‘Down in the Valley’ Recap: ‘From the Juke to the Junt’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Nicco Annan and Jimmy ‘Duck’ Holmes in Episode 104 of ‘Down in the Valley’ – ‘From the Juke to the Junt’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Down in the Valley’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular frustration that fans of documentaries and docu-series share in now in again, it would have to be dealing with a story in that vein… that does not deliver as promised. For every now and then, we will hear about a documentary that promises the world or a learning experience about a topic we are desperate to know more about it. Only for it to fall the wayside and give us a sub-par exploration or a story that doesn’t teach us a thing. And really, all we want is honesty and what were promised and that is why so many of us are celebrating Down in the Valley on STARZ. Simply because, this docu-series is giving us exactly what it promised, and more, really.

For STARZ stated it would be a definitive look at life in the Deep South in 2024 and we are definitely getting that. Since host Nicco Annan has showcased how this old conversative stronghold isn’t as conservative as one might think. Because the rest of the world and its ideals are easing their way into the South and that’s giving rise to tolerance and learning when it comes to our sexual desires, and it’s also giving rise to powerful journeys of self-discovery for new members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Which is great because love and love, and everyone should be their authentic selves. And all of this has been presented to us alongside powerful moments of raw emotion and honesty that you don’t normally see in this kind of show, and it is not done yet with its incredible exploration of this part of the world.

For last night’s episode of the show, dug deep into matters that we don’t talk about enough when it comes to the South. Specifically, its long-standing ties to the arts and how it is in many ways, Hollywood for musicians. For so many make their way to Memphis to be the next big country star the same way people flock to Los Angeles to see their name in lights. But this is something to recognize because the South is indeed the home of the Blues and Juke Joints, and truly… the rich impact that music has had upon the Delta and the world, makes it the epitome of something that Stephen King said in his book, On Writing. In that, ‘life isn’t a support system for art; it’s the other way around.’

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Jucee Froot and Nicco Annan in Episode 104 of ‘Down in the Valley’ – ‘From the Juke to the Junt’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Which was made evident by way of this week’s introductions. For we met several artists responsible for the soundtrack of P-Valley. Such as Jucee Froot, who sings the iconic theme song that shares the namesake of this series, and we came to learn how art helped her survive and thrive during hardships in life, and how it energized her to reach higher and above her pain. Something that so many speak of when it comes to what music does for their very soul. As for Talibah Sayifa and her partner, Bertram Williams Jr., well they are eager to embody that in their work. For they truly want people to FEEL something from music and understand its power and influence and that truly does speak to the majesty of music on the Delta, and it was fascinating to learn how it becomes that support system.
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But of course, since this is a truly comprehensive documentary through and through, one that explores every corner of what it speaks to, it should come as no surprise that Nicco took the time to transport us to Bentonia, Mississippi. Wherein we were able to see the majesty and wonder of the iconic and historic Blue Front Café and meet Jimmy ‘Duck Holmes. A blues musician that also runs the Blue Front Café and has been nominated for a Grammy Award for his work, and meeting him, through our televisions was not only a great honor… but offered a great understanding of how music and the blues are part of the very DNA of the Delta. And Jimmy spoke to how it means more to him to get that music out there and ignite something in the souls of people than worry about awards and accolades. All of which speaks to how music is so deeply tied to the South, making it no wonder that so many want to be part of it.

Because then… you’re included in something special, something historical and generational in nature and well, all of this made… for one incredible chapter in this journey. For once again, we came to learn so much about the South. Plus, we were privy to the joy that music brings to its artists in this tale, and we came away with a grand understanding of what it means to folks that live in the South and that really is important to learn. Because it helps to remind us, of the majesty of the United States of America, and that it is home to so much more than what we usually toil over. It is outright host to real beauty and real creativity, the kind that inspires and energizes and that’s something worthwhile, and now that we’ve had this fine lesson, it’s onto the next stop in the valley. Until next time.   

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Bertram Williams Jr. and Talibah Sayifa in Episode 104 of ‘Down in the Valley’ – ‘From the Juke to the Junt’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)