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The Musical Madness of Col. Bruce Hampton
Fans get a double dose with documentary at film fest and performance at Proud Larrys
By Tad Wilkes, Nightlife & Lifestyles Editor
Fans of the cosmic purity and strange stylings of Colonel Bruce Hampton’s music are in for a tandem treat Friday, February 22. A documentary about the man, Basically Frightened: The Musical Madness of Colonel Bruce Hampton, shows at 1 p.m. as part of the Oxford Film Festival, at the Malco Theater. Then, Hampton himself will perform at Proud Larrys; the show starts around 8 p.m.
The documentary was directed by Michael Koepenick, hailing from Hampton’s home state of Georgia and runs 87 minutes. The film includes the insights of famous Hampton fans including Billy Bob Thornton, Dave Matthews, Peter Buck, Derek Trucks, Phish, Widespread Panic, and Blues Traveler. Basically Frightened follows Hampton from the start of his his career with an unprecedented six-figure record deal in 1970. After releasing the worst selling album in the history of Columbia Records, he made a brave decision and continued his musical career, devoting himself to creating pure art rather than attempt any commercial success.
Here’s the trailer for Basically Frightened: