Rating: Summary: Simply the best Review: My former roommate produced the "Concert for Bangla Desh" and, for the past 31 years I thought that was the best "compilation" event I have ever attended. However, "Concert for George" is all that- and more. While many of the performers are the same - Clapton, Starr, Preston, this time there were three weeks of rehearsals - and it shows. If there were a six star category available I'd try to award seven. I've owned this two disc set for about three weeks and I've watched it at least a dozen times. It would have been more but I keep loaning it to friends. It's hard to pick out the highlights out of something that has nothing but great entertainment but, if you twisted my arm I'd say "Beware of Darkness" by Eric Clapton, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (Clapton and Paul McCartnet), "Isn't It A Pity" (Clapton and Billy Preston), "Wah Wah" (everyone) and "Horse to Water" (Sam Brown, who I am now madly in love with). If you liked the Beatles you will love this concert and if you loved the Beatles this will make you ecstatic. In fact, if you never heard of the Beatles, and simply crave great music, this will be the concert you will watch a lot more than once.
Rating: Summary: Sam Brown-Magnificent!! Review: With all due respect to the concert, one thing that made me watch this DVD so many times was Sam Brown's rendition of Horse on the Water. For me, I have discovered a singer whose voice is so forceful that it actually made me fall in love with her. WHAT A SONG!!! WHAT A SINGER!!!
Rating: Summary: A very beautiful tribute! Review: I must say I love this DVD! I have seen several tribute concerts (of both people whom are living or have passed on) where some of the performers are there because of a record company contract, or they are a fan of the person, or they have done a cover etc. In this case, not only did those people on the stage work with the late George Harrison, they were also very much part of his life in one way or another. It was a labor of love for sure, and certainly showed how much of an impact this man not only had on the lives and music of the people performing, but on music in general. He never got enough credit in my eyes for his contributions to music. Often shadowed by the whole Lennon/McCartney mystical thing...depending on how mystical you thought that was. Performances that hit me the most were "Horse to Water" (can that gal sing or what!) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers "I Need You", Billy Preston's knock out version of "Isn't It a Pity" "Beware of the Darkness" "The Inner Light""While my guitar Gently Weeps" and "Arpan" knocked my socks off! What a fantastic piece by Ravi Shankar, conducted by his very talented daughter. I loved how up and flamboyant Ringo was, he was being well, Ringo. Why would you expect him to be sad in such a celebration, though I am sure he missed his friend. I too was impressed with Joe Brown, though I never heard of him really much before. In the concert portion, you see the whole original lay out of the concert, starting with the Indian portion, then a nice break with the Monty Python tribute, then the band. As for several previous reviewers on Paul McCartney's need to be the center of attention. Perhaps this is why he was regulated towards the end of the show? Because the concert was not about him? The end time was a lot about Paul being all over. I do think he was kind of being Paul by butting in about what Olivia said back stage, but then again, it was kind of true and nice to know. I don't think he was being mean about it. In general, I am not a big Paul fan, actually I don't care for most of his solo music, but well, I don't think he was trying to be vicious or anything, actually he seemed kind of humble for Paul. The movie portion, you have to remember it's a documentary as well as showing some performances. I think it is fantastic to have both available on this DVD. This is certainly going to be watched over and over and over again.
Rating: Summary: The best music DVD I have seen Review: Very awe inspiring performance Ravi's daughter is also a ripper! Full of great songs. The entire concert DVD is the best of the 2. Worth the money for sure.
Rating: Summary: Music of the stars Review: It seems improbable for a live concert to have the depth and clarity of this one. Even though the majority of the music is Harrison's, the breadth of the performers is absolutely staggering, and their covers of his music are riveting. This album has haunted my thoughts through the day and my dreams at night. I do not remember the last time I heard a musical display so intense and so beautiful. The overall determination of the musicians to get the music right for their compatriot shows with each bar of music played, each lyric sung out, each song performed. The oddest part is that I never really followed much of Harrison's early music, but now I'm a believer(sorry Monkees' fans).
Rating: Summary: Beautiful Tribute For A Beautiful Guy Review: This tribute to George's music and life is an incredibly poignant reminder of how much Mr. Harrison mattered, and how much he is missed. I was brought into this world around the time of 33 & 1/3, so watching & listening to "Concert For George" wasn't, for me, like taking a stroll down nostalgia lane. I feel really fortunate that I was able to discover the Beatles & George's solo work a bit independently of any trend or fashion. And what a discovery! There is no one more qualified than Eric Clapton in spearheading this event. Obviously he & George were great friends, and Clapton's understanding & love for Harrison's music is utterly apparent. Eric gives us gorgeous renditions of "If I Needed Someone," "Beware Of Darkness," and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Clapton's anguished solo on the latter is breathtaking. For me the biggest surprise and delight of the show was the performance of Joe Brown. I had never heard him perform before, and I was blown away by his idiosyncratic voice & dignified renditions of George's songs. Of all the musicians present that evening, Joe Brown's musical approach on these songs most closely resembled George's. His version of "Here Comes The Sun" follows the original closely, yet still retains an appealing freshness. "That's The Way It Goes" was the most adventurous choice of the show set-list (it wasn't a hit or a Beatles song), but Brown's mandolin textures & soft voice fit this Gone Troppo classic perfectly. This song, along with Browns' moving rendition of "I'll See You In My Dreams", are in my opinion the highlights of the night, and both brought tears to my eyes. Another moving highlight was the performance of Billy Preston. Preston gives us an incredible "Isn't It A Pity," and a soulful rendition of "My Sweet Lord." Gary Brooker gives a rowdy rendition of "Old Brown Shoe," and the Sam Brown & Jools Holland performance of "Horse To Water" is powerful. Incidentally, this performance is not included on the CD; nor are the Monty Python songs. Michael Palin gives a hilarious "tribute" (which is in the same vein as the "Oh Lord, You Are So Absolutely Huge" prayer in "The Meaning Of Life") that I'm sure would have brought a broad smile to George's face. Anoushka Shankar's rendition of "The Inner Light" is incredible. Her virtuosity is apparent on "Your Eyes," and the Ravi Shankar composition is brilliant, of course. "Arpan" captures the essence, in my opinion, of George's spiritual searching and eventual contentment. This piece is both imposing and playful. Ringo's contributions are excellent, and they show the flip side of George's image as a serious mystic. "Photograph" is immaculate pop, and "Honey Don't" is of the country/rockabilly tradition that both George & Ringo loved. Jeff Lynne & Tom Petty were obvious choices for the concert; sadly, their performances are the weakest of the evening. I have never really cared for Jeff Lynne's voice, and he sounds particularly strained on "Wah Wah". His vocals are much better on "The Inner Light" and "Give Me Love," but I feel that his voice really isn't suited for these songs. Lynne's crooning of the Roy Orbison parts on "Handle With Care" is excellent. Tom Petty's rendition of "Taxman" seems a little uninspired, and Mr. Petty's singing on "Handle With Care" is not-that-great. His version of "I Need You" is superb, though. Don't get me wrong, I'm really glad that they were there & they are both obviously capable musicians. I just think that maybe they had an off-night. Which brings us to Paul McCartney. He gives a great performance of "All Things Must Pass," which is ironic since he & Lennon deemed it unworthy to be on a Beatles' record. McCartney & Clapton deliver a beautiful version of "Something," and "For You Blue" is excellent. It must be said though that McCartney seems to have a compulsive need to always be the center of attention. His interrupting Joe Brown to make a joke was irritating, and perhaps in a weird way fitting, since McCartney apparently got under George's skin quite a bit. Tellingly, McCartney's interruption isn't included on the CD. This CD/DVD set is a fantastic tribute, and whatever minor flaws that may exist are completely irrelevant in comparison to the powerful performances given by artists that all loved George Harrison & his great music.
Rating: Summary: A bunch of old men make music Review: Congrats to Eric Clayton and all the gang of George Harrisons friends. A job well done, great video and a very good audio. I wished more people would put that much effort into making a concert for we dvd concert heads....KUDO'S to Brits, and the few Yanks for making this tribute video... I really have no negative feed back to give on this dvd,they also kept the crowd noise down, so you hear the songs.. Anyone that loves to hear and see 3 sets of traps(drums) working in harmony, and 8 lead guiters working together, it's amazing... BUY IT!!
Rating: Summary: AS BEAUTIFUL AS IT GETS Review: Watching this concert I felt like I wasn't just watching a concert but seeing Harrison's old friends and family giving him an unforgetable final goodbye and the stirring performances will give you chills and make you realize what a tremendous artist George was. "Concert for George" must go down as one of the greatest concert films ever made. This was as beautiful as it gets. Legendary.
Rating: Summary: Superb! Review: I am a lover of all things Beatles. However, my preference is for McCartney and nothing else- as far as solo career's go. However, this was a Christmas gift and I am very surprised and thrilled at the gift. This program was so well planned, thanks to Eric Clapton and Olivia. I was very appauled at the quality of the tribute for John that Yoko and Sean did. This would make the "shy" one very proud. The talent that was on stage was amazing. A must have for any Beatle FAN!
Rating: Summary: Beautiful Tribute Review: I too received this DVD as a Christmas (I think many people did) and was very impressed with both the audio and video. The love everyone on stage had and still has for George is evident. Clapton acoustic guitar work with Ravi's orchestra is unbelievable, and Billy Preston's rendition of My Sweet Lord is moving and brings the crowd to it's feet. For Harrison and Beatles fans this concert is not merely viewed but is experienced. Excellent, kudos to Clapton for putting this event together.
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