The Mississippi River traverses the United States for 2,350 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico as a route of migration, trade, exploitation, and cultural exchange. The musicians Swamp Dogg, Donald Harrison, Leyla McCalla and Logan Schutts explain how influences from West Africa and the Caribbean find new forms in places like Congo Square in New Orleans and how important rhythm and dance were and still are on the sorrow-stricken banks of the river.

Commentary: Sarj Lynch, production and editing: Julia Vorkefeld, interviews and script: Arno Raffeiner.

Music:

Donald Harrison – Hu-ta-Nay,

Leyla McCalla – Fort Dimanche,

Kumasi – Runoff,

Skip James – Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues,

Swamp Dogg – The World Beyond,

Kumasi – Slough City,

Leyla McCalla – Artibonite,

Donald Harrison – Dat's Jazz,

Allen Toussaint – Bright Mississippi.