Taking its title from Herb Ellis’ most famous composition, Detour Ahead chronicles the life and music of the famed jazz guitarist. From his birth in Farmersville, Texas and his early days playing rhythm in the big bands of Jimmy Dorsey and Glen Gray to his innovative work with groups like the Soft Winds, Detour Ahead covers every major step of the guitarist’s life.
Much attention is given to his groundbreaking work with the Oscar Peterson Trio of the 1950s, his days with Ella Fitzgerald, his work with the Great Guitars, and his many friends in jazz.
On-camera interviews include Ray Brown, Charlie Byrd, Benny Golson, Benny Green, Al Grey, Lionel Hampton, Gene Harris, Jon Hendricks and Hank Jones.
Along with modern interviews, Detour Ahead features never-before-seen home movies from jazz’s golden age of Herb on tour with Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and others.
Complete musical tunes from various live and studio venues include The Days of Wine and Roses, Sweet Georgia Brown, Body and Soul, Georgia On My Mind, Danny Boy, John Brown’s Body and Wave.
Sidemen include guitarists Charlie Byrd, Tal Farlow, Terry Holmes; bassmen Norm Cochran and Jack Hannah, drummers Tommy Perkins and Ernie Durawa and pianist Sonny Gray.