For “I Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down,” by Frank Matheis
“People often ask me, ‘To what do you attribute the resurgence of the
Blues ?’ Usually I reply, ‘I didn’t know it went anywhere.’ Well it is
thanks to people like Frank Matheis that it is always available. For the
new listener, this will turn you on to the many colored art form that the
blues really are. For the long time fan, you will hear things you heard years ago as well as things you should have heard years ago. You will also hear things you should hear today. Don’t miss ‘I Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down’.”
-Jorma Kaukonen
Singer/Songwriter
Hot Tuna; The Jefferson Airplane
“…This [documentary] is much more in depth than I imagined. You get a lot of information in here but plenty of music too… Overall it’s impressive in that it’s both scholarly and entertaining…”
-Bruce Iglauer
President
Alligator Records
“Congratulations on ‘I Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down’. It is a brilliant, encylopedic and thoroughly enjoyable documentary of the blues… a truly epic achievement of song and sensitive commentary.”
-Raymond R. Patterson (deceased)
Poet and Author of Elemental Blues
former Professor of English, City University of New York
“What a great time I had listening to the 6 hours of blues documentary. I learned so much about the blues and about different performers, some of whose names I knew, and others it was great to learn about and hear. It was a great education for me and so entertaining as well I hope that many other people will have the opportunity to hear ‘I Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down’.”
-Sonny Ochs
Host of “Mostly Folk”
Producer – Phil Ochs Song Nights
WRPI, New York
“Frank Matheis’ radio documentary series, ‘I Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down,’ is distinguished both by the range of blues-topics covered in each episode and by the freshness of musical (and poetic) selections Matheis has chosen to include. He’s assembled an all-star cast, including actor James Earl Jones and folklorist David Evans. The blend of anecdotal and historical material works wonderfully to evoke the sorrows, hardships, redemptive humor, and creative artistry of the blues people Matheis profiles. ‘The blues,’ Matheis notes eloquently, ‘can be about crying and dying, about hopes and dreams and everything in between.’ Beautifully put–like so much else in this fascinating and informative series.”
-Dr. Adam Gussow
Blues Scholar and Harmonica Player (Satan & Adam)
Author of Mister Satan’s Apprentice
Prof. at the University of Mississippi
“… Reflecting Mr. Matheis’ deep appreciation for the soulful wellspring from which the best of this music surges — as well as for the contagiously emotive form itself — this program intersperses a mix of probing, thoughtful commentary and evocative anecdotes with excellent music selections, including a number of surprises…There is enough cogent explanation of sources, social context, technique and evolution here to guide the uninitiated while enriching the experience for blues cognoscenti as well. Equally gratifying, with strong production values, the program delivers this powerful music with a vibrant presence throughout.”
-Procter Lippincott
Former music editor at Scholastic Magazines , and music writer for Down Beat, The Village Voice and Newsday, among others
“This is a professionally produced series worthy of any blues loving radio station putting to air. Insightful commentary and spot on historical track selection guides the listener through the history of Mississippi Delta Blues from its origins in Africa to the present day…. I’d just like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to air this wonderful program.”
-Geoff Pegler
Host of BluesBeat
FM 89.3 Victor Harbor, 94.7 Strathalbyn, 88.3 Yankalilla S.A.
Host of “The Sound of the Fleurieu”
FM 106.7 Mildura, 90.7 Robinvale & Wentworth Vic, 87.8 Coomealla Nsw Australia
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