Blu-ray Roundup: Peter Gabriel's 'Taking The Pulse' and the original dance show 'Message In A Bottle' based on the songs of Sting

In this column I review two newly-issued Blu-ray releases.

Artist: Peter Gabriel

Title: Taking The Pulse (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, elbow
Tell me more: Peter Gabriel's "Taking The Pulse" is an ambitious concert film that finds the groundbreaking English. artist and the New Blood Orchestra reworking 16 selections sans guitars, bass and drums. Working with arranger John Metcalfe, the concert filmed on Sept. 26, 2010 captured Gabriel, several backing singers and a full orchestra under the baton of Ben Foster performing at the legendary Arena di Verona in Italy. 

The thrilling performance seen on the newly-released Mercury Studios Blu-ray includes a parade of beloved Gabriel songs including the chilling "San Jacinto" (which makes full use of the orchestra's powers), driving "Digging in the Dirt," dynamic "Signal to Noise" that grows in might with each passing measure, the wistful "Mercy Street," luxurious "Red Rain," buoyant "Solsbury Hill," and emotive "In Your Eyes" and "Don't Give Up" — the latter two bolstered by Ane Brun's vocals that work well with Gabriel's signature baritone. Directed by Anna Gabriel, "Taking The Pulse" fuses dazzling concert footage with dramatic lighting and artful graphics to deliver Peter Gabriel's theatrical vision across the 97-minute performance. Information: mercurystudios.co or PeterGabriel.com.

Title: Message In A Bottle (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Modern dance, the music of Sting and The Police
Tell me more: Fans of the music of The Police and Sting, as well as lovers of top-tier modern dance will all find something to love on the newly released filmed adaptation of the stage production of "Message In A Bottle." Available now via a beautiful two-disc 4K Ultra HD+Blu-ray edition presented by Mercury Studios and Sadler's Wells, the celebrated full-length dance show plays out against the music of 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting. Kate Prince's choreography fuels a compelling storyline featuring two dozen or so dancers from ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company. The audio and visual quality on the release is fantastic.

The new recordings of many of Sting's most recognized and beloved songs are artfully used to help propel the story of a displaced family and their journey through joy, love, despair and triumph. Alex Lacamoire's new arrangements feature Sting and guest artists such as Beverley Knight singing "Every Breath You Take," "Roxanne," "Fields of Gold," "Shape Of My Heart," "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," "Invisible Sun" and many others. A number of dance styles ranging from pantomime, break dancing, ballet, folk and expressionist dance are used by the talented cast. 

In the notes provided to this writer, Sting accurately states: "When I first saw 'Message In A Bottle,' I was overwhelmed by all the different styles of dance in the show. What I really didn't expect was to be so emotionally engaged in the story. Kate's imaginative story and beautiful choreography has brought my songs to new life, and I am thrilled that there is now a film of the fantastic stage show." 

Information: mercurystudios.co.

Robert Kinsler

'Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision' deluxe box set coming Sept. 13

Get news on an exciting new Jimi Hendrix documentary and related deluxe album box set coming next month...Robert Kinsler

NEW DOCUMENTARY + DELUXE ALBUM BOX SET  ELECTRIC LADY STUDIOS: A JIMI HENDRIX VISION  OUT SEPTEMBER 13

Film Chronicles Creation of Groundbreaking New York Recording Studio: Set Includes 38 Previously Unreleased Jimi Hendrix Tracks From 1970 + 20 New 5.1 Mixes On Blu-ray

On September 13, Experience Hendrix L.L.C., in partnership with Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is releasing Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, a deluxe box set offering 39 tracks (38 previously unreleased) that were recorded by the new-look Jimi Hendrix Experience (Billy Cox on bass, Mitch Mitchell on drums) at Electric Lady Studios between June and August of 1970, just before the legendary musician’s untimely death the following month.   In celebration of the forthcoming release, on August 8, the City of New York will be temporarily renaming the portion of West 8th Street between 6th Street and MacDougal Street JIMI HENDRIX WAY. This is the block on which Electric Lady Studios was built and still stands. There will also be a media screening event inside the studio that night. The official theatrical premiere of Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision will be on August 9 at Quad Cinema in Manhattan at 7:00 PM and feature a post-screening Q&A session with director and co-producer John McDermott, co-producer and president/CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. Janie Hendrix, and producer/engineer Eddie Kramer. The film is distributed by Abramorama and all confirmed worldwide theatrical bookings for it can be found here: https://ajimihendrixvision.com/showtimes/

Pre-order Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision

The project also includes 20 newly created 5.1 surround sound mixes of the entire First Rays Of The New Rising Sun album plus three bonus tracks [“Valleys Of Neptune,” “Pali Gap,” and “Lover Man”]. The Blu-ray includes the critically acclaimed, full-length documentary Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision. The film chronicles the creation of the studio, rising from the rubble of a bankrupt Manhattan nightclub to becoming a state-of-the-art recording facility inspired by Hendrix’s desire for a permanent studio. Directed by John McDermott and produced by Janie Hendrix, George Scott and McDermott, the film features exclusive interviews with Steve Winwood (who joined Hendrix on the first night of recording at the new studio), Experience bassist Billy Cox and original Electric Lady staff members who helped Hendrix realize his dream. The documentary includes never-before-seen footage and photos as well as track breakdowns of Hendrix classics such as “Freedom,” Angel” and “Dolly Dagger” by recording engineer Eddie Kramer. The package includes an extensive booklet filled with unpublished photos, Hendrix’s handwritten song drafts, and comprehensive liner notes. The new release comes on the heels of another feature-length documentary that was created by the same team; Music, Money, Madness… Jimi Hendrix Live In Maui, which was nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Music Film category in 2022.   Leading the project is a previously unreleased version of “Angel [Take 7].”  This newly mixed, stripped down version includes the original performances recorded by Hendrix, Mitchell and Cox on July 23, 1970.  It does not include any of the drums and additional percussion elements Mitchell opted to add to this master take after Jimi had died.

View the new music video for “Angel [Take 7]” here

Contained on the five vinyl LPs or three CDs in the Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision box set are 39 tracks recorded by Jimi and his band—consisting of bassist Billy Cox and drummer Mitch Mitchell—at the studio within the last four months of the guitarist’s life. Hendrix was hard at work creating First Rays Of The New Rising Sun, the ambitious double album that would follow his 1968 masterwork Electric Ladyland. Inspired by the possibilities of the new studio, the Experience built classic fare such as “Night Bird Flying,” “Freedom,” and “Dolly Dagger” from the ground up. The set offers a comprehensive look at the work Hendrix undertook during that fruitful summer of 1970. The music ranges from four-track demo recordings of “Valleys Of Neptune” and “Heaven Has No Sorrow,” alternate arrangements of promising new songs such as “Come Down Hard On Me” and “Belly Button Window,” extraordinary, live in the studio takes of “Tune X/In From The Storm,” “Astro Man” and “The Long Medley,” a stirring, 26 minute spontaneous exploration of “Beginnings,” “Hey Baby (New Rising Sun),” “Keep On Groovin’” and “Freedom.” Additionally, the box set present many of the mixes the guitarist completed with engineer Eddie Kramer before leaving to begin a European tour on August 30 at the Isle Of Wight festival in England.  Hendrix would never again return to Electric Lady Studios.   The newly mixed 5.1 audio tracks contained on the Blu-ray of Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision include all 17 tracks from the posthumously released First Rays of the New Rising Sun (1997, recorded 1968-70), as well as “Pali Gap” from Rainbow Bridge (1971, recorded 1970), “Lover Man” from The Jimi Hendrix Experience box set, (2000, recorded 1970) and “Valleys of Neptune” from Valleys of Neptune (2010, recorded 1969-70).  The documentary explains in depth that while Jimi Hendrix’s death robbed the public of so much potential music, the continued success of his recording studio provides a lasting legacy beyond his own music. John Lennon, The Clash, AC/DC, Chic, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder and hundreds more made records at Electric Lady Studios, which speaks to one of Jimi’s lasting achievements in an industry that has radically changed over the course of the last half century.  “My brother had a musical vision,” Janie Hendrix reflects. “With this project, it felt appropriate to shed light not only on his own music, but also on his lasting contribution of Electric Lady Studios. He was driven internally to build a home base where he could record everything he felt. While his life was cut short, so many other talented artists continue to express themselves within those magical walls on 52 West 8th Street.”   Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision 5LP tracklist:    DISC ONE   SIDE ONE 1) Ezy Ryder [Alternate Mix]* 6/18/70                                      2) Valleys Of Neptune [Alternate Version]*  6/15/70                                                  3) Straight Ahead [Takes 1 & 2]* 6/17/70  4) Astro Man [Takes 9 & 10]* 6/24/70                                             5) Drifting [Takes 1 & 2]* 6/25/70                                                 6) Night Bird Flying [Take 25]* 6/16/70                                                     SIDE TWO 1) Earth Blues [Alternate Mix]*  6/26/70                                                               2) Drifter’s Escape [Takes 1 & 2]* 6/17/70   3) Astro Man [Take 14]* 6/24/70                                                 4) Further Up The Road* 6/24/70                                DISC TWO   SIDE ONE 1) Dolly Dagger [Takes 17 & 18]* 7/1/70                                                2) Lover Man  7/20/70                                                               3) Freedom [Take 4]* 6/25/70                                                     4) Angel [Take 7]* 7/23/70                                                          5) Beginnings [Take 5]*                                                              SIDE TWO 1) The Long Medley [Astro Man / Beginnings / Hey Baby (New Rising Sun) / Midnight Lightning (Keep On Groovin’) / Freedom]* 6/24/70                                                          DISC THREE   SIDE ONE 1) Freedom [Alternate Version]* 7/19/70   2) Valleys Of Neptune [Demo]*   6/70                                                    3) Tune X*/Just Came In [Take 6]* 7/22/70   4) Drifting [Alternate Version]*  8/20/70  5) Messing Around  [Take 17]* 6/16/70     SIDE TWO  1) Tune X* / Just Came In (Take 8)* 7/22/70    2) Dolly Dagger [Alternate Version]* 7/19/70                                                              3) Come Down Hard On Me [take 15]* 7/15/70  4) Heaven Has No Sorrow [Demo]* 6/70                                                   DISC FOUR   SIDE ONE   1) Midnight Lightning* / Beginnings* 7/1/70                                                                2) Dolly Dagger [Mix 2]* 8/20/70   3) Belly Button Window [Take 1]* 7/23/70     SIDE TWO   1) Night Bird Flying [Alternate Version]* 8/20/70  2) Freedom [Alternate Version]* 8/20/70   3) Straight Ahead [Alternate Mix]* 8/20/70  4) In From The Storm [Alternate Mix]* 8/24/70      DISC FIVE   SIDE ONE  1) Bolero* / Hey Baby (New Rising Sun) [Alternate Mix]* 8/22/70  2) Drifter’s Escape [Alternate Mix]* 8/22/70                                                          SIDE TWO  1) Bleeding Heart [Alternate Mix]* 8/22/70                                2) Drifting [Alternate Version]* 11/20/70                                                         3) Astro Man [Alternate Version]* 8/22/70                                       4) Room Full Of Mirrors [Alternate Version]* 10/20/70                                           5) Angel [Alternate Version]* 10/19/70                         *Previously unreleased     Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision 3CD tracklist:   DISC ONE 1) Ezy Ryder [Alternate Mix]* 6/18/70                                      2) Valleys Of Neptune [Alternate Version]*  6/15/70          3) Straight Ahead [Takes 1 & 2]* 6/17/70  4) Drifter’s Escape [Takes 1 & 2]* 6/17/70            5) Astro Man [Takes 9 & 10]* 6/24/70                                             6) Astro Man [Take 14]* 6/24/70 7) Drifting [Takes 1 & 2]* 6/25/70 8) Night Bird Flying [Take 25]* 6/16/70 9) Farther Up The Road* 6/24/70 10) The Long Medley [Astro Man / Beginnings / Hey Baby (New Rising Sun) / Midnight Lightning (Keep On Groovin’) / Freedom]* 6/24/70                                                       DISC TWO 1) Earth Blues [Alternate Mix]* 6/26/70 2) Dolly Dagger [Takes 17 & 18]* 7/1/70 3) Angel [Take 7]* 7/23/70 4) Beginnings [Take 5]* 7/1/70 5) Lover Man 7/20/70 6) Tune X* / Just Came In [Take 6]* 7/22/70 7) Heaven Has No Sorry [Demo]* 6/26/70 8) Freedom [Take 4]* 6/25/70 9) Valleys Of Neptune [Demo]* 6/26/70 10) Come Down Hard On Me [Take 15]* 7/15/70 11) Dolly Dagger [Alternate Version]* 7/19/70 12) Messing Around [Take 17]* 6/16/70 13) Tune X* / Just Came In [Take 8]* 7/22/70 14) Drifting [Alternate Version]* 8/20/70 15) Freedom [Alternate Version]* 7/19/70 16) Belly Button Window [Take 1]* 7/23/70   DISC THREE 1) Dolly Dagger [Mix 2]* 8/20/70 2) Night Bird Flying [Alternate Version]* 8/20/70 3) Freedom [Alternate Version]* 8/20/70 4) Midnight Lightning* / Beginnings* 7/1/70 5) Straight Ahead [Alternate Mix]* 8/20/70 6) In From The Storm [Alternate Mix]* 8/24/70 7) Bolero* / Hey Baby (New Rising Sun) [Alternate Mix]* 8/22/70 8) Drifter’s Escape [Alternate Mix]* 8/22/70 9) Astro Man [Alternate Version]* 8/22/70 10) Bleeding Heart [Alternate Mix]* 8/22/70 11) Drifting [Alternate Version]* 11/20/70 12) Room Full Of Mirrors [Alternate Version]* 10/19/70 13) Angel [Alternate Version]* 10/19/70   *Previously unreleased                              First Rays of the New Rising Sun + Bonus Tracks 5.1 Mixes (contained on Blu-ray with both vinyl and CD versions of package)   1) Freedom 2) Izabella 3) Night Bird Flying 4) Angel 5) Room Full of Mirrors 6) Dolly Dagger 7) Ezy Ryder 8) Drifting  9) Beginnings 10) Stepping Stone 11) My Friend 12) Straight Ahead 13) Hey Baby (New Rising Sun) 14) Earth Blues 15) Astro Man 16) In From the Storm 17) Belly Button Window 18) Pali Gap (from Rainbow Bridge album) 19) Lover Man (from Jimi Hendrix Experience box set) 20) Valleys of Neptune (from Valleys of Neptune album)   All 20 tracks available in 5.1 surround sound audio for first time ever     About Legacy Recordings: Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is home to the world's foremost library of historically significant commercial recordings, a peerless collection of works by the most important musical artists of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.  Across a variety of platforms, the label offers contemporary music fans access to thousands of meticulously restored archival titles representing virtually every musical genre.   About Experience Hendrix L.L.C.: Founded by James 'Al' Hendrix, Jimi's father, in 1995, Experience Hendrix, has been managed since its inception by the family members handpicked by Al during his tenure as Chairman. It is the official family company charged with managing the music, name, image and likeness of Jimi Hendrix. As a part of their daily operations, Experience Hendrix and Authentic Hendrix oversee Jimi's timeless legacy on a worldwide basis.

 

Blu-ray Roundup: The Beatles, Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd, Todd Rundgren

Music lovers with Blu-ray players have plenty of reasons to celebrate, including the release of a trio of fantastic new titles available now.

Title: Meeting The Beatles In India (Unobstructed View)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, George Harrison, John Lennon, music documentary films

Tell me more: The release of the Peter Jackson documentary "Get Back" in 2021 focused an in-depth look at the monumental talent and undeniable chemistry of the Beatles and the British band's otherworldly ability to create some of the greatest songs of the rock era. Now the release of Canadian filmmaker Paul Saltzman's "Meeting The Beatles In India" provides a similarly compelling look at the Fab Four — this time focusing on their mythical time spent in India a year before the "Get Back" sessions. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the documentary finds Saltzman vividly sharing his memories of his time befriending John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr at the Beatles Ashram (also known as Chaurasi Kutia) located in Rishikesh, a city in Northern India. The short period that the Beatles spent in India resulted in the writing of 48 songs in approximately 48 days, including favorites that fill the band's 1968 album The Beatles (better known as "The White Album"). In addition to his first person account of his time with the Beatles, Saltzman's amazing photographs of the Beatles add depth to the film, as do his reflections on his own spiritual journey that fatefully led him to study transcendental meditation alongside the Beatles with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The documentary features interviews with film director David Lynch, pre-eminent Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn, Pattie Boyd (married to George Harrison at the time of the trip to India) and even the real "Bungalow Bill." The Blu-ray edition of "Meeting The Beatles In India" includes 57 minutes of extra scenes, as well as the trailer for the 79-minute documentary. A must-see for fans of the Beatles. Information: unobstructedview.com or thebeatlesinindia.com.

Title: Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Pink Floyd, David Bowie, David Gilmour, music documentary films

Tell me more: Nearly 20 years after his death, Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett remains a tragic figure as mythical as he is influential. A compelling newly-released documentary — "Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd" — provides a deep dive into Barrett's life as a musical and visual artist; the Roddy Bogawa and Storm Thorgerson-directed film also explores the demons that derailed Barrett's professional career and happiness. Through a wealth of previously-unseen photographs and film footage as well as new interviews with the surviving members of Pink Floyd (Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason), Barrett's childhood friends, ex-girlfriends and contemporary musicians, the story of Barrett's life is presented with artful grace and candor. Barrett's creative genius and early success is sadly matched by his breakdown, exit from Pink Floyd and disappearance. The two-disc DVD+Blu-ray version reviewed here includes an exclusive poster designed by StormStudios. Bonus materials include commentary of the film with Bogawa, Julius Beltrame and Rupert Truman, as well as a 2007 performance of Pink Floyd's 1967 single "Arnold Layne" with Gilmour, Richard Wright and Mason, and a 2006 performance of that same Barrett-penned classic featuring Gilmour and David Bowie in a performance at The Royal Albert Hall. Information: mercurystudios.co. 

Artist: Todd Rundgren

Title: Liars — Live (Cleopatra Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Todd Rundgren, Utopia, Nazz, Thomas Dolby, Peter Gabriel

Tell me more: Recorded live at the Egg Performing Arts Center in Albany, New York on June 9, 2004, the new Blu-ray concert film "Liars — Live" is a powerful showcase for the formidable talents of groundbreaking singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Todd Rundgren. Backed by a top-tier band (including his Utopia bandmates Kasim Sulton, Jesse Gress, and Prairie Prince), the 160-minute concert focuses on material from Rundgren's return-to-form 2004 album Liars and beloved favorites from across his wide-ranging career. Early standouts include the synth-swept opener "Truth," introspective rocker "Buffalo Grass," electronica "Mammon," and sumptuous R&B-tinged version of "God Said." The energy of the marathon-length concert film continues with the jazzy "Soul Brother," soulful ballad "Sweet," dance styled "Love Science," beautiful "Hello It's Me" and gospel saturated closer "Just One Victory." Rundgren and company bring bona fide chills with a potent take on the George Harrison-penned Beatles classic "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Produced, edited and mixed by Rundgren, "Liars — Live" captures the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer at the top of his powers. The Blu-ray includes bonus trailers, a slide show, Japan video diary and more. Information: cleorecs.com.

Robert Kinsler

Cleopatra Entertainment announces Todd Rundgren 'Liars Live' on Blu-ray

Todd Rundgren fans take note! The forthcoming Ralph Umhoefer-directed "Liars Live" is set to be released on Blu-ray next month courtesy of Cleopatra Entertainment...Robert Kinsler 

Introducing Todd Rundgren - Liars Live

Coming to Blu-ray for the first time on July 19, 2024

   

A stellar 160-minute live concert from legendary musician/songwriter/producer Todd Rundgren, performing material from his critically acclaimed 2004 album, Liars, and other classics!  

This two-hours-plus live concert - released for the first time on Blu-ray disc - was shot on June 9, 2005 in Albany, NY, and features songs from Rundgren's acclaimed Liars album.  

  

The band (including Utopia veterans Kasim Sulton, Jesse Gress, and Prairie Prince) delivers 19 stellar performances, including the classic "Hello It's Me," and a cover of The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."  

Track Listing

Prelude

Truth

Buffalo Grass

Mammon

Fascist Christ

I Hate My Frickin' I.S.P.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

God Said

Liar

Soul Brother

Flaw

Sweet

Past

Love Science

Born To Synthesize

Feel It

The Want Of A Nail

Hello It's Me

Just One Victory

Bonus Materials

Includes bonus Trailers, Slide Show & more!

Learn more on the upcoming Blu-ray release HERE