Genghis Blues

Paul Pena was a blind San Francisco bluesman who played with blues greats like T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and John Lee Hooker. After the death of his wife in 1991, Paul spent much of his time alone listening to short wave radio. He had stumbled upon a Russian radio program of traditional Tuvan throatsinging, and he began to teach himself this unique style of harmonic singing as well as some of the Tuvan language. In 1993, Paul met Kongar-ol Ondar, a Tuvan singer on tour in San Francisco. After an impromptu demonstration of his skills, Paul was invited to travel to Tuva and participate in the their triennial throatsinging competition. His adventure to this small country (between Russia and Mongolia) makes up the majority of Genghis Blues. It is truly an amazing film. A must see for any MNITBY fan.