Comments for Louisville Concerts http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com Upcoming Louisville concerts, tickets, events, musicians, and more Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:33:10 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Comment on Tom Dowd & the Language of Music by Robert Moore http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/tom-dowd-the-language-of-music.php/comment-page-1/#comment-291 Robert Moore Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:33:10 +0000 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/tom-dowd-the-language-of-music.php#comment-291 <i>Review by Robert Moore for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tom-Dowd-Language-Music-Charles/dp/B00011ZBOS%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ETWEJ53870KE0N9Z3G2%26tag%3Dconcertsites-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB00011ZBOS" rel="nofollow">Tom Dowd & the Language of Music</a></i> <b>Rating: <img src="http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/wp-content/plugins/WPRobot3/images/5.png" ></b> I grew up seeing the name "Tom Dowd" on a host of the albums I owned, from Led Zeppelin to Otis Redding to Aretha Franklin to Cream to the Allman Brothers to Derek and the Dominoes. Precisely who he was and what role he played wasn't clear to me, but I learned that odds were any release from Atlantic Records was going to have his name on it. This splendid documentary puts a face to the name and explains precisely who he was and what he accomplished. The list of people he worked with is even more impressive than I had already known, and extends to the Coasters, the Drifters, John Coltrane, Ray Charles (who makes a prominent appearance in the film), Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Rod Stewart, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Booker T. & the MGs. That, of course, is an absolutely stunning array of talent. <br /> <br />What the documentary does a great job of is telling us both who Tom Dowd is and why he was such a crucial figure in the history of popular music in the past. The narrative is nonlinear, so that in the opening images in the film it isn't at all clear why the atomic test at the Bikini Atoll was shown (you could tell it was the Bikini test because a vast number of ships, from both the allies and the Axis powers, were involved). We learn later in the movie that Dowd was originally studying to be a physicist at Columbia University and was throughout WW II involved in the Manhattan Project, unlike many on the project actually working in Manhattan. Dowd explains that he abandoned the study of physics because he had been working on cutting edge issues in the field, but after the war physics departments were actually behind the times. Instead of regressing in his studies, he followed his other great love, music. The film tells how he became involved as a sound engineer, eventually becoming the sound engineer and a producer at the fledgling Atlantic Records, where he pioneered recording techniques that went behind the single microphone set up that had been standard before then. A nod is paid towards recording pioneer and virtuoso guitarist Les Paul, who in his own studio created the first eight track recording techniques. Among the other innovations that Dowd brought about were the replacement of knobs with the slide wires that are now standard. Throughout two things are clear: Dowd's technical mastery and his tremendous musicianship. <br /> <br />One of the joys of the documentary are the remarkable figures that are interviewed and help in telling the story. These include people like Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records, Atlantic producer Jerry Wexler, Eric Clapton, several members of the Allman Brothers, and many others. My favorite moment was defintely when Ray Charles, who of course was blind, was being asked about Dowd, unaware that Dowd was standing off to the side. When he reveals to Charles that he is there Ray reacts with joyous outrage and it is great to see the affection the two have for each other. <br /> <br />My only beef with the movie is a personal peeve I have, and that is the tendency of the filmmakers to do "reenactments" of scenes from the past. This is a technique I consistently detest in documentaries. Others might not be bothered by it, but it bugs the heck out of me and I cringed whenever that happened. <br /> <br />I think fans of music ought to see this not merely to learn more about one of the seminal figures in popular music of the past several decades, but to learn more about how the music we hear on albums is actually created. Often, the musicians need producers to help at crucial moments. A great example of this comes when Dowd recounts doing a recording session with Cream. They had a song that wasn't quite coming together, when Dowd suggested to drummer Ginger Baker that he employ a drum pattern that was much like the tom toms one hears used by Indians in Westerns. The pattern worked and the result was one of Cream's greatest hits, "Sunshine of Your Love." Sadly, Dowd did not live to see this film released, dying in 2002 shortly after filming was completed. The film serves, therefore, as a memorial. Review by Robert Moore for Tom Dowd & the Language of Music
Rating:
I grew up seeing the name “Tom Dowd” on a host of the albums I owned, from Led Zeppelin to Otis Redding to Aretha Franklin to Cream to the Allman Brothers to Derek and the Dominoes. Precisely who he was and what role he played wasn’t clear to me, but I learned that odds were any release from Atlantic Records was going to have his name on it. This splendid documentary puts a face to the name and explains precisely who he was and what he accomplished. The list of people he worked with is even more impressive than I had already known, and extends to the Coasters, the Drifters, John Coltrane, Ray Charles (who makes a prominent appearance in the film), Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Rod Stewart, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Booker T. & the MGs. That, of course, is an absolutely stunning array of talent.

What the documentary does a great job of is telling us both who Tom Dowd is and why he was such a crucial figure in the history of popular music in the past. The narrative is nonlinear, so that in the opening images in the film it isn’t at all clear why the atomic test at the Bikini Atoll was shown (you could tell it was the Bikini test because a vast number of ships, from both the allies and the Axis powers, were involved). We learn later in the movie that Dowd was originally studying to be a physicist at Columbia University and was throughout WW II involved in the Manhattan Project, unlike many on the project actually working in Manhattan. Dowd explains that he abandoned the study of physics because he had been working on cutting edge issues in the field, but after the war physics departments were actually behind the times. Instead of regressing in his studies, he followed his other great love, music. The film tells how he became involved as a sound engineer, eventually becoming the sound engineer and a producer at the fledgling Atlantic Records, where he pioneered recording techniques that went behind the single microphone set up that had been standard before then. A nod is paid towards recording pioneer and virtuoso guitarist Les Paul, who in his own studio created the first eight track recording techniques. Among the other innovations that Dowd brought about were the replacement of knobs with the slide wires that are now standard. Throughout two things are clear: Dowd’s technical mastery and his tremendous musicianship.

One of the joys of the documentary are the remarkable figures that are interviewed and help in telling the story. These include people like Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records, Atlantic producer Jerry Wexler, Eric Clapton, several members of the Allman Brothers, and many others. My favorite moment was defintely when Ray Charles, who of course was blind, was being asked about Dowd, unaware that Dowd was standing off to the side. When he reveals to Charles that he is there Ray reacts with joyous outrage and it is great to see the affection the two have for each other.

My only beef with the movie is a personal peeve I have, and that is the tendency of the filmmakers to do “reenactments” of scenes from the past. This is a technique I consistently detest in documentaries. Others might not be bothered by it, but it bugs the heck out of me and I cringed whenever that happened.

I think fans of music ought to see this not merely to learn more about one of the seminal figures in popular music of the past several decades, but to learn more about how the music we hear on albums is actually created. Often, the musicians need producers to help at crucial moments. A great example of this comes when Dowd recounts doing a recording session with Cream. They had a song that wasn’t quite coming together, when Dowd suggested to drummer Ginger Baker that he employ a drum pattern that was much like the tom toms one hears used by Indians in Westerns. The pattern worked and the result was one of Cream’s greatest hits, “Sunshine of Your Love.” Sadly, Dowd did not live to see this film released, dying in 2002 shortly after filming was completed. The film serves, therefore, as a memorial.

]]> Comment on Tom Dowd & the Language of Music by Timothy D. Shoppa http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/tom-dowd-the-language-of-music.php/comment-page-1/#comment-290 Timothy D. Shoppa Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:18:51 +0000 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/tom-dowd-the-language-of-music.php#comment-290 <i>Review by Timothy D. Shoppa for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tom-Dowd-Language-Music-Charles/dp/B00011ZBOS%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ETWEJ53870KE0N9Z3G2%26tag%3Dconcertsites-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB00011ZBOS" rel="nofollow">Tom Dowd & the Language of Music</a></i> <b>Rating: <img src="http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/wp-content/plugins/WPRobot3/images/5.png" ></b> This DVD's main feature is the stunning one-and-a-half-hour movie. The beginning is a out-of-sync history of Dowd's life before entering the music business (30's and early 40's) alternating with his entry into the music business (late 40's and early 50's) and specifically Atlantic's recordings, the backbeat being the recording technology (and recording engineer) of the time. This part is punctuated, oddly enough, with a psychidelic montage of A-bomb stock footage with Cream's "Tales of Brave Ulysses" dubbed on top. This montage makes more sense as you learn more about Tom Dowd and the music and more that he made in his life. <br /> <br />After this we get to meet some of the R&B musicians that Tom Dowd recorded and worked with, mostly alternating between interviews of Dowd and interviews of the musicians, and occasional footage of the artists on the stage or occasionally (and very rewardingly) in the studio with Dowd. In particular there is some stunningly exemplary footage of Dowd in the studio with Aretha Franklin. <br /> <br />Dowd has an almost overly friendly presence in the interviews, which at first seemed (to me) put on for the camera but I later figured out that this is the guy in real life. <br /> <br />Interviews recount the technical and artistic relationship between Atlantic and Stax records, with again Dowd serving as the centerpiece of all activity. <br /> <br />The last part has extensive interviews with Eric Clapton and members of the Allman Brothers culminating in Tom Dowd at the mixing board with the master tape of "Layla". For any fan of music this will be a thrilling moment, and it's only made better by Dowd's rediscovery of the original tracks. Moorman was interviewed on NPR about this and he was running-over with the glory of working with Dowd on this particular segment. <br /> <br />Beyond the regular movie, there is bonus material of additional interviews with all the artists and the movers-and-shakers at Atlantic, especially Jerry Wexler. These interviews are not to be missed, if you have any interest at all in the folks who made all this music happen you have to read this. Dowd back at Columbia University is a real treat. <br /> <br />And, after watching this, I went to the record collection on my shelf. Sure enough... Tom Dowd. His name is on them all, but I never knew him until now. Review by Timothy D. Shoppa for Tom Dowd & the Language of Music
Rating:
This DVD’s main feature is the stunning one-and-a-half-hour movie. The beginning is a out-of-sync history of Dowd’s life before entering the music business (30′s and early 40′s) alternating with his entry into the music business (late 40′s and early 50′s) and specifically Atlantic’s recordings, the backbeat being the recording technology (and recording engineer) of the time. This part is punctuated, oddly enough, with a psychidelic montage of A-bomb stock footage with Cream’s “Tales of Brave Ulysses” dubbed on top. This montage makes more sense as you learn more about Tom Dowd and the music and more that he made in his life.

After this we get to meet some of the R&B musicians that Tom Dowd recorded and worked with, mostly alternating between interviews of Dowd and interviews of the musicians, and occasional footage of the artists on the stage or occasionally (and very rewardingly) in the studio with Dowd. In particular there is some stunningly exemplary footage of Dowd in the studio with Aretha Franklin.

Dowd has an almost overly friendly presence in the interviews, which at first seemed (to me) put on for the camera but I later figured out that this is the guy in real life.

Interviews recount the technical and artistic relationship between Atlantic and Stax records, with again Dowd serving as the centerpiece of all activity.

The last part has extensive interviews with Eric Clapton and members of the Allman Brothers culminating in Tom Dowd at the mixing board with the master tape of “Layla”. For any fan of music this will be a thrilling moment, and it’s only made better by Dowd’s rediscovery of the original tracks. Moorman was interviewed on NPR about this and he was running-over with the glory of working with Dowd on this particular segment.

Beyond the regular movie, there is bonus material of additional interviews with all the artists and the movers-and-shakers at Atlantic, especially Jerry Wexler. These interviews are not to be missed, if you have any interest at all in the folks who made all this music happen you have to read this. Dowd back at Columbia University is a real treat.

And, after watching this, I went to the record collection on my shelf. Sure enough… Tom Dowd. His name is on them all, but I never knew him until now.

]]> Comment on Tom Dowd & the Language of Music by Luigi Facotti http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/tom-dowd-the-language-of-music.php/comment-page-1/#comment-289 Luigi Facotti Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:44:15 +0000 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/tom-dowd-the-language-of-music.php#comment-289 <i>Review by Luigi Facotti for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tom-Dowd-Language-Music-Charles/dp/B00011ZBOS%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ETWEJ53870KE0N9Z3G2%26tag%3Dconcertsites-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB00011ZBOS" rel="nofollow">Tom Dowd & the Language of Music</a></i> <b>Rating: <img src="http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/wp-content/plugins/WPRobot3/images/5.png" ></b> Firtsly, my wife who hates most of my music sat transfixed through this movie - from the Manhattan project, through the early years of Atlantic, Stax to the Allman Brothers one cannot miss both the impact and the enthusiasm of Tom Dowd. The commentaries by both the musicians, Jerry Wexler, Ahmet Ertegun and Phil Ramone as well as Tom's own commentaries show what a special individual Tom Dowd was. All though this movie - especially seeing the late Ray Charles - the magnitude of what was committed to film is highlighted. This is a special movie about a very special person - I loved the comments on the primitive nature of the recording hardware in the UK compared what Tom Dowd was using in the 50s and early 60s. Review by Luigi Facotti for Tom Dowd & the Language of Music
Rating:
Firtsly, my wife who hates most of my music sat transfixed through this movie – from the Manhattan project, through the early years of Atlantic, Stax to the Allman Brothers one cannot miss both the impact and the enthusiasm of Tom Dowd. The commentaries by both the musicians, Jerry Wexler, Ahmet Ertegun and Phil Ramone as well as Tom’s own commentaries show what a special individual Tom Dowd was. All though this movie – especially seeing the late Ray Charles – the magnitude of what was committed to film is highlighted. This is a special movie about a very special person – I loved the comments on the primitive nature of the recording hardware in the UK compared what Tom Dowd was using in the 50s and early 60s.

]]> Comment on Tom Dowd & the Language of Music by swlabr123 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/tom-dowd-the-language-of-music.php/comment-page-1/#comment-288 swlabr123 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:59:36 +0000 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/tom-dowd-the-language-of-music.php#comment-288 <i>Review by swlabr123 for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tom-Dowd-Language-Music-Charles/dp/B00011ZBOS%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ETWEJ53870KE0N9Z3G2%26tag%3Dconcertsites-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB00011ZBOS" rel="nofollow">Tom Dowd & the Language of Music</a></i> <b>Rating: <img src="http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/wp-content/plugins/WPRobot3/images/5.png" ></b> The previous poster, that song you want to know is LAYLA by Derek and the Dominoes..the piano part is 4 minutes in, and was written by the drummer Jim Gordon (just the piano part, clapton wrote the words), who also is playing the piano (though some piano parts are played by Bobby Whitlock)...not to be confused with the version Eric Clapton did in that MTV unplugged thing..Ok, this was a great bio/documentary on an unsung hero of the music industry. The only thing else I could wish for is maybe interviews with Aretha Franklin or Wilson Pickett? How cool is it that this guy not only worked on the Manhattan Project, but worked with greats such as John Coltrane, Ray Charles, the Allman Brothers band etc. They all respected his work too. He seems like such a regular guy, and pretty much was a regular guy. The montage in the begining (with Tales of Brave Ulyssess in the background) is sometimes a bit much, but very artistic. Other than that, a great docu, and be sure to check out the bonus material with extra interviews and deleted scenes. I really like how they keep going back and forth to his youth working with Physics. Some of the most fascinating bits of the film. Most of the historic footage is from TV shows featuring the artists. Review by swlabr123 for Tom Dowd & the Language of Music
Rating:
The previous poster, that song you want to know is LAYLA by Derek and the Dominoes..the piano part is 4 minutes in, and was written by the drummer Jim Gordon (just the piano part, clapton wrote the words), who also is playing the piano (though some piano parts are played by Bobby Whitlock)…not to be confused with the version Eric Clapton did in that MTV unplugged thing..Ok, this was a great bio/documentary on an unsung hero of the music industry. The only thing else I could wish for is maybe interviews with Aretha Franklin or Wilson Pickett? How cool is it that this guy not only worked on the Manhattan Project, but worked with greats such as John Coltrane, Ray Charles, the Allman Brothers band etc. They all respected his work too. He seems like such a regular guy, and pretty much was a regular guy. The montage in the begining (with Tales of Brave Ulyssess in the background) is sometimes a bit much, but very artistic. Other than that, a great docu, and be sure to check out the bonus material with extra interviews and deleted scenes. I really like how they keep going back and forth to his youth working with Physics. Some of the most fascinating bits of the film. Most of the historic footage is from TV shows featuring the artists.

]]> Comment on Tom Dowd & the Language of Music by H. Webber http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/tom-dowd-the-language-of-music.php/comment-page-1/#comment-287 H. Webber Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:14:14 +0000 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/tom-dowd-the-language-of-music.php#comment-287 <i>Review by H. Webber for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tom-Dowd-Language-Music-Charles/dp/B00011ZBOS%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ETWEJ53870KE0N9Z3G2%26tag%3Dconcertsites-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB00011ZBOS" rel="nofollow">Tom Dowd & the Language of Music</a></i> <b>Rating: <img src="http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/wp-content/plugins/WPRobot3/images/5.png" ></b> I have been anticipating this DVD for a few weeks, after hearing Moormann's interview on NPR, and I was not disappointed in the least. Tom Dowd was an amazing man who led an amazing life, and it is pieced together beautifully in this engaging documentary. But you don't have to be a fan of Tom Dowd to appreciate this disc. Anyone who loves music will find something here to appreciate, whether it's archival footage of Otis Redding, an interview with Eric Clapton, or Dowd's rendition of "I Love a Piano" by Irving Berlin. And in the process of telling Tom's story, the film also provides a fascinating history of record producing, from its primitive beginnings, through the marvels of 8-track tape, straight up to the computers of modern music production. <br /> <br />Like most people, I had never heard of Tom Dowd but have been touched by his musical influence. I am grateful that Moormann chose to do this project, to bring Tom's work out into the light for me and other music fans. It is a perfect way to honor Tom's memory, and I will enjoy watching it again and again. <br /> <br />This documentary has several goose-bump moments, and as the final credits roll, you can't help but feel inspired. We should all be as fortunate as Tom Dowd--to find such joy in our life's work, and to be so darn good at it. <br /> Review by H. Webber for Tom Dowd & the Language of Music
Rating:
I have been anticipating this DVD for a few weeks, after hearing Moormann’s interview on NPR, and I was not disappointed in the least. Tom Dowd was an amazing man who led an amazing life, and it is pieced together beautifully in this engaging documentary. But you don’t have to be a fan of Tom Dowd to appreciate this disc. Anyone who loves music will find something here to appreciate, whether it’s archival footage of Otis Redding, an interview with Eric Clapton, or Dowd’s rendition of “I Love a Piano” by Irving Berlin. And in the process of telling Tom’s story, the film also provides a fascinating history of record producing, from its primitive beginnings, through the marvels of 8-track tape, straight up to the computers of modern music production.

Like most people, I had never heard of Tom Dowd but have been touched by his musical influence. I am grateful that Moormann chose to do this project, to bring Tom’s work out into the light for me and other music fans. It is a perfect way to honor Tom’s memory, and I will enjoy watching it again and again.

This documentary has several goose-bump moments, and as the final credits roll, you can’t help but feel inspired. We should all be as fortunate as Tom Dowd–to find such joy in our life’s work, and to be so darn good at it.

]]> Comment on Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray] by Rodolfo H. Lamaestra http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/roy-orbison-black-white-night-blu-ray.php/comment-page-1/#comment-258 Rodolfo H. Lamaestra Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:19:38 +0000 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/roy-orbison-black-white-night-blu-ray.php#comment-258 <i>Review by Rodolfo H. Lamaestra for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roy-Orbison-Black-White-Blu-ray/dp/B0017XFP4U%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ETWEJ53870KE0N9Z3G2%26tag%3Dconcertsites-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0017XFP4U" rel="nofollow">Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]</a></i> <b>Rating: <img src="http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/wp-content/plugins/WPRobot3/images/3.png" ></b> <br /> <br />I have the DVD and also the Blu-ray version of this show. <br /> <br />I like the show, is a legacy beauty to keep forever, however: <br /> <br />a) The DVD version has bonus materials with the bios of all the participant musicians, why the Blu-ray version, with much larger capacity that the DVD format, did not include such material? <br /> <br />b) There was at least one camera used for the takes for the left angle of the stage that produced defective takes consistently throughout the show. The edges of all faces and bodies were surrounded by a halo and even appeared out of focus. I must say that I am using quality equipment on a 135-inch projection screen, which made the problem very noticeable. <br /> <br />The other cameras seemed accurate, but the takes of the camera in question were about 25% of the entire show so it made the Blu-ray disc disappointing in regard to image quality. <br /> <br />The above is my personal opinion. <br /> <br />Rodolfo La Maestra <br />Senior Technical Director <br />www.HDTVmagazine.com <br /> <br /> Review by Rodolfo H. Lamaestra for Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]
Rating:

I have the DVD and also the Blu-ray version of this show.

I like the show, is a legacy beauty to keep forever, however:

a) The DVD version has bonus materials with the bios of all the participant musicians, why the Blu-ray version, with much larger capacity that the DVD format, did not include such material?

b) There was at least one camera used for the takes for the left angle of the stage that produced defective takes consistently throughout the show. The edges of all faces and bodies were surrounded by a halo and even appeared out of focus. I must say that I am using quality equipment on a 135-inch projection screen, which made the problem very noticeable.

The other cameras seemed accurate, but the takes of the camera in question were about 25% of the entire show so it made the Blu-ray disc disappointing in regard to image quality.

The above is my personal opinion.

Rodolfo La Maestra

Senior Technical Director

http://www.HDTVmagazine.com

]]> Comment on Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray] by Axayacatl http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/roy-orbison-black-white-night-blu-ray.php/comment-page-1/#comment-257 Axayacatl Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:30:07 +0000 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/roy-orbison-black-white-night-blu-ray.php#comment-257 <i>Review by Axayacatl for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roy-Orbison-Black-White-Blu-ray/dp/B0017XFP4U%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ETWEJ53870KE0N9Z3G2%26tag%3Dconcertsites-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0017XFP4U" rel="nofollow">Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]</a></i> <b>Rating: <img src="http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/wp-content/plugins/WPRobot3/images/5.png" ></b> Others have already done justice to the incredible ensemble of talented musicians who jammed with Roy for this "exclusive" (Cinemax) concert performance, before a celebrity/VIP audience in "Black & White Night" in September, 1987.So I will make my comments more technical in nature. First the video is 4:3 full-screen, even though the concert was shot on film, it was for exclusive presentation on Cinemax cable. If you have a home theater system with a comprehensive audio setup, you will be extremely pleased with the quality of this production. The B&W film transfer and DVD mastering is excellent with a perfect balance of digital detail and B&W grain.The audio mix and digital mastering is also exceptional. I tested the DS5.1 on a few tracks and it was certainly okay. But what really stands out is the DTS6.1 which is fabulous!! They did a great job.If you enjoy really good concert DVDs (there aren't that many), and have a system to do them justice, then Roy Orbison B&W Night will knock your socks off. You can watch/listen over and over and over. With the classic songs and the all-star ensemble, it's difficult to imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy this concert.(System is a Yamaha RX-V3000 with a 10 speaker configuration, an Epson EMP-7600 2200 lumens front projection setup with a 162" screen. It's a pretty amazing system ... if something isn't really good enough, it will basically be unwatchable and unlistenable. On the other hand, with the B&W Night concert DVD with its high resolution and super DTS mix, you can "fall into" this concert, just as if you were in the audience).What fun! This is a great DVD sure to be a favorite in your collection. Enjoy!!(After nearly two days of CNN etc, tonight I watched this DVD twice, with Roy and his pals having fun and making great music ... a strong and much needed dose of American inspiration, creativity and musical talent in this very somber week of September 11, 2001). Review by Axayacatl for Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]
Rating:
Others have already done justice to the incredible ensemble of talented musicians who jammed with Roy for this “exclusive” (Cinemax) concert performance, before a celebrity/VIP audience in “Black & White Night” in September, 1987.So I will make my comments more technical in nature. First the video is 4:3 full-screen, even though the concert was shot on film, it was for exclusive presentation on Cinemax cable. If you have a home theater system with a comprehensive audio setup, you will be extremely pleased with the quality of this production. The B&W film transfer and DVD mastering is excellent with a perfect balance of digital detail and B&W grain.The audio mix and digital mastering is also exceptional. I tested the DS5.1 on a few tracks and it was certainly okay. But what really stands out is the DTS6.1 which is fabulous!! They did a great job.If you enjoy really good concert DVDs (there aren’t that many), and have a system to do them justice, then Roy Orbison B&W Night will knock your socks off. You can watch/listen over and over and over. With the classic songs and the all-star ensemble, it’s difficult to imagine anyone who wouldn’t enjoy this concert.(System is a Yamaha RX-V3000 with a 10 speaker configuration, an Epson EMP-7600 2200 lumens front projection setup with a 162″ screen. It’s a pretty amazing system … if something isn’t really good enough, it will basically be unwatchable and unlistenable. On the other hand, with the B&W Night concert DVD with its high resolution and super DTS mix, you can “fall into” this concert, just as if you were in the audience).What fun! This is a great DVD sure to be a favorite in your collection. Enjoy!!(After nearly two days of CNN etc, tonight I watched this DVD twice, with Roy and his pals having fun and making great music … a strong and much needed dose of American inspiration, creativity and musical talent in this very somber week of September 11, 2001).

]]> Comment on Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray] by H. Goodman http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/roy-orbison-black-white-night-blu-ray.php/comment-page-1/#comment-256 H. Goodman Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:30:21 +0000 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/roy-orbison-black-white-night-blu-ray.php#comment-256 <i>Review by H. Goodman for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roy-Orbison-Black-White-Blu-ray/dp/B0017XFP4U%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ETWEJ53870KE0N9Z3G2%26tag%3Dconcertsites-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0017XFP4U" rel="nofollow">Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]</a></i> <b>Rating: <img src="http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/wp-content/plugins/WPRobot3/images/5.png" ></b> On September 30th, 1987, the stars were in alignment, and an incredible concert took place. Thankfully, they filmed and recorded it. This DVD features not only an amazingly warm and relaxed performance by Roy, but also includes a remixed SACD soundtrack of the film. If you already have the "Black & White Night" CD (first issue) you may want to pick this up anyway. The sound mix is crystal clear. I think there were at least three acoustic guitars being played that night, and on this reissue, they positively shimmer! The other differences from past issues of this concert on disc or video are the inclusion of "Claudette", restored to its proper place in the running order, and on the SACD, "Blue Angel" is added on as a bonus track. <br />This package is really worth the price. I paid no more than I would for an average new DVD, so the SACD is really a bonus. If you're a fan of the great Mr. Orbison, I think you'll watch this one over and over. Review by H. Goodman for Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]
Rating:
On September 30th, 1987, the stars were in alignment, and an incredible concert took place. Thankfully, they filmed and recorded it. This DVD features not only an amazingly warm and relaxed performance by Roy, but also includes a remixed SACD soundtrack of the film. If you already have the “Black & White Night” CD (first issue) you may want to pick this up anyway. The sound mix is crystal clear. I think there were at least three acoustic guitars being played that night, and on this reissue, they positively shimmer! The other differences from past issues of this concert on disc or video are the inclusion of “Claudette”, restored to its proper place in the running order, and on the SACD, “Blue Angel” is added on as a bonus track.

This package is really worth the price. I paid no more than I would for an average new DVD, so the SACD is really a bonus. If you’re a fan of the great Mr. Orbison, I think you’ll watch this one over and over.

]]> Comment on Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray] by Richard R. Carlton http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/roy-orbison-black-white-night-blu-ray.php/comment-page-1/#comment-255 Richard R. Carlton Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:50:16 +0000 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/roy-orbison-black-white-night-blu-ray.php#comment-255 <i>Review by Richard R. Carlton for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roy-Orbison-Black-White-Blu-ray/dp/B0017XFP4U%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ETWEJ53870KE0N9Z3G2%26tag%3Dconcertsites-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0017XFP4U" rel="nofollow">Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]</a></i> <b>Rating: <img src="http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/wp-content/plugins/WPRobot3/images/5.png" ></b> The DVD release of this one *IS* the legacy of Roy Orbison.A number of reviewers comment on the absolutely spectacular 5.1 and DTS mixes for this release and I couldn't agree more....this is not only arguably the best DVD yet released, the remix was done from 1987 tapes and really shows why it is worth considering re-buying your favorite music when remixes are released.Regarding the black and white format.....it is sharp and clear with excellent video mixes.....you are usually on the right person at the right time throughout and the fact that it was shot at LA's Coconut Grove makes it even better.And now the music....ah, the music....of coure it has Pretty Woman, Cryin', Dream Baby. But what is spectacular is Roy's delivery of Blue Bayou, the sailing lyric in It's Over, the rhythm section on Candy Man, the fun in redoing his 1st hit from Sun Studios...Ooby Dooby...there isn't a track on this one that won't find a special place in your heart.It simply cannot be said any other way.....this is what Roy was always all about....and you've got Springsteen, Lang, Souther, Riatt, T-Bone, Costello, Browne......all to vouch for it! Review by Richard R. Carlton for Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]
Rating:
The DVD release of this one *IS* the legacy of Roy Orbison.A number of reviewers comment on the absolutely spectacular 5.1 and DTS mixes for this release and I couldn’t agree more….this is not only arguably the best DVD yet released, the remix was done from 1987 tapes and really shows why it is worth considering re-buying your favorite music when remixes are released.Regarding the black and white format…..it is sharp and clear with excellent video mixes…..you are usually on the right person at the right time throughout and the fact that it was shot at LA’s Coconut Grove makes it even better.And now the music….ah, the music….of coure it has Pretty Woman, Cryin’, Dream Baby. But what is spectacular is Roy’s delivery of Blue Bayou, the sailing lyric in It’s Over, the rhythm section on Candy Man, the fun in redoing his 1st hit from Sun Studios…Ooby Dooby…there isn’t a track on this one that won’t find a special place in your heart.It simply cannot be said any other way…..this is what Roy was always all about….and you’ve got Springsteen, Lang, Souther, Riatt, T-Bone, Costello, Browne……all to vouch for it!

]]> Comment on Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray] by bill brophy http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/roy-orbison-black-white-night-blu-ray.php/comment-page-1/#comment-254 bill brophy Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:50:31 +0000 http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/music/roy-orbison-black-white-night-blu-ray.php#comment-254 <i>Review by bill brophy for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roy-Orbison-Black-White-Blu-ray/dp/B0017XFP4U%3FSubscriptionId%3D0ETWEJ53870KE0N9Z3G2%26tag%3Dconcertsites-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0017XFP4U" rel="nofollow">Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]</a></i> <b>Rating: <img src="http://www.louisvilleconcerts.com/wp-content/plugins/WPRobot3/images/5.png" ></b> When Springsteen wrote and created his Born To Run album he explained to critics that he wanted "to have an album with lyrics like Dylan, singing like Roy Orbison, and a sound like Phil Spector." If you're 25 or older and you can only give your children one snapshot of popular music, circa '60- '90, buy them a copy of this tape. Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Warnes, k.d. lang, John David Souther, Jackson Brown and Steven Soules sing backing vocals. Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen and T-Bone Burnett, among others,play instrumental second fiddles. And they all do it for The Man. Roy Orbison. The architect of the symphonic, Ravel-like love song. The singer of singers. Just weeks before he died he played a concert in Boston and the local critic said, (I paraphrase) "he repeated that last line, in his falsetto voice, over and over and over as if to say, 'I'm still here and can do it...anytime.'" The videotape is revelatory. Stephen Burton (gtr) shows, over and over again, why he is to studio musicians and especially to guitar players, an icon non-pareil. He is Chet Atkins, Django Reinhardt, Bucky Pizzarelli, all in one. The tape does a tidy review of Orbison's hits. More remarkable than the performance of those hits is the reverential looks and obvious excitment of Springsteen, Costello, lang, Raitt, Browne, etc. as they accompany him on his tour of transistor radio hits. Forget the Wilbury's. This is Roy's night. Deservedly. Roy knew how to constrain all that emotion behind his words until he was ready to release it. In the last moments of the tape Roy sings "Pretty Woman" and it opens up into a jam-for-all. Noteworthy is how Springsteen acquits himself in a mano a' mano guitar trade with Burton. First they trade twelve bar solos, then they raise the stakes and trade four bar exchanges. Springsteen shows that all those hours spent in his bedroom paid off, ("..well I got me a guitar and I learned how to make it talk...") not topping Burton but filing a tasty, even nasty, testament of his own licks and sources. Perhaps most easily, and unjustly, overlooked in a star studded vid like this is Elvis Costello who plays, no, contributes in a huge way, turns as a harp (harmonica) player, guitar player, singer and pianist. But instrumentally, Burton, Springsteen and Alex Tutt (long-time Orbison drummer) truly set themselves apart. And...It's a real hoot to see k.d. lang and Bonnie Raitt and Jennifer Warnes doing "steps" and singing "sha la la la" and "doo wah doo wah doo wah" and obviously loving it. It is a video to love. And that doesn't even begin to address Orbison's lyrics: "A candy colored clown they call the sandman; tiptoes to my room every night; just to sprinkle star dust and to whisper: "go to sleep, everything is alright." Dylan, Springsteen, Orbison, ..... Quick. Name three more lyricists of that stratum. Buy the tape. Re-learn what was good and true (men "do" cry") about popular music in the sixties and the seventies. Review by bill brophy for Roy Orbison: Black & White Night [Blu-ray]
Rating:
When Springsteen wrote and created his Born To Run album he explained to critics that he wanted “to have an album with lyrics like Dylan, singing like Roy Orbison, and a sound like Phil Spector.” If you’re 25 or older and you can only give your children one snapshot of popular music, circa ’60- ’90, buy them a copy of this tape. Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Warnes, k.d. lang, John David Souther, Jackson Brown and Steven Soules sing backing vocals. Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen and T-Bone Burnett, among others,play instrumental second fiddles. And they all do it for The Man. Roy Orbison. The architect of the symphonic, Ravel-like love song. The singer of singers. Just weeks before he died he played a concert in Boston and the local critic said, (I paraphrase) “he repeated that last line, in his falsetto voice, over and over and over as if to say, ‘I’m still here and can do it…anytime.’” The videotape is revelatory. Stephen Burton (gtr) shows, over and over again, why he is to studio musicians and especially to guitar players, an icon non-pareil. He is Chet Atkins, Django Reinhardt, Bucky Pizzarelli, all in one. The tape does a tidy review of Orbison’s hits. More remarkable than the performance of those hits is the reverential looks and obvious excitment of Springsteen, Costello, lang, Raitt, Browne, etc. as they accompany him on his tour of transistor radio hits. Forget the Wilbury’s. This is Roy’s night. Deservedly. Roy knew how to constrain all that emotion behind his words until he was ready to release it. In the last moments of the tape Roy sings “Pretty Woman” and it opens up into a jam-for-all. Noteworthy is how Springsteen acquits himself in a mano a’ mano guitar trade with Burton. First they trade twelve bar solos, then they raise the stakes and trade four bar exchanges. Springsteen shows that all those hours spent in his bedroom paid off, (“..well I got me a guitar and I learned how to make it talk…”) not topping Burton but filing a tasty, even nasty, testament of his own licks and sources. Perhaps most easily, and unjustly, overlooked in a star studded vid like this is Elvis Costello who plays, no, contributes in a huge way, turns as a harp (harmonica) player, guitar player, singer and pianist. But instrumentally, Burton, Springsteen and Alex Tutt (long-time Orbison drummer) truly set themselves apart. And…It’s a real hoot to see k.d. lang and Bonnie Raitt and Jennifer Warnes doing “steps” and singing “sha la la la” and “doo wah doo wah doo wah” and obviously loving it. It is a video to love. And that doesn’t even begin to address Orbison’s lyrics: “A candy colored clown they call the sandman; tiptoes to my room every night; just to sprinkle star dust and to whisper: “go to sleep, everything is alright.” Dylan, Springsteen, Orbison, ….. Quick. Name three more lyricists of that stratum. Buy the tape. Re-learn what was good and true (men “do” cry”) about popular music in the sixties and the seventies.

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