the brilliant work!

[LeSaMilano]

@greggfla Thanks Greg! have got about 5 film projects going at the moment - PLUS the next Cigar box guitar film. Head spinning !

[profwaldo]

Another great teaser, can't wait to see whole thing.

[LeSaMilano]

@profwaldo ha! this technically *is* the whole thing - meant as a stand-alone short film but I knew when I was making it that I wanted to delve deeper into the crazy world of cigar box guitars, hence the forthcoming LP! LOL

[profwaldo]

@LeSaMilano Oops, my mistake, so sue me. ;-)

This IS very well done indeed !

Okay fine....., I'll try to be more patient and appreciate

what you've so graciously given us thus far. Thank you.

I just want more, so hurry up damn-it ! ;o)

[LeSaMilano]

@profwaldo Ha ha - you know I live with a lawyer!

*back to laboratory*

[profwaldo]

@LeSaMilano I ain't skeerda' no lawyers !

Yeah, now I'm shakin' in my high-top Red Ball Jets.

Whaddaya' gonna' do, take away all of my nothing ?

Okay fine, I was headed for le' boreda' tories anyway.

;o)

[Perroquet51]

BTW, I had to click on "Subscriptions" to find this video. Brian's also. YouTube is so messed up, right now.

[LeSaMilano]

@Perroquet51 I hear grumblings from many about this - noticed some changes in my account pages so they are tweaking stuff behind the scenes.

[Perroquet51]

What a great documentary, Lesley. You combined a very interesting topic with your usual awesome editing and a catchy title, "Cigar Box Nation." Are you going to submit it to The Discovery Channel, or some place equally appropriate?

I remember when we were all in awe of your skills, way-back-when. Now, look at you: A real life pro, while the rest of us are struggling to be as good as you were in the beginning.

[LeSaMilano]

@Perroquet51 wow thanks Marc. I was going to submit it to a UK channel that supports home-grown docs - but they want 3 minute ones, so would have to re-edit and have a bit too much on my plate at the moment.

Not a pro *yet* but hope to et there. I still learn from watching everyone here, because ideas, not editing or expensive equipment, are really where it's at.

[neillconnor]

Brilliant

[LeSaMilano]

@neillconnor thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed :)

[longhairred]

Lesley... this is really wonderful and I ~can't~wait to see your documentary!

The husband and I are proud do-it-yourself'ers.

[LeSaMilano]

@longhairred Thanks Marie - this one is sort of meant to stand alone in the world of short films, but indeed it has led me to wanting to delve a bit more into the world of diy and making things out of recycled stuff. We are d-i-y-ers too - but I draw the line at plumbing!

[EvilOToole]

My cousin and her partner are luthiers and they wouldn't be impressed by this idea. I love it though and I have a few empty cigar boxes hanging around - I knew I went to Cuba for a reason. And as a not very skilled mandolin player I'm always attracted to instruments with fewer strings. Great video Lesley.

[MrRandomWritings]

@EvilOToole A friend of mine is a fine luthier - makes lyres, lutes etc and even he is having a go at a Cigar Box guitar though I had to point out to him that there are absolutely no rules about making Cigar Box Guitars but making your own box is a serious breach of Rule 1!!!

[LeSaMilano]

@EvilOToole Brian started out building instruments the"hard" way - steaming and bending wood like luthiers, but then he clicked on a link about cigar box guitars and the rest, as they say.....one aspect I really like about it is the idea of making something from found objects. I just wish we could *find* more space to put them! LOL

thanks Tim :)

[EddyBergman]

Are you a professional documentary maker? I guess you are coz this looks awesome! Kudo's to you!

[LeSaMilano]

@EddyBergman Not *quite* pro, but want to be when I grow up! Thanks so much.

[EddyBergman]

@LeSaMilano When you grow up? Oh plenty of time then.. ^__^

[LeSaMilano]

@EddyBergman hehehe!

[MrRandomWritings]

Though I have seen this once or twice (!) before I still love watching it - not just because I'm in it but this film really reflects the vision and ethos of "the scene" here in the UK rather better than others I have seen which just showcase certain individuals and events.

Well done darling. xx

I'm in it too - did I mention that?

[LeSaMilano]

@MrRandomWritings You have had to suffer more viewing and incarnations of the film than anyone else, and pose looking cool in freezing temps down by the river! But one thing is you're the ONLY one who got the official T-shirt!

xox

[stanwull]

@MrRandomWritings - hey, I saw you in the corner having a blast!

[benzone50]

Fantastic little documentary. Thoroughly enjoyed watching

[LeSaMilano]

@benzone50 Thanks Ben. I loved the project, which has spurred on another!

[stanwull]

'sounds' promising.

[LeSaMilano]

@stanwull it's all boxed up, so hard to tell!

[BradThunder]

As Alan Partridge once said (actually, it was Shakin' Stevens in praise of AP) 'Lovely stuff!'

Appetite well and truly whetted!

[LeSaMilano]

@BradThunder thanks Gary - who knew my video would bring on a night of fish and chips, lager and blue ray?