Wednesday, October 04, 2017

Essential Concerts Films, Blues Album Make for Rockin' October

A trio of wonderful concert films are available on DVD and/or blu-ray, while a celebrated blues troupe is back with a joyful celebration of the genre.


Artist: The Rolling Stones
Title: From The Vault: Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones
Tell me more: On May 20, 2015, a fortunate group of lucky fans were treated to an intimate concert featuring the Rolling Stones at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood. Now that already-legendary live event has been released as part of the Rolling Stones' "From The Vault" series. Available in a variety of formats, the terrific Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 marked the first time in the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers' career that the Rolling Stones performed the entire 1971 album Sticky Fingers. Additionally, this concert marked the official kick-off of the band's North American Zip Code Tour. The audience is treated to terrific versions of many classics including the Americana-styled "Dead Flowers" and "Wild Horses," the fiery rocker "Bitch," jazz-tinged blues rocker "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," and a Chicago blues romp through B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby" featuring a lively harmonica solo courtesy of Mick Jagger. Bonus tracks include "All Down The Line," "When The Whip Comes Down" and "I Can't Turn You Loose." In addition to the top-tier performances of many of the Stones' best songs, the DVD includes insightful interviews positioned before the band performances.  For example, in one of the most revealing segments, guitarist Ronnie Wood discusses his respect for guitarist Mick Taylor (whom Wood replaced in the band). A must have film for Stones fans, From The Vault: Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 is available on DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, DVD+3LP and digital formats. Information: eagle-rock.com.



Artists: Steve Lukather, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Satriani, Slash, more
Title: A Tribute to Les Paul (MVD Visual)
You might like if you enjoy: Les Paul, Slash, Steve Lukather, Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Tell me more: Originally broadcast on AXS TV and staged as a live celebration for Les Paul's 90th birthday in 2006 at Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, the special event (now available as A Tribute to Les Paul) featured performances by a number of the world's greatest electric guitarists as they paid tribute to the legacy of the so-called "father of modern music." Standout performances abound on this concert film including Steve Lukather's version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Little Wing," Joe Satriani tearing up on "Watch Boogie" and an amazing finale featuring a take on the early '70s hit "Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo" with Lukather and Kenny Wayne Shepherd trading some fiery guitar work while Edgar Winter provides lead vocals and stellar work with his saxophone. Other artists featured on the title include Slash, Joe Perry, Neal Schon, Buddy Guy and Robben Ford. Bonus features include some vintage footage of Les Paul performing early in his career and in 2006, as well as interviews with the guitarist/inventor. Information: icontvmusic.com.



Artist: Jeff Beck
Title: Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Jeff Beck, Billy F. Gibbons, Jan Hammer, Beth Hart
Tell me more: One of rock most original and influential electric guitar players, Jeff Beck's long and wide-ranging career was fully captured in the summer of 2016 when he headlined at the Hollywood Bowl. Now, that special performance is available to enjoy via Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl on DVD+2CD, Blu-ray+2CD and several other formats. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as both a member of England's Yardbirds and as a solo artist, the new concert film features live performances of material representing all eras of his 50-year career. In addition to rousing versions of Yardbirds cuts ("Heart Full Of Soul" and "For Your Love" thrill the crowd), he performs "The Revolution Will Be Televised" (off his then newly-released album "Loud Hailer") and everything in between. Beck is joined by a number of illustrious musical friends during the night including keyboard virtuoso Jan Hammer, Chicago blues guitar great Buddy Guy, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and ZZ Top singer-guitarist Billy F. Gibbons. The concert concludes with a serious emotional one-two wallop  an instrumental version of the Fab Four's "A Day in the Life" and fitting tribute to Prince (who had recently passed away) via a potent "Purple Rain." Information: eagle-rock.com.




Artist: Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
Title: Groovin' In Greaseland (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Kid Ramos, Little Walter
Tell me more: The latest disc from Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Groovin' In Greaseland is full of infectious, dance-minded blues songs delivered with an exuberant groove sure to please both casual and hardcore blues fans. With singer-harmonica player Rick Estrin at the helm, the surrounding group of strong players includes lead guitarist Kid Andersen, keyboardist Lorenzo Farrell and drummer Alex Petersen. The far-flung material includes the moody "Tender Hearted" and "Another Lonesome Day," the Chicago-styled blues romps "I Ain't All That" and "Hands Of Time," and pedal-to-the-medal instrumental "Mwah!" Rick Estrin & The Nightcats will celebrate the release of Groovin' In Greaseland with a performance at the Riverside West Coast Blues Festival in Riverside, CA, on Oct. 14, 2017. For specific information on that day-long event, visit riversidebluesfestival.bpt.me. For more information on the artist's new album, visit rickestrin.com or alligator.com.

Robert Kinsler

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