|
| Concert for George
Year: 2003
Classification: Music Video - Pop/Rock
Directed:
- David Leland
Add This To Your Must-Own List!
I inadvertently came across this DVD package while browsing Amazon and I decided to order it. What an unexpected gift from above! Truly the spirit of George Harrison permeates this incredible concert. I have to say up front that I am an original Beatles freak who grew up with their music and who knows every note of every song in the minutest of detail (yes, I am also a musician of some 37 years). Therefore, I always enter these "concerts" with tremendous expectation if not trepidation at what havoc an assortment of heavy-handed musicians can wreak upon the subtle genius of the Beatles (and George's) collective works. BR>Alas, my fears quickly evaporated upon hearing the first song as played by Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne and band. One of my all-time favorites, "I Want To Tell You", was given just the exact amount of delicacy mixed with driving rock spirit (I know that sounds like an odd juxtaposition, but that's how George's genius works), that I was in pure musical ecstacy which did not abate until the DVD ended. Every single performer from Clapton to Billy Preston to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to Paul McCartney (yep, he's there, too), played and sang every note with love, enthusiasm, and emotion as if they were trying to pass a heavenly audition being overseen by Harrison himself. Paul's version of "Something", which starts out as a solo on ukelele then morphs into the full band/orchestra version we've come to know and love, could raise goose bumps on a cadaver. Yet, none of it ever seems phony, contrived or overwrought. There is also a portion of the concert that features an incredible composition by Ravi Shankar and an even more incredible performance by his daughter, Anoushka on sitar. BR>I could obviously go on and on about this spectacular DVD, about how great the audio and video quality of the package is, about how moving each performance is (tears came to my eyes more than once, especially when you see George's son, Dhani, onstage playing guitar and looking like an exact clone of his Dad) but I'll leave it at this: if you're a Beatles/George Harrison fan, do not hesitate. Heck, if you just like great music and wonderful artistry, don't hesitate. Buy this DVD and don't forget the kleenex. Like the other reviews have said: you'll watch it again and again.
The Ultimate Tribute Concert
In the opinion of most music fans, tribute concerts are generally looked down upon- there's usually too much happening at once. In many cases, the artists are quite egotistical and everything ends up sounding too mushed up. BR>This is CERTAINLY not the case for "Concert For George"- nothing could be further from the truth. It's amazing- you can tell that all the artists are there to pay homage to Mr. Harrison, not to showcase their own talents. The Indian segment (starring Ravi and Anoushka Shankar and their band) is extremely touching- it's amazing to hear the sorts of harmonies that result. However, the best two from that set are "The Inner Light" and "Arpan," in which Eric Clapton joins the band with his acoustic guitar.BR> After the Monty Python skit, Jeff Lynne emerges joined by Dhani Harrison, Eric, Tessa Niles, Katie Kisson, Andy F. Low, et al. That would be the core band throughout the evening, with the exception of Joe Brown's band and, of course, those rockin' Heartbreakers. The highlights of the show, in my opinion, are "I Want to Tell You," "If I Needed Someone," "Give Me Love," "Here Comes the Sun," "That's the Way It Goes," "I Need You," "Handle with Care," "Something," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," and "Isn't it a Pity." In all of these songs, you can almost feel George's presence in the Royal Albert Hall.BR> I think that a special thank you should go out to Eric Clapton. Being a huge fan of Clapton's music for the past ten years, I've always known that Eric is, was, and always will be the greatest guitarist to ever set foot on this Earth. However, as witnessed from this DVD, Eric does a PHENOMINAL job as organizer and M.C.- anyone who could organize a concert like this deserves incredible applause and recognition. Yet, thoughout the concert, Eric never really takes the spotlight all for himself (unlike Mr. McCartney, from what I gathered). Even when it came time for soloing, Eric put his heart into his playing but didn't play excessively at all. Thank you, Eric Clapton, for putting this all together. R.I.P George.
Unreal
No question, this is the best of the best. The recording is exceptional, and just when you think it's over, Wah-Wah takes over. You will clap your hands to the beat of about 6 drummers including Ringo - a classic for you and your kids. Don't miss it.
Buy Concert For George at Amazon.com
Buy posters at Allposters.com
Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone! |
| |
