Rating: 
Summary: A Great DVD
Review: ...I was not disappointed with this DVD. Being a native North Carolinian, graduate of Carolina (Taylor went to Chapel Hill High School and his father was head of the medical school), plus a fingerpicker who has actually played a cedar/rosewood cutaway Olson guitar virtually identical to the one James Taylor plays after intermission on this performance, I'm a huge Taylor fan. [Heck, I've even got a record of Alex Taylor, his virtually unknown brother (everyone remembers Livingston)].I suspect Taylor has influenced my guitar style more than any other player, Paul Simon and Jose Feliciano being next. Anyway, this DVD is fabulous. The sound is so good, I'd buy this one without the video. Taylor surrounds himself with great musicians, inc cello, horns, backing vocalists, the great Louis Conti on percussion, drums, bass, a fabulous lead guitarist, etc. Plus the two great videos, including Copperline, in Special Features, are a nice addition. Also, and thankfully (since I have three young sons), he leaves off the "MF" word he injected in Steamroller Blues on the Greatest Hits album. The only fault I can possibly find is that Taylor doesn't play Sweet Baby James nor Carolina on my Mind. Plus this DVD is full screen and not widescreen.
Rating:
Summary: I've seen jt in conert 50 times/this was one of the best
Review: I read someone's review (cant't remember who)who didn't give this performance such high marks. Therefore Saturday night when I watched James Taylor Live at the Beacon Theater I didn't expect much. I was by myself, in a fair mood, and had the sound going through my stereo speakers. I've personally seen James Taylor in concert over 50 times and I have to admit, that this was one of the all time best performances I've seen from him. I guess the critic who gave this a bad review has no idea how hard that was to pull off. To plan to record a concert like that - one shot - and for everyone, not only JT, to execute to perfection. I thought it was great. I especially loved Line em Up, Mexico, Don't Let Me Be Tonight(my personal all time favorite), Wandering, You've Got a Friend, Fire and Rain (with just JT on guitar and a someone on the chello), How Sweet It Is (nice short version), Me and My Guitar, and Daddy's All Gone. I flat out loved it! In fact I listened to it again the next night. It was well worth my $20 bucks. But then again, I'm a big James Taylor fan. Mark Brewer Minneapolis, MN
Rating: 
Summary: Pullover is better!
Review: After reading the reviews about "Live at the Beacon" I assumed that I was missing the better show, having already purchased "Pullover". WRONG! Pullover is superior in all respects; presentation, sound, and picture. Made me question just what those "Beacon" fanatics were listening to and looking at. JT was much, much more relaxed in Pullover and as another reviewer said "He was definitely having more fun." I sat through the whole Pullover concert (enjoying every minute...) but found myself using the "skip" button while viewing Beacon. You just need to purchase Pullover....you won't be missing anything by passing on "Beacon".
Rating:
Summary: Old Stringbean Is Back!
Review: Sweet Baby James is back, this time with another terrific concert performance of his ever-growing catalogue of unforgettable songs. While he is easily one of the most successful of all of the record selling artists of the last thirty years, he is also one of the hardest working live performers in the business, and is in perpetual demand throughout the country, indeed, the world, as a first class draw for huge crowds. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing him sing live in decades, but always anticipate his new record releases and DVDs such as these in order to stay in touch with this most singular talent. Like the late John Denver, Taylor approaches the stage with enthusiasm and a charismatic charm that is simply hard for me to resist. Needless to say, I succumbed to the temptations herein pretty quickly. Included here are many works not previously available on DVD, all delivered with the typical flawless Taylor rendition. Of course, the panoply of perpetual favorite favorites like "Fire And Rain", "Copperline", "Everyday", "You've Got A Friend", and "Sweet Baby James" are all here, as are many others, for a total of some two dozen songs or so. Old JT is aging, as are we all, but he has mellowed even more over the years, and by prevailing over his own demons and continuing to do what he does like no one else can, has once again offered us a gift that I urge you to go out and grab for your very own. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Pullover is better!
Review: After reading the reviews about "Live at the Beacon" I assumed that I was missing the better show, having already purchased "Pullover". WRONG! Pullover is superior in all respects; presentation, sound, and picture. Made me question just what those "Beacon" fanatics were listening to and looking at. JT was much, much more relaxed in Pullover and as another reviewer said "He was definitely having more fun." I sat through the whole Pullover concert (enjoying every minute...) but found myself using the "skip" button while viewing Beacon. You just need to purchase Pullover....you won't be missing anything by passing on "Beacon".
Rating: 
Summary: COULD NOT BELIEVE IT !!!
Review: I've been a James Taylor fan for 32 years. That's right, 32 YEARS! I'm 46 and at age 14 Mr. Taylor was my very first musical influence. That being said, I have to tell you how boring this concert was. He has a live version of "Steamroller" that's awesome but on this DVD it's so straight and bland I couldn't believe it. He seemed to be very uncomfortable on the very few occasions he was verbal with the audience. I began to look at him very closely to find some sign of illness, diahrrea or something. He seemed like a man who was happy to be performing in front of others for the first time. Happy to be there but also nervous to be there.
Maybe the audience got in for free so he didn't feel obligated to give a real performance.
The last blurb I read about James Taylor was on the Berklee College of Music website. He had stopped by the college because his brother asked him to speak to his class. Well, his brother teaches Stagemanship or Showmanship and James was probably not the best person to speak on that subject.
There's been plenty of 5 star reviews and I wish I could've been one of those people but I'm not. Although I love James Taylor I can't pretend this was good when it wasn't. I wouldn't pay more than $3.00 for this DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Great Great music DVD - a must for all music DVD collections
Review: A single word - fabulous! James Taylor is one of favorite singer/songwriters who greatly influenced my early musical upbringing...this DVD is such a priceless gem that warms your heart with its tremendous sound, even though it wasn't in DTS, and the awesome display of lights and colors, even though it wasn't widescreen...this DVD is a definite must buy for all music fans whether or not you are a Taylor fan...JT's voice is such a once-in-a-lifetime piece of Americana that we are all lucky that our generation has witnessed such magical performances. This is one DVD that everyone can watch, young and old alike...his music is a celebration of emotions and the worthy musicians backing him were equally impressive...the sound and the video are all first rate...
Rating:
Summary: This guy's music is timeless...
Review: Mr. Taylor is a troubadour of the ages. He and the artists he assembled for this production are nothing short of incredible as they hit every note with grace and craftsmanship. The production quality approaches that of The Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" DVD, however, I still feel the Eagles hold the honor of producing the benchmark DVD to measure all other concert DVD videos by. Nevertheless, this concert is a close second and will captivate any JT fan. "Shower the People" actually brought a tear to my eye, sooo sweet! The sound quality of the DTS is exemplary and the DD 5.1 holds its own. The camera work is right on the mark and the quality of the video is crystal clear. Plug this DVD in and experience the Beacon Theater's warm ambiance from the front row and beyond. I've played this DVD dozens of times and look forward to the next.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the better music DVD's out there
Review: Arguably the better of the two DVD's available for James Taylor, "Live at Beaconsfield" is an impressive showcase of JT's career. It has a high re-watch factor, and both soundtracks (PCM or 5.1) are worth a listen. If you have a good surround sound system, you will honestly feel like you are there. It's that good! There are over 20 songs to watch and listen, which make it worth every penny. A music DVD that is a must in your collection. Add the impressive picture sharpness, and you have a real winner.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!!!
Review: This dvd is a must for any taylor fan. Also if you're not a fan but like some of the songs this one will set your mood in the right gear. Great DVD, great performer, great band and a special hand for Mr Arnold Mc Culler.
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