Celebrating the Raw Sounds of Appalachian History

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Music We Call Country
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Genre: Music Documentary
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 59m
Director(s): Greg Gross
Where to Watch: watch here, now: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Country music’s origins are often romanticized, but THE MUSIC WE CALL COUNTRY does something better: it traces the genre’s roots with detail and genuine affection for the people that shaped its sound. At just under an hour, Greg Gross’ documentary is concise yet not rushed, offering an exploration of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and the first wave of country superstars, including Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family.

The film focuses on a key question: how did music born from rural front porches and isolated Appalachian hollers reach the wider world? Gross utilizes rare archival photos, candid interviews, and carefully curated narration by Eugene Wolf to answer that, showcasing how the convergence of artistry, cultural conditions, and recording innovation gave rise to an enduring musical tradition.

What makes this documentary stand out is its grounding in the human stories behind the legend. Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family are iconic figures now, but in the late 1920s, they were unknown talents from humble beginnings. The film contextualizes how producer Ralph Peer’s recording sessions in Bristol were transformative—not just for the artists involved, but for the way America began to hear itself. These weren’t slick studio productions; they were field recordings done with bulky, primitive equipment, capturing songs full of lived experience. That rawness is what still resonates, and the film never loses sight of that fact.

Interviews with historians and musicians provide insight into why those sessions were so important. Scholars like Ted Olson and musicians connected to the Carter legacy, such as Rita Forrester, explain how this wasn’t just about commercial success; it was about documenting a culture before it disappeared. Through their voices, the film connects past to present, showing how early country’s themes—love, loss, faith, resilience—remain central to music today.

One of the film’s strongest elements is its ability to highlight the role of “new” technology in shaping cultural history. Gross devotes significant attention to the recording equipment used during the Bristol Sessions and its revolutionary impact for its time. It’s fascinating to see how technological advances have made it possible for isolated mountain music to gain national recognition. That emphasis doesn’t get overly technical; instead, it serves as a reminder that innovation often amplifies voices that might otherwise remain unheard.

Visually, the film has an old-soul charm. The archival photographs are striking and plentiful, presented with care rather than as filler. Seeing Rodgers and the Carters in their youth adds depth to names often reduced to mere mentions in textbooks. Paired with Wolf’s narration, the images create a sense of intimacy and nostalgia without tipping into sentimentality. When the film shows sweeping shots of Bristol and other locations tied to the story, there’s an added weight in knowing these landscapes still echo with the music created there nearly a century ago.

Where the film earns points for honesty is in its acknowledgment that this is a focused, not exhaustive, history. It doesn’t attempt to encompass the entire evolution of country music. Instead, it zeroes in on the Bristol Sessions and their immediate aftermath. The film makes a subtle but powerful case that these recordings didn’t just document songs; they reflected the hopes and struggles of working-class America during a period of transition. That context enriches the story, reminding viewers that country music wasn’t—and isn’t—monolithic. It came from a mixture of cultural influences, including gospel, folk, and blues traditions.

The documentary’s length is both a strength and a limitation. At 59 minutes, it’s highly accessible; you can watch it in one sitting and come away with a solid understanding of why the Bristol Sessions matter. Some viewers may wish there were more room for performance clips or additional exploration of lesser-known artists recorded during those sessions. However, the choice to keep it tight makes the film approachable to casual viewers without alienating those who already love the genre.

Ultimately, THE MUSIC WE CALL COUNTRY succeeds in its mission: it brings to life a pivotal moment in American music history and honors the people who made it happen. The Bristol Sessions were lightning in a bottle, and this documentary lets audiences witness that spark. It’s a love letter to the roots of country music and an invitation for viewers to explore more.

For those who care about cultural history or want to understand why the genre has endured for nearly a century, this is a meaningful watch. It’s not flashy or overproduced; it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones told with simplicity and heart, and that’s exactly what this documentary delivers.

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[photo courtesy of NOBLE GIANT FILMS]

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