Scorsese shepherds PBS's blues project

NEW YORK, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Seven directors, including project Martin Scorsese, will present their visions on aspects of "The Blues" this fall on PBS.

The films, being broadcast on seven consecutive nights beginning Sept. 28, will explore how the blues evolved over the past century from parochial folk tunes to a universal musical language.

"If you already know the blues, then maybe this music will give you a reason to go back to it. And if you're coming across it for the first time, I can promise you this: Your life is about to change for the better," Scorsese said in a companion book.

Scorsese, who directed "The Last Waltz," "Raging Bull" and "Gangs of New York," directed the opening installment, "Feel Like Going Home."

The six succeeding films were directed by Wim Wenders, Richard Pearce, Charles Burnett, Marc Levin, Mike Figgs and Clint Eastwood, who wraps up "The Blues" with his take on "Piano Blues."

The series concludes Oct. 3.