Rating: Summary: Beautiful tribute Review: Whether you loved George Harrison or not, you will feel the love that all the participants in this concert have for the man. A very moving tribute concert put together by one of George's closest friends, Eric Clapton, it was a magical night.Everyone from Paul and Ringo to Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne to Monty Python to his own son Dhani (who looks just like him!) were on stage giving their all for George. The whole concert was great, but there were a few highlights for me personally. Monty Python's "Sit On My Face" and "Lumberjack Song" were a pleasure to see with Tom Hanks filling in for John Cleese. Tom Petty's renditions of "Taxman" and "I Need You" were perfect as well as the little Travelling Wilbury's "reunion" with Jeff Lynne filling in for Roy Orbison. McCartney's ukelele version of "Something" was very touching especially when the full band came in mid-way through the song. By this point, there were 5 drummers and at least 7 guitarists playing at once! Then, Clapton gave a very emotional performance of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - extended guitar solo and all. Very moving. One unexpected highlight was Jools Holland and Sam Brown (man can she sing!) performing the last recorded Harrison song "Horse to Water". Performance-wise, Sam Brown stole the show! But it wasn't about who was better or worse. There was a true humble feeling of nothing but love for the quiet Beatle. The very best moment for me was Billy Preston singing "Isn't It a Pity" (my personal favorite Harrison song). That's the moment that brought me to tears. If you loved George, it is inevitable that you will come to tears at some point watching this DVD. If you are new to Harrison's work, you will be truly inspired by the beauty of his music. This is not to miss!
Rating: Summary: Guitars Very Gently Weep Review: "The Concert for Gerorge" was an unexpected surprise treasure of a Christmas gift. I did not sit down to watch until New year's Eve and the soft tribute to the music of George Harrison was just what the old year needed for a sentimental sendoff. I knew before viewing that the band was great, but would all those super musicians and session folk step all over themselves as in so many concerts on this scale of talent? Answer: not in the least. I cannot think of a song gone bad during the entire production; however I found the Monty Python part to be tedious, even given their connection to George. Ringo was Ringo and Paul was Paul, but Dhani Harrison's remarkable resemblence to his father kept making me think that life and legacy do go on. Eric Clapton in this politically correct world is no longer "god", but he is a musical angel. Another highlight was Jeff Lynne's uncanny capture of the also late Roy Orbison's chorus on "Handle With Care." Lynne also did an amazingly fine vocal and guital job with "The Inner Light"; accompanied by Ravi Shankar's gorgeous and talented daughter, Anoushka. Jools Holland sang the heck and almost her ... out of her blouse in "Horse to Water." I thought, however, the piece de resistence was Billy Preston's rendition of "My Sweet Lord." More than any other song or tribute, this piece of the concert connected me personally with the spirit of George. George Harrison was very much the soul of the Beatles and that great soul is still a life force here in the material world he left behind.
Rating: Summary: Something in the way his spirit moves ... Review: I freely admit that I wept for much of the latter part of the video, having been profoundly moved by Ravi Shankar's words about his deeply spiritual friend. It had been a joyous celebration, but then it became something much more. The musicians are highly professional and not the least bit mawkish, but clearly intend - and succeed - in honoring their friend's great humanity along with his music. Songs are not played note for note, nor even always in the same tempo or time signature as the original, but the interpretations tend to be right on. Appreciate it at whatever level suits you, but do let the love fill your heart and soul.
Rating: Summary: The Absolute Best Music DVD Ever!! Review: I bought this DVD as a Christmas gift for my husband. With our two college-aged daughters home for the holidays we all watched it and were enraptured by it! I can't say enough for the fabulous music, the wonderful performances, and the bittersweet joy that is encompassed by this DVD. We watched the 2nd disc, the actual concert, everyday for 14 days!! The section "George's Band," is absolutely the best music I've heard! The mix of artists and music is visually rich, and the sound of 3 drumsets, an orchestra, and many guitars is overwhelming! Definitely buy this DVD, watch the 2nd disc first, and I promise you will love it!
Rating: Summary: Not one bad performance Review: Visually beautiful, musically satisfying. You couldn't spend your hard earned money on a better music DVD. I watch it all the time.
Rating: Summary: Great song selection, performances, audio, and video Review: Wow, I don't think anyone could ask for more in a concert video than this. I had never heard of this DVD before I just ran into it by accident, and the only negative thing I can say is that more effort whould have gone into its marketing. Disc 1 is the full-length concert film which includes a very long section of Indian music. I suppose this won't be every Westerner's cup of tea, but I would encourage all viewers to at least give it a chance. I myself was totally transfixed by the Indian music, performed on sitar by Ravi Shankar's daughter, who also directs a large Indian orchestra in a lengthy symphonic-style piece. The second part of the concert consists of tribute performances of George Harrison's music by rock artists, including Eric Clapton. There is really not a bad song in the bunch, and both the video and surround audio are great.
Rating: Summary: Start with Disc 2, unless you are an Indian music buff! Review: Having read other reviews that gave 5 stars, I didn't realize how many Indian music buffs there existed in America. Otherwise, it would be impossible to give 5 star rating. I naturally started with Disc 1, which presents the entire show as it proceeded,,, only having to put up with Indian music for the first one hour. I knew George was really into it, but not his fans for the most part. Disc 1 also contains some non-Beatles/Harrison music by Monty Python and Tom Hanks, which I see no connections with Harrison. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant surprise to see now aged Billy Preston, hammond organ player who participated in the Get Back session when he was much skinnier. With Billy, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney's presence, I would have loved to hear them play Get Back, though they didn't. It would have been a good tribute song to George. My advice is to start with Disc 2, which is much better edited for those who are only interested in Harrison's tunes. Then you might be better prepared for Disc 1.
Rating: Summary: THE BEST Review: I am not sure that I can add anything to what has already been said about this outstanding DVD, except to say that it took my breath away. We should all be so lucky to have just good - and talented - friends.
Rating: Summary: Love To You All Review: I cried. There was never a time in the past when we didnt exist, there will never be a time in the future when we will cease to be. George never left, the music, the joy, and the love is still with us.
Rating: Summary: I wish I could give this more stars! Review: I have never seen as outstanding a concert as this. I watched it for the first time last night, and would have to say this is one of the best gifts I've ever received. Even my children, ages 10 and 13, were entranced. They finally understand why I've always said The Beatles were the greatest of all time. From beginning to end, this concert represents the humility and talent of George Harrison. At no time does it become bogged down in sappiness. Even the surprise addition of a mega-celebrity to the Monty Python skit is so toned down it would be easy to miss. The star of this show is soley George Harrison's music. Two things I must mention: Firstly, the presence of George's lookalike son adds a most surreal feel. At times, Dhani even adopts the movements of his father, and you would swear a teenage George has morphed from the Ed Sullivan Show directly to this concert. And secondly, as others have noted, Eric Clapton's rendition of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" should go down in music and concert history. I've never heard anything like it in my lifetime, and I'm old enough to remember seeing The Fab Four's first performance on Ed Sullivan. It is moving as hell, and more brilliant than anything I've ever heard in rock & roll. This is an absolute MUST HAVE for anyone who ever cared for The Beatles or rock and roll in general. There is not a single song or performance you will want to zip past. Every single moment is breathtaking. Just buy it and hear for yourself.
|