Brian Setzer - Christmas Extravaganza (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I saw the Brian Setzer Orchestra two years back when they did a Christmas show here in Wisconsin, and I'm seeing them this holiday season as well, so I figured this would be a great disc to buy. And was I ever right! This disc does a much better job of capturing the fun atmosphere and high energy music of the band than their previous DVD release did. The band sounds just as good as they do on both of their Christmas CD's, and watching the band mambers get into the music while playing it, makes it even more fun for the viewer. The highlight of the disc (and of their live show in general) is when they play the "Nutcracker Suite" for an encore. While often considered a "novelty" swing band, the Nutcracker really shows that all members of the band are world-class musicians first and foremost. It was good to see a few non-Christmas Setzer classics in the playlist, but "Rumble in Brighton" and "Fishnet Stockings" seem odd choices for a Christmas show. Overall, great Christmas fun for all viewers, and I highly recommend it!

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Filmed December 18, 2004 at L.A's sold-out Universal Amphitheatre, its is easily the best video presentation of the Brian Setzer Orchestra ever. A 1-hour-and-40-minute concert, plus behind the scenes b-roll footage, including a first-time look at Brian Setzer and his orchestrator composing a chart from scratch. Track Listings:Dig that Crazy Santa Claus, This Cat's On A Hot Tin Roof, Boogie Woogie Christmas, Dirty Boogie, Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, Santa Claus is Back in Town, Caravan, Pipeline, Stray Cat Strut/You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch, Jump Jive An' Wail, Zat You Santa Claus?, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Run Rudolph run, Gene & Eddie, Blue Christmas, Rat Pack Boogie, Fishnet Stockings, Rock This Town, Nutcracker Suite, Rumble in Brighton, Gettin' In the Mood.

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Back To Budokan (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Here's my review without trying to spoil it for anybody. When I first heard Mr. Big back in the late 80's I was addicted to that rush from the start. I've seen them live and own all of their cd's (including their solos) and always thought they were some of the best musicians/artists in the business. 20 years later and I feel the same way! When Paul left and the bad went separate ways shortly after that it was a huge let down. They are top notch artists that truly love what they do. So when I heard they were getting back together in early 2009 with all 4 original members I was pumped. Only to find out they were going to pretty much tour in Japan and Europe. Their following in Japan is huge so I get that. Hopefully they will play some dates together here in the US. Doubtful, but I can only hope they show up at the House of Blues here in Cleveland soon. Now as far as this DVD is concerned, Mr. Big Back at the Budokan is amazing and unfortunately for now the only way to see their next time around tour. First off, all 4 members sound amazing and play their hearts out. What I really enjoy about this band is that they just jam and have fun. It helps they are all great at what they do including the vocal harmonies. The Double Human Capo and Smoke on the water in this set list proves they like to have a lot of fun and mix things up. They truly put on a great show and it shows they love playing in Japan. The audience is something I noticed. Nobody's drinking beer and falling all over the place. Everyone's by their seats, there's no screaming and yelling during the songs but the audience is very involved and sings along when prompted. The audio is great and the video is excellent with several cameras all over the place including some video from Paul's and Billy's guitar necks. Very cool! Pat Torpey and Billy Sheehan are spot on and Billy is just amazing to watch on Bass Guitar. Very talented! Eric Martin in my opinion has always been in my top 5 as far as singers, right up there with Paul Rogers, Freddie Mercury and Jim Morrison. Call me crazy, but man can Eric sing. There's something smooth yet a little abrasive, bluesy and rock all wrapped up into his voice that is just great and Eric sounds better than ever here. Just listen to the Live acoustic bonus footage on disc 2 and see for yourself. Now for Paul Gilbert. Let's face it, he could always play but it seems he has really grown over the last few years. Pick up his solo cd's titled Get out of my yard and Silence followed by a deafening roar and you'll be blown away. He is a blast to watch and rips it up on guitar. Paul plays fast, furious but stays sharp and hits those notes. He plays the drums on one song as well which is a treat to see. But Paul Gilbert is another musician that is high up there on my top guitarists list. This double DVD comes packaged nicely in a booklet style with great pictures and some basic info inside. Disc 1 has most of the show and disc 2 has the encores with some nice extras and bonus footage. This includes a very cool video of the song Next time Around with some video footage of the old days when they had hair down to their, well you know. It also has an acoustic performance at the Hard Rock that sounds awesome. The only negative, which is minor and had to be done for some reason is that you have to put in DVD 2 for the encores therefore the show doesn't run together. No big deal. I would recommend this DVD to any Mr. Big fan, no matter how Big, or little they are. I was lucky to get it at $14.99 here on Amazon and it's worth the money. I was also a little shocked there hasn't been a review yet, so I hope this helps in your decision.

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Double DVD set recorded during the Next Time Around Tour in 2009. Mr. Big is a Rock supergroup that formed in 1988. The band is a quartet composed of Eric Martin (vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Pat Torpey (drums). The band is noted especially for their excellent musicianship, intense live performances, and well-crafted songs. Prior to the formation of the group, each of the members already had a reputation of being virtuosos as well as established songwriters. Their songs were often marked with Eric Martin's strong lead vocals, four part band vocal harmonies, and a technical proficiency in all instruments. Their hits include 'To Be With You' (Billboard Hot 100 #1 single in 1991). This DVD features bonus material including an acoustic live performance. Frontiers. 2009.

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Red Hot Chili Peppers - Off the Map (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)I wasn't sure what to expect from a RHCP's live performance with John Frusciante back in the lineup. By far my favorite guitar player they've had, I didn't know if he could still play after his drug abuse problems in the years away from the band. Their "Californication" did little to alleviate those fears, his playing and soloing being so sparse and sort of un-practiced sounding. Don't get me wrong. "Californication" is a great album but it's much different from the chops galore "Blood Sugar Sex Magic". (And I don't mean that as a slam-BSSM is a masterwork in no small part due to Frusciante's intricate, interweaving lines throughout).
"Off the Map" put all my doubts to bed. Frusciante plays his [behind] off. Just check out "If You Have to Ask". Shredding, but he's so much more than than just a shredder. Something magical happens when his Strat, through a Wah, hits a Marshall. It's the tone for sure and then his note selection and use of space that really sets him apart from "shredders". I had read recently in a guitar magazine interview that he's trying to change his style, henceforth the new, sparse approach he's used on the last two albums. It's pretty funny to watch actually. When they play the new songs his playing shifts dramatically to the new style he's developing.
And don't let me forget Chad Smith and Flea. They are powerhouses here. Flea's gone from slapmaster (oh, he can still slap!) to improvisor and it suits him well. Chad is like a rock holding John and Flea's improvisations together.
This is a fun and inspiring dvd. The only reason I don't give it a 5 star review is because it does falter here and there. But that's what you get when your live show isn't prerecorded canned [stuff] and you take musical risks. That where the fun happens with these guys.

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Off the Map is the first concert home video since 1991 from one of rock's greatest live experiences, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Off the Map is also the band's first concert DVD--the only way to witness the funk-funk-rockmetal-rap musical orgy of one of today's most popular bands. Songs: Around The World, Give It Away, Usually Just a T-Shirt #3, Scar Tissue, Suck My Kiss, If You Have to Ask, Subterranean Homesick Blues, Otherside, Blackeyed Blonde, Pea, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Easily, What Is Soul?, Fire, Californication, Right On Time, Under The Bridge, Me And My Friends.

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John Mayer - Any Given Thursday (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you love the eccentric, amazing, & personal things that are John Mayer, you have to buy this! I have watched and rewatched this DVD, and rewatched it many more times with the commentary by John and Scotty Crowe. The set (as only 'Room For Squares' and 'Inside Wants Out' had been released at the time) is very good and you should definitely see it if you like John Mayer. If, as a previous review suggested, you do not enjoy watching John live, then buy the live CD. I personally believe the music is quality, which is hard to find these days. John Mayer is totally live with no annoying lip-syncing, lengthy costume changes, overdone pyro, etc. It's refreshing to see an artist like this on stage. His unique "guitar faces" (as JM himself says on this DVD) and "dances" could be unpleasant to some I suppose. But appreciate the fact that it is a live show! No editing of the vocals has been done, etc. His guitar skills are amazing! I strongly suggest going to see John Mayer on tour, because you get to see even more impressive things than this. The DVD does do a good job of showing what he is like. He talks/rambles in the show which is extremely funny with his wit. He also (I believe) sings beautifully. He covers The Police's 'Message In A Bottle' and then Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'Lenny' before going into his older and unreleased song 'Man on the Side'. Make sure you listen to the commentary! His sense of humor is great, and it provides you with a greater appreciation for him as a person.

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Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble - Live at Montreux 1982 & 1985 (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)After reading for years about Stevie Ray's rejection in 1982 at the hands of the Montreux audience, I was both excited and a bit apprehensive upon the release of this DVD, knowing it would afford me the opportunity to experience the realism of the event. I've forced myself to believe that the booing was directed more at what the crowd perceived as a pretentiousness on the part of SRV, with the cowboy hat, boots, chest tattoo, and the fact that Stevie was certainly not a conventional or mainstream blues performer. Being a relatively young, not yet 28 year old white man probably didn't help either.
But as I watch the 1982 show, I am absolutely dumbstruck by the crowd's reaction. Yes, there are obviously some players in the crowd who recognize the mastery of Stevie's technique, and they initially cheer rather boisterously and with great approval. The cheering only seemed to anger the "purists" who booed all the more loudly and who seemed to have made the final word by the conclusion of SRV's set.
If you can place yourself in the moment, the final shot of Stevie walking off backstage is heartbreaking, showing bewilderment, discouragement, anger - I can't imagine what was going through his mind - he had just played his heart out!
Most of us know the rest of the story and Stevie's incredible success at bringing his music to a mass audience. What '82 Montreux perhaps shows best is how difficult it can be for anyone to present a unique and original approach to a traditional musical idiom like the Blues.
I initially intended to write a scathing indictment of the Montreux crowd. I'll just leave it at this - Frank Zappa once said that most people wouldn't recognize good music if it bit them in the ass. This Montreux crowd wouldn't have recognized musical virtuosity if it slapped them in the face.

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Although both the 1982 and 1985 shows were recorded live in Montreux, Switzerland, Vaughan and company are booed and heckled throughout the 1982 performance and return to headline and mesmerize the crowd in 1985.No Track Information AvailableMedia Type: DVDArtist: VAUGHAN,STEVIE RAY & DOUBLE TROUBLETitle: LIVE AT MONTREUX 1985 & 1985Street Release Date: 09/14/2004

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Fender Presents: Getting Started on Electric Guitar -- A Guide for Beginners (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Are you searching for the best instructional DVD for electric guitar? This is it.
I bought a slew of instructional guitar DVDs in the past month - and I'm writing this review so you don't have to! This one is clearly the best.
It covers rock, blues, country music, each with a detailed breakdown of rhythm and solo. Keith Wyatt (a superb teacher) leads you through every step of the way. His relaxed, intelligent manner and clear presentation are head and shoulders above the other instructional guitar DVDs. This DVD was professionally planned, rehearsed, and performed... maybe because Fender put their name on it. A whole lot of thought and time went into making this a top-notch foundational guitar lesson.
Many of the other DVDs were done by simply turning on a camera on in front of a great guitarist (who may not have the ability to articulate what he is thinking). This DVD could teach the others how to teach.
Everyone who buys an electric guitar should also buy this DVD. This DVD and a chord book are all you need to get started.
I am still in search of a good Jazz guitar DVD/book that will treat Jazz on the level that this DVD taught rock, blues, and country: a basic set of Jazz chords and a basic Jazz solo. After finding this DVD, I am hoping that Fender and Keith Wyatt will continue this series with a Jazz DVD.
Bottom Line: Five Stars. Buy it. You won't be disappointed.
P.S. If you are getting two DVDs, the second best Instructional Guitar DVD is "Learn To Play Rippin Lead Guitar with Paul Lidel."

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Getting Started on Electric Guitar offers a complete course for the beginning electric guitarist. Step-by-step lessons incorporating clear, easy-to-follow 3-D graphics and unique play-along tracks teach the viewer the essential chords, scales and techniques used by electric guitar players in every popular style, including rock, blues and country. This DVD is separated into two major sections.Part 1 ¯ The First Step covers: tuning methods · string names · essential chords and scales used by all players · musical reference section (notes, rhythms, chords and scales) · practice tips · fretting-hand technique · picking-hand technique · backing tracks for play-along · an animated fretboard · plus much more. Part 2 ¯ Play Electric! covers: right-hand technique · left-hand technique · rhythm parts (muting, alternate picking, arpeggios) · soloing technique (string bending, vibrato) · rock, blues & country styles · rhythm and solo ideas for each style · backing tracks in each style for play-along · sounds (amplifiers and effects) · caring for your instrument · and tips from the Fender Custom Shop.Special DVD features include: bonus footage, including a tour of the Fender factory! Also: looping capabilities · web site links specifically for beginning guitarists · a multi-language feature so you can view the DVD in English, Spanish, German, French or Japanese.

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Jack Johnson: En Concert (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been a Jack Johnson fan ever since hearing Flake and Bubble Toes when Brushfire Fairytales was first released. His concert footage was always tough for me to source, so when Jack Johnson En Concert came out, I thought it was time to see how his laid back tunes translated to the live venue. I was not disappointed. I knew I was in for a treat when the bold, block letter opening credits played over black and white street scenes of Paris - an obvious nod to Godard and the new wave film maker aesthetic. This set the tone for the film - it is not so much a concert video, as some other reviewers may have hoped, but rather a documentary of their 2008 tour through Europe with fantastic cinematography and beautiful live footage of Johnson and his three piece band, along with their tourmates Ben Harper, Mason Jennings, Matt Costa and Neil Halstead. Directed by Emmett Malloy (who also shot Thicker than Water with Johnson in 2000), I find its approach comparable to Wilco's I am Trying to Break Your Heart in that it interposes concert footage shot from amazing perspectives with interviews and behind the scenes footage that really exposes what a great bunch of guys are behind such enjoyable music. While yes I concede that there are some grainy and blurred scenes (or footage that looks like it is shot from a cell phone) - I see these as artistically compelling elements that even on HD I find are a true enhancement to the visual experience. I'd choose a live DVD such as this over a straight-on concert DVD for a performer such as Jack Johnson, for it is the perfect milieu for the sentimentality that is so deeply steeped in his music. The surfing footage alone is worth 5 stars - if you haven't seen/heard of the standing wave on the Eisbach River in Munich, the scene here of Johnson riding it is a real treat. If you are into musicians taking a more artistic approach to the release of their concert footage, give this one a try - you'll be rewarded. However, if you are looking for a full concert shot from a multitude of angles in HD, give this one a pass.

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In the summer of 2008 Jack Johnson took a trip through Europe playing everywhere from historical venues to classic outdoor stages making it the biggest tour of his career. The film is a collection of live performances with Jack's quartet along with special appearances by G. Love, Ben Harper, Mason Jennings, Neil Halstead and Matt Costa. Through weathering the stormy nights in Newquay to surfing on a river in Germany, to playing the packed house in London's Hyde Park, the film takes you on a trip and captures the connection between an audience and an artist on an international stage. This is more than a compilation of performances, this is an intimate look at Jack Johnson, his life on the road, and the unique dialogue he has with his fans.

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