Description

A special one-time event documenting one of rock and roll's greatest and most unique performances. Recorded live at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles, Roy Orbison is joined by an eclectic ensemble of rock and roll superstars. Highlighting this all-star line-up are Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, T-Bone Burnett, J.D. Souther, Jennifer Warnes, k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits. Orbison and fellow performers spend a scintillating hour performing many of his greatest hits. Songs: Only the Lonely, Dream Baby, The Comedians, Ooby Dooby, Leah, Running Scared, In Dreams, Crying, Candyman, Go Go Go, Mean Woman Blues, It's Over, Oh Pretty Woman, Dream You, Blue Bayou, Claudette. ... Read more

Reviews (118)

An Amazing DVD!
We saw part of this dvd at a party at friends house last week and bought it from Amazon. We just watched it all at home tonight. Fantastic! I was never 'into' Orbison in my youth when he was first popular, but after watching this cd I have to recognize him as one of the greatest. What an amazing, unusual, voice. You feel as if it is going to 'crack' at any moment from those long, high notes, but never does--it's always perfectly controlled. As if Orbison doing Orbison's great repertoire wasn't enough, the "Friends" doing backup for Orbison doing all his great songs are, among others: a young Bruce Springsteen [looking star struck the whole night b/c he was playing with Orbison], Jackson Brown, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, with Bonnie Raitt, k.d. Laing, and Jennifer Warnes doing the female backup vocals. The Orbison/Springseen duo on "Sweet Dreams" alone would be worth the price of the album but all the songs are great. Play it in SurroundSound if you have it--can't beat it.

I didn't realize how great Roy was...
I didn't realize exactly how great Roy Orbison was until I saw his "Black & White Night" on PBS several months ago. That session brought all of my memories together into one massive event. I contributed to the PBS station just to get the VHS and CD versions of that concert, recognizing just how special it was. I just now spent nearly five hours listening to that CD while I read most of the 115 reviews on Amazon (avg = 5 stars out of 5) of the DVD, and the advantages (editing, video enhancements, extra tracts) of the DVD over the VHS and CD version I have. I just ordered two copies of the DVD (one to watch/listen to, and one for backup).

If you have read this far, you realize the contribution of Roy, his talent, and the incredible array of stars that attended him at the "Black & White Night" event. For no other reason than your personal satisfaction, buy this DVD!

simply stupendous
I first saw this DVD on public TV as an enticement to donate. What a great investment. Roy's voice and songs are unique and hopefully will live on indefinitely through this CD and DVD. When I'm home alone and can crank up the sound on the DVD and watch and listen to Roy and friends it is almost spellbinding. I can't get enough of the "girls" as backup. Bruce is great (he seems like a baby almost)....totally in awe of Roy and James Burton...who seems to be the White of "Black and White"...what a plucker he is. When in the car, the CD carries me through until I can watch the DVD again.I own many CDs and DVDs but watch/listen to these two the most...over and over!!!

Five stars NOT ENOUGH
I have been to hundreds of concerts, from Jazz, Pop, Big Band, Country, Classic and whatever I've left out. I wasn't aware of this one until I saw it on PBS. With the Boss, k.d.lang, and a group of the best musicians all playing free and singing along with Orbison's unique and beautiful range, this wasn't a concert, it was a celebration. It was in the top 5 I've seen in a lifetime (with my range of interests there have been others, such as a Mahlar's Symphony of a Thousand, The Highwaymen, Jazz at the Philharmonic, etc. that reached a peak of their own form). But the excitement and pure enjoyment of the performers and listeners made it an emotional experience. Like a great Willie Nelson or Louis Armstrong performance it can be seen over and over.

Stunning! Not just for "fans"...
Last year, an electronics store here in Tokyo wisely chose this DVD to try to sell more 'home theater' systems. I was in a huge rush, but was instantly captivated by the phenomenal guitar sounds I was hearing. Milliseconds later, I recognized the song, the major artist and the fact that there was probably a whole, live concert of Roy Orbison being played. I stopped my mad rush to an appointment to listen to "Pretty Woman" in its entirety. [This is the finale...] Then, as the crowd in front of me dissipated, I caught sight of some of the performers on a gigantic, but low, plasma display and was a little surprised to see that the whole concert had obviously been recorded in monochrome.

I have to admit that I've never been a huge Roy Orbison fan--I didn't buy his albums when I was young, but no-one could really DISlike his voice or his compositions. I probably knew every one of his numbers that was regularly played on the radio and I consider myself to have "grown up" singing along to Roy Orbison's mellow sounds. So, although my tastes run the gamut from world and ethnic music, thru blues, jazz and 'fusion' all the way to classics and a (very) little opera, I don't classify myself as a great 'rock-a-billy' fan, or even as an expert on music. That day, however, I became obsessed with getting hold of this particular concert for enjoyment at home.

I got hold of it easily enough from Amazon and have to say that it knocked my socks off. For me, the real highlights are the guitarwork of James Burton and Bruce Springsteen, but the whole 'feel' of this concert is one of a tribute to that inimitable, great voice. Many of the supporting artists are legends in their own neck of the woods, but there are no 'show-ponies' here--it's all just a well-rehearsed, supportive, even modest performance--yet there are many moments when one gets a feeling of watching and hearing musical genius in action.

Younger friends and relatives who had only a passing knowledge of Roy Orbison were stunned by the brilliance of the performances on this DVD. I've bought several copies as gifts, which were very highly appreciated. I think the playing of those at Christmas and New Year gatherings may have stimulated a buying spree among the many other people who were captivated, as I was, by the whole sound and feel of this delectable DVD.

I don't avidly collect music videos, yet I've seen many from all of the 'greats'. However, I've never seen a better concert on video. I don't think anyone who really loved music could watch this and be unaffected. I've read all of the reviews, so far, and I agree with almost every single one...I have one or two very minor gripes, but it's probably not worth your time to read those. If you love great music, just shell out the money and buy it. You will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

remember drive-ins
Watching this movie at the drive in Pasadena the age of five or six and actually remembering it means somethings. That it was great movie. Now some...I hate to say it, twenty years later. I still think it great. Growing up in Pasadena, and Houston. I can relate to this move. I ain't being biased, I'm just being honest. This movie actually tells the truth about relationships instead of sugar coating it like all the rest the Hollywood chick-flicks try to do. Instead of all the teen love storis and the rich kid and and poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks dying to be with the rich kid. Nope, this movie is as realistic as Hollywood can manage. Sissy and Bud(that is his name...right?) I mean Travolta's character was a spoiled, wanna-be macho redneck but at the end he forgets all that and finds himself still in love Sissy. And yes there are fights in honky-tonks. Aren't there also fights in any other bar. Then again aren't all girls not just country girls trying to get there guy jealous by dancing with other guys at bars also. I hate it when anyone who is not from the south or southeast making fun of people from here. WE are not all stupid inbreeders with a an IQ and education of fifth grader. I am going to end this with saying that this was and still is a great film.

John Travolta is not a country boy!
Urban Cowboy is a tale of idiot hollywood actors trying to be cowboys and cowgirls. This movie reveals I think country people in a bad way. I am a cowboy and I don't even do half the things that these people do in this movie. The writers have revealed country people as real hard dirty sleezy rednecks who go to places like gilleys everynight get into drunk fights have no respect for women and go around having sex with every cowgirl in the place. Then you have John Travolta who ought to be arrested for even putting on a cowboy hat and wearing cowboy boots and wrangler jeans we are talking about the same idiot who played New Yorker in shows like Welcome Back Kotter and lived in Brooklyn and danced in discos in Saturday Night Fever. I don't why anyone casted that guy for the role. Then Debra Winger is not to bad for the role but her character is dismissed in the story as some dumb southern cowgirl who goes around doing it with any cowboy she can find. Then last but not least you have the trashy other friends and actors who all posess Rotten teeth, smoke considerable amounts of cigarettes, and are playing and immatating country cowboys as people with rotten teeth with a third grade intelligence. These actors no nothing about honky tonks and how they are and these actors all come from cities they don't even live in the country so why do they continually act like real morons throughout the movie. The music is another bad ticket in this flop some moron who knows nothing about country music picked the sorriest collection I have ever heard like someone else pointed out in there review its hollywood country music. The only good song they actually picked was Lookin for love by Johnny Lee and to top it off you only hear half of it. Well anyway it gets two stars because it does follow some sort of story line but man is this pathetic.

Poor social message, but still irrestible!
I read some of the other reviews, and it's interesting the reasons that this movie was praised. Basically this movie presents very poor social messages. I mean, it implies that domestic violence, physical fighting with peers, drinking lots, and having sex with people you don't even know just because your mad, is the cool thing to do. So again, I don't approve of the social messages.
On the other hand, if you are between 25-37 years old, you may have a fond place in your heart for this movie, as I do! The characters are attractive, and in the end, love wins out! You see, I love this movie, only because when I first saw it, I was at the age of wanting to find out who I was. And it did seem cool to be around family and friends, dancing, pushing life a little too far, etc. I also think it's one of John Travolta's best movies. He's handsome, strong, and likeable!

A cowboy's must
John Travolta,who became famous for his role of Vinnie Barbarino on the ABC sitcom "Welcome Back Kotter",had two prior megahit starring films,"Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease". In his third megahit,this film,he is Beauford Uan "Bud" Davis,an URBAN COWBOY who moves to Houston from Spur,a small Houston suburb. He lands a job at an oil refinery where his uncle Bob works. Debra Winger is Sissy,who Bud met at Gilley's,the real-life Pasadena,TX honky tonk. Bud and Sissy fall in love and get married at the hot nightspot. Scott Glenn is Wes Hightower,a paroled convict who steals Sissy's heart and keeps it while she and Bud are separated and nearly divorce. Madolyn Smith in her debut,at least on the big screen,is Pam who is Bud's girlfriend during the separation. Country singer Mickey Gilley owns the nightspot with Sherwood Cryer(both appear as themselves in the film). In addition to Gilley,country artists appearing in the film are Bonnie Raitt,Johnny Lee and The Charlie Daniels Band. All four artists have contributed to the soundtrack album. This film was directed by the late James Bridges,whose prior films include SEPTEMBER 30,1955 and THE CHINA SYNDROME. Bridges subsequently directed MIKE'S MURDER also starring Winger,PERFECT,also starring Travolta,and BRIGHT LIGHTS,BIG CITY starring Michael J. Fox. Sadly,Gilley's was burned down in 1989 by a kitchen fire and was later re-christened as Gilley's Mechanical Bull & Nightclub. Travolta would have no megahit films following this one until 1989's LOOK WHO'S TALKING. He won an Oscar for his role in 1994's PULP FICTION and is still going strong in Hollywood today.

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS
THIS IS A GOOD MOVIE I LOVE IT I ENJOY IT. IT WAS MADE HERE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS. THE BAR WAS IN PASADENA@ THE FAMOUS MICKEY GILLEY'S BAR. I LIKE THIS MOVIE IT REPRESENTS TEXAS AND ALSO IT IS A GREAT LOVE STORY YOU CAN'T BUT FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS MOVIE. DEBRA WINGER AND JOHN TRAVOLTA REALLY DO SOME GREAT ACTING IN THIS MOVIE AND I LOVE IT. I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU TO BUY THIS MOVIE IF YOU ARE A FAN OF JOHN TRAVOLTA OR IF YOU LIKE LOVE STORIES YOU CANNOT GO WRONG BUYING THIS VIDEO. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Part concert, part history lesson, part summit meeting, and all blues, Lightning in a Bottle puts a bright spotlight on this quintessential American music. There are some heavy hitters at work here, both behind the camera (Martin Scorsese executive produced, while the film was directed by Antoine Fuqua of Training Day and King Arthur) and especially in front of it, with a superb house band and a mind-boggling array of musicians (including B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Solomon Burke, Keb' Mo', Macy Gray, the Neville Brothers, Robert Cray, and John Fogerty, to name but a few) performing at New York's Radio City Music Hall in February, 2003. The idea was to trace the music from its beginnings; thus we get an African song (by Angelique Kidjo), some early gospel blues (the great Mavis Staples), acoustic Delta blues, and so on, right up to blues-drenched electric rock and even some rap (a riveting version of Howlin' Wolf's "Killing Floor" by Chuck D.). Virtually all of the immortals who defined the blues (Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and even Jimi Hendrix, whose fiery style is re-enacted by Buddy Guy) enter the picture, either through vintage film clips or new performances of their songs. One might wish for more insight into the influence of the blues on jazz (Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit," sung here by India.Arie, is a fine song, but it's not a blues tune) or country, but overall, Lightning in a Bottle is an edifying and, most important, highly entertaining portrait of the music and its heritage. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (6)

the Blues edition of The Last Waltz
Back when The Band was splitting, Mr Scorsese gave us a stage filled with a revolving personnel of the Rock heavies of the day.
This show gives you the same kind of entertainment with a revolving personnel of the absolute Blues masters - plus some bloody entertaining ring-ins.
Video files are perfection. Sound is clear and full.

Tearjerker Stylin' with a Groove and a Happy Ending
People who appreciate this kind of music might still be surprised at the ample, 109 minutes' worth of joyful tears rolling down their faces when they watch this. If that ain't the blues, I don't know what is.

A Great Start To The Year Of The Blues
This memorable concert was filmed at New York's Radio City Music Hall in February 2003. It was the start of the "Year Of the Blues". Martin Scorsese, who gave us the wonderful (but a bit controversial content-wise) series of Blues Films (which took over a year to be screened and available here in Australia) opens the show, after the Blues Year he was also a voice in "Shark's tale"!

There is no denying that this is a memorable and well presented concert. Many of the greatest living Blues players are hear as well as those we might refer to as marginal-transitional people with Blues interests. Some we don't get to hear, Robert Jr Lockwood and Jimmie Vaughan are seen, but not heard. the concert itself represents a musical journey through various Blues styles from African songs, to WC Handy, to music hall styles, women singers, the lone Juke Player right up through B.B. King and Hendrix and, yes, Chuck D trying to stop the Iraq Invasion with "Boom Boom" Rap!

This DVD is most enjoyable and a great and reasonably priced addition to one's music library. Highlights for me include B.B. King's story about "Sweet Sixteen" and his performance. Robert Cray's input, as usual is outstanding with his clean understated guitar work. Honeyboy Edwards, who knew Robert Johnson provides a rare self-penned tune (he mostly did covers during his career), Hubert Sumlin(who has just lost a lung!! And was smoking in the interview!!!! And who I got to meet in 1991) plays a great rendition of "Killing Floor" with the riff he made famous for Howlin' Wolf. Natalie Cole (a comeback?) does a great update of Bessie Smith's "Saint Louis Blues"-reminds me a bit of Janis Joplin-remember she started out sounding like Aretha on "This Will Be". The tune with Natalie, the great Mavis Staples (who does a great version of Blind Lemon Jefferson's "Be Sure My Grave's Kept Clean") Ruth Brown and Bill Cosby "Men Are Like Street Cars" is a great humourous blues. It was horrible to hear the Ruth had suffered a stroke prior to this concert and was still superb (see more of this delightful lady in the "Blues Story" DVD).

Solomon Burke, who I just saw in Australia, was fabluous as usual. His singing is great and he sure knows how to work the crowd (like all great church inspired soul singers). Clarence"Gatemouth" Brown was an awesome talent. This was probably his last recorded performance. His no pick guitar style was unique and classic. His playing is a highlight of the entire DVD!

Macy Gray does a great version of "Hound Dog" in the style of Big Mamma Thronton. It's interesting to see her at the rehearsal a bit perplexed about the whole thing and then transform on stage. Buddy Guy is Buddy Guy, he's great, out front, out of tune, and, to me, stands for what the Blues is all about. He does a rare acoustic version of "I Can't Be Satisfied" in dedication to his mentor Muddy Waters. He also does a bit of Jimi Hendrix's "Red House"-this was great because if purists ran the show this would not have been done. I agree with the previous reviewers the rap, Aerosmith, John Fogarty and rock in general are farther from the blues than Jimi Hendrix, but in a show like this I can stomach anything, for one thing the band is so great.

Another highlight of this show is Odetta, the hippy Black folk singer from the 1960s. She does a great version of Leadbelly's "Jim Crow Blues" and even phrases like Leadbelly! A wonderful effort. The documentary footage between songs, the lighting and effects and the interviews are great. The bonus tracks are suberb as well. Get this if you are a Blues lover!

TERRIFIC, ONCE IN A LIFETIME, BLUES CONCERT
Martin Scorsese executive produced and Antoine Fuqua ("King Arthur") directedLIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE (Sony), the vibrant blues concert at Radio City Music hall that is nothing less than a compressed celebration and history on the hundredth anniversary of this uniquely American art form.

Legendary performers from the roots of rock, jazz and gospel gather for a once-in-a-lifetime concert to benefit musical education.B.B. King, Mavis Staples, Macey Gray, Keb Mo, Buddy Guy, Mos Def, Bonnie Raitt, India Arie ( she sings Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit"), the Neville Brothers, John Fogerty and more perform vintage and modern material in an exceptional looking and sounding digital recording.

I especially enjoyed the African song (by Angelique Kidjo), the early gospel blues and the haunting acoustic delta blues.

A sort of History of The Blues...
Great HD - transfer.If you have an HDTV you will really enjoy this. Audio / video was superb.All DVD concerts should be of this quality.Except for a few "rap" style tracks - it was a great show. There were a few tracks in the "bonus" portion that should have been included or swapped out for the "rap" tracks.This was a blues history concert with some fabulous musicians and singers - except for the "rap"...If your interested in blues music from the "roots" you will enjoy this... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Already a legend among musicians, Stevie Ray Vaughan was bringing new relevance and popularity to the blues when his career was cut short in a fatal helicopter accident following a 1990 concert appearance. His music offered the drama and sheer firepower of rock, and his flamboyant live shows likewise proved well suited to arena-sized crowds, yet there was little argument that Vaughan's fealty to the blues remained at the core of his style.This 1996 concert tribute underscores that common denominator through muscular performances from contemporary blues masters who readily (and appropriately) confirm the Texas guitarist as a true peer--it's no small matter that bona fide influences Buddy Guy and B.B. King cite the honoree on an equal plane with Vaughan's most obvious rock forebear, Jimi Hendrix.

King and Guy are among the stars who interpret Vaughan's own songbook in live performances backed by either his old band, Double Trouble, or the larger Tilt-a-Whirl Band.Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray,Dr. John, and the late guitarslinger's big brother, Jimmie Vaughan (himselfa major figure since his days with the Fabulous Thunderbirds) all pay gritty musical homage noteworthy for powerhouse guitar work. Whether clad in coveralls (Guy) or Armani (Clapton, of course), each reaches the same common ground in the soul-deep language of the blues; equally important, the choice of material points up Vaughan's sure sense of blues song form and a penchant for tough, frequently witty lyrics that fit snugly into blues traditions.The 80-minute concert also intersperses brief interviews with the principals, with the music building toward a satisfying climax in three high-octane jams featuring the headliners in lively exchanges.The DVD optimizes the full-frame visuals of the original videotaped special, and the 5.1 audio mix likewise fine-tunes the straightforward stereo mix with some added ambience. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (17)

One of all time greatest
Please notice that I'm from Denmark and that my english probably ain't perfect, sorry !-But I would like to say that a Tribute to SRV. are one of all time greatest tribute concerts - to a man who really deserves it ! SRV is and will always be the king of blues. And the musicians who honours him on this concert are delivering some of their greatest perfomances ! Of course it's bound to be so , with all that great material Stevie left them ! Despite what many people might mean , the clips between the songs are lovely !The short ( all to short )concert moments with Stevie himself is a gift to all SRV. Lovers - they really shows what a great player and performer he was ! And it makes it easy to everyone to see and feel his greatness ! He was really one of a kind ! This video which also is available on CD is a must to all SRV. Fans / lovers - Buy it now ! You won't regret it ! The video is also filled with comments from the artists who plays on it !Those are very lovefull moments and a joy to hear and watch ! - And to Stevie - while you're probably sitting on a cloud playing the Blues with a big smile on your face : You and your music will live forever - Thanks for all what you gave us ! Keep playing - PEACE BROTHER - from a dedicated fan .

Electrifying!!
This film, shot in Texas in June of 1995, features a whole host of talented musicians. The littany of names is enthralling. Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Vaughan, Robert Cray and Eric Clapton, who was nominated for best male rock performance in 1997 at the Grammys for his performance. Each musician performs his own incredible piece and the film also includes each performer's reflections on Stevie and all culminating to an incredible blues guitar jam with each musician having a solo. Filled with beautiful slides, riffs and solos and heartfelt thoughts each artist pays tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan in his own way. A befitting tribute to a once in a life time bluesman.

Almost great
Well the list of guitarists is something to be expected considering they are paying homage to one of the greatest guitar players of all time. However it seems that his brother Jimmie in this DVD uses this as an opportunity to play with the greats. Instead of allowing the great guitarists play their hearts out they seem to be in the background of a sub par guitarist. The first thing I thought when I saw this was Stevie would have been furious seeing these great guitarists playing behind his brother. These people needed to be showcased instead of dropped in the background. Once you get used to this the interviews are really nice hearing these great blues players talk about Stevie. There playing was really cool, it is definitely something to watch and enjoy, and the last song SRV Shuffle on the DVD is really fun to watch. It would have been better if Jimmie had got out of the way though. Would have been a five star if he would have just let the better musicians play in the spotlight instead of trying to steal the spotlight.

Stevie Played Stevie Better
"A Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan" shows some marvelous performances of Vaughan's work by some of the great bluesman and guitarists. Clapton, Cray, Guy, Raitt, King and even Vaughan's very talented brother crank through the better known Stevie Ray tunes with incredible musical mastery.

Interupting some great jams, unfortunately, is a bunch of interviews. They are interesting, but kill the flow of the concert. It seems like a PBS special.

I recommend "A Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan," but get one of Stevie Ray's concert CDs or DVDs instead if you are looking to hear top Vaughan blues.

Or, get a BB King or Buddy Guy CD. If you buy this one, fast forward through the interviews.

Anthony Trendl

JIMMI HENDRICKS PLAYED ROCK BUT STEVIE PLAYS THE BLUES
Both guitarists were on an equal plane. Stevie learned from jimmi and countless other blues players few know about. He did things with a guitar few could follow. You can't judge him on this one dvd. You have to collect all his CDs and see him "Austin City Limits" to really appreciate his gifted talents. People outside the US and in the US were not exposed to him as much. He was an unknown. He did some guitar work for David Bowie"Lets Dance"album. David took most of the credit for that record that peaked his career.Few knew stevie then. He was just getting exposure in the US when he died even though he had been around a long time. A rising star not forgotten!!! pick up a guitar and try to play like him if you can. ... Read more

Book Description

Road Tested is the matching P/V/G folio to Bonnie Raitts 1st live album!With 25 years of club and concert dates under her belt, eight- time Grammy-winner Bonnie Raitt has crafted Road Tested from a winning combination of tried and true material plus several exciting new songs. ... Read more

Description

Appearing at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in 1977, Bonnie Raitt had been supporting her release SWEET FORGIVENESS, which featured her first charting single, a cover of Del Shannon’s "Runaway", which would peak at #57 on the Billboard Pop charts.

Although it would still be 12 years before she became a national star, this 1977 show proves she was no stranger to the Blues community, pulling selections from her 6 albums at that point. This performance offers a rare glimpse at Bonnie Raitt years before she became the darling of the music industry.

Also included is a taste of her 1991 performance at the Festival, which features a performance of "Three Time Loser" from the aforementioned SWEET FORGIVENESS album, along with "Good Man, Good Woman" and "Papa Come Quick" from her 1991 effort LUCK OF THE DRAW.

Tracklisting

1. Under The Falling Sky
2. Walk Out The Front Door
3. Good Enough
4. Nothing Seems To Matter
5. Love Me Like A Man
6. Give It Up, Or Let Me Go
7. Women Be Wise
8. I Thought I Was A Child
9. Home
10. Sugar Mama
11. Runaway

Bonus Performance (1991)

1. Papa Come Quick
2. Good Man, Good Woman
3. Three Time Loser
4. Think ... Read more

Amazon.com

There could hardly be a better subject for a documentary than arguably the greatest bluesman of the last century, and this look at the life, times, and music of McKinley "Muddy Waters" Morganfield doesn't disappoint. Coproduced and codirected by Robert Gordon, the 54-minute documentary is a nice companion piece to Gordon's book of the same name. It includes some bio material, tracing Waters's evolution from a sharecropping acoustic folk singer to a sharp-dressing, Chicago-based leader of one of the greatest electric bands ever, along with reminiscences and accolades from friends, family, and fellow musicians like Keith Richards, Bonnie Raitt, and Buddy Guy. There's music, too, of course, but if the program has a drawback, it's that there are no complete performances of the deep, dirty blues--"Hoochie Coochie Man," "Mannish Boy," and so on--that earned him immortality. Then again, there are innumerable recordings, including several "best ofs," to address that problem. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Description

A teenage runaway who never went to school, John Lee Hooker had trouble spelling his name, even into his eighties. But, despite these humble beginnings, John Lee Hooker is today considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century--the God ... Read more

Reviews (2)

well worth buying
this is one of the best documentarys i have seen of a top blues artists. there are interviews with about anyone who's anybody in blues, it shows the compassion and love of the music of the man plus great interviews with john, you can really see what his music is all about and his style a must have.

A Unique Look At A Unique Man
I had the pleasure of meeting John Lee Hooker in the early 1980s. He was checking into a hotel and I heard the man next to me say, "I give you this (a GOLD American Express card, rare at the time) and you give me a room." Without looking, I said "That must be John Lee Hooker." and turned to him and said "You have no idea of how much pleasure your music has given me." We had a moment. A few months later I saw him perform solo with his pignose amp in the statuary garden at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. This video captures the John Lee Hooker I knew, still a mystery, still a voice that symbolizes the blues, and still a poet among men. Most of the footage is from the years before his recent death and there is precious little to explain how this solo artist came to be able to put together a band that could fill stadiums and satisfy the crowd every time. He was magic, mysterious and the essence of soul and yet a very sexy and friendly man who must have suffered for his art. He was a survivor among many who died along the road and a man among men. I can only hope to be remembered as warmly as he will be. He knew who he was and what he was and he thrived on it.
... Read more

Book Description

Road Tested is the matching P/V/G folio to Bonnie Raitts 1st live album!With 25 years of club and concert dates under her belt, eight- time Grammy-winner Bonnie Raitt has crafted Road Tested from a winning combination of tried and true material plus several exciting new songs. ... Read more