Rating: Summary: Buy this DVD! Review: Since the 70's, I've always enjoyed Journey. The musicianship and songwriting have always been first-rate. Also, I can't help but be a little biased, since Jonathan Cain himself played "Faithfully" during my wedding ceremony back in '93. We also exchange Christmas cards every year, and there are even some dedications to my wife and me in the liner notes of one of his solo albums.That being said, I was still prepared to view this DVD with a very critical eye. I hadn't heard the new "Steve" in the band, and as a musician who specializes in vocals, my laser vision was well trained on Mr. Augeri. Well, any reservations that I might have had were completely unfounded. As much as I have enjoyed Steve Perry's singing in the past, his live performances sometimes suffered a little compared with the recordings, which is usually only natural, considering the challenging nature of this material. Steve Augeri, on the other hand, consistently performed so closely to the original recordings that I kept checking for tell-tale signs of post-production dubbing. I didn't find any, so I have to conclude that, yes Virginia, this is a true live performance. He is relaxed, confident, and is obviously enjoying himself, the band, and the audience. Occasionally, there is minor straining or thinning of his voice at or beyond high-E, but unless you are specifically looking for it, you won't notice it. The only real negative comment that I can think of is that his stage patter still needs a little work. Personally, it annoys me when a singer keeps asking how everybody is doing, or if everyone is "having a good time". Yes, we're all doing great and enjoying the show, thank you. Can we move on, now? And moving on to Dean Castronovo, I've been a fan of his playing since he was drumming with various Shrapnel Records artists over ten years ago, so hearing him play with Journey was quite a treat. I think that Steve Smith is a great drummer, but I personally like Dean's more aggressive double-bass work in that he manages to wring a harder-rocking sensibility out of the older material, and outright shred on the new stuff. What can be said about Neil, except that like a fine wine, he does get better with age. His stint as a solo artist seems to have refined his chops to the point of true guitar heroism, which he brings back into the Journey fold with a vengeance. Also, his guitar tone is even more liquid and "sustainy" than ever, allowing him to really sing with his guitar. Ross Valory's work is tight and crisp. On my second viewing of the DVD, I paid particular attention to the rhythm section, and was pleased at how consistently "on" he is playing. Tonally, he seems to be going for a more modern, punchier, and less boomy sound. This only adds to the perception of crispness in the bass, and the music overall. Like another reviewer, I also noticed that although he seemed to be having fun, he was very focused, and I would dare say that he was somewhat of a "hub" to the music. Last but not least, Jonathan Cain was superb, as always. His keyboard and piano work were very consistent in this performance, and his solo piece was a well-executed interlude to bridge the gap between a more raucous song and a ballad. He seemed to be enjoying himself immensely, and another great aspect of this performance is the way that Jonathan enhanced some of his old parts, making them more interesting, and adding more flavor to some of the old songs. Finally, knowing what songs that he wrote, or helped to write, I can only say that Journey would not have had such massive success without Jonathan's contributions. Aside from Steve Augeri's lead vocals, Journey was especially astounding on this DVD because of the rich background vocals that sometimes expanded to four parts because everyone in the band was singing. I heard one section where two members were singing harmony "ooohs", while two more were singing the main lyric in harmony, while Steve Augeri sang some answering lines based on the main lyric. This is really great stuff that allows the band to sound just like the original recordings. Oh, and of course the DVD video and audio quality is terrific. I don't have a 5.1 system, but it sure does sound great through my stereo. Even though this DVD has a minimum of special features, with the great sound, high video quality, and tight editing, this is one of the more well-produced music DVDs that I own. Special thanks go to whoever decided to skip the use of video FX. When I watch a concert on video, I want to see a great performance and nothing else. This DVD delivers just that.
Rating: Summary: A must see - hear DVD Review: Journey has always been one of the most underated bands around...nothing has changed, they don't get promoted properly and most casual fans don't realize they are still around. Journey is not only still around, they are still a force in music! "Journey 2001" is a must have! Buy it, you won't be disappointed... and while you are at it pick up Journey's new CD "Arrival" released April 2001.
Rating: Summary: Journey Again and Again Review: This is one incredible music DVD and the best I have ever had in my hands. Leaves you feeling like you won the coveted front row seat for the concert of the year. Great performances by new lead singer Steve Augeri who is incredible beyond belief and talent becomes him. Deen is amazing on drums. Neal speaks to us all on his guitar. Ross makes us laugh at silly looks while giving us some incredible base playing. Jon touches our heart and soul with his work on the invories. One steller performance by five talented souls. Truly one you wouldn't want to miss out on.
Rating: Summary: Get this one! Review: Filmed in wide screen(16x9 HD), super picture clarity, Overwhelming audio (5.1 or 2.0). I used Frampton's DVD concert as my benchmark up to this point. This one meets or surpasses it.
Rating: Summary: Finally...A Journey Live DVD!!! Review: Hold on a minute while I catch my breath! This is a fantastic DVD. The video is crystal clear and the sound is awesome. Forget VHS, get the DVD. You'll wear out the tape format playing it over and over. Journey fans have long deserved a decent live video. Now they have it. The band sounds better than ever. Journey definitely gets better with age! Deen is a wildman on the drums. Neal effortlessly scorches the guitar. Steve Augeri stakes his claim as THE frontman for the most talented rock and roll band in the galaxy. Jonathan is great as usual and Ross looks as relaxed and focused as ever. Every time I watch it, I feel as though I'm standing upfront with everyone else. It will definitely keep me going until the 2002 tour. THANK YOU JOURNEY!'"Can I get a DON'T STOP!"
Rating: Summary: Perfeccion Total Review: Realmente perfecta la elaboracion de este DVD, la calidad de sonido y la imagen son extraordinarios, la interpretacion de las canciones son excelentes. Sabia lo buen gitarrista que es Neal Schon pero despues de verlo aqui quede mas impresionado de lo que pensaba, el nuevo baterista es super energico, pero lo mas impresionante de este DVD es el vocalista Steve Augeri, el es el perfecto clon vocal de Perry, si estan dudando adquirir este DVD solamente porque no esta Perry, estan equivocados, Augeri es el hombre perfecto para el grupo. Una muy buena adquisicion.
Rating: Summary: I want MORE Journey DVDs! Review: Finally! A DVD comes out for those who have waited in vain for it. As Neal Schon said, changes has always been crucial to the band's success. After all, without Steve Perry, Journey would not have charted mainstream. There is NO Steve Perry in this DVD. But Steve Augeri proves he can carry Journey just as well with his oddly similar voice. Augeri sang even better when I saw Journey at San Francisco's Warfield, 1999. It's a new chapter for these five guys. All my favorite hits to sing along to. Cmon! Don't you remember when you held your sweetheart tightly in your arms at your high school dance, listening to "Faithfully". I did!
Rating: Summary: Journey Live 2001 Rocks! Review: If you want to hear uplifting music by five musicians at the top of their game having a blast and taking the audience along for the ride--Journey's new DVD/VHS is for you. Journey has always been a band that is best live and they do not disappoint in this show. The sound is amazing--particularly on the DVD, but if you have your stereo system running through your VCR, the VHS of this show will make you feel like you are at the concert too. (You can also burn a CD from the DVD to have music to travel by!) The rare versions of Fillmore Boogie and La Raza Del Sol alone are worth the price of the DVD. In Fillmore Boogie, Deen Castronovo's double bass drums together with Ross Valory's bass will rattle your china. Neal Schon proves that he has only gotten better over the years. Neal makes his guitar sing with that sweet, full voice that is distinctively his. He makes the most complex riffs look simple and does it with a smile! Jonathan Cain shows he can not only write brilliant songs, but can rock out on the keyboards. Then there is Steve Augeri. Steve has a playful stage presence that will win over the coldest heart. He shows he can sing the ballads with beautiful renditions of Lights and Open Arms. He rocks out on Escape and Be Good to Yourself and he really shines on the blues numbers like Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'. If you love good music, great musicians, and want to spend 106 minutes feeling great, buy this DVD or VHS tape.
Rating: Summary: "...it's Steve Perry with a perm!" to quote Deen Review: Deen Castronovo, new drummer for Journey, could not have been more on the money when he said the moment you hear the opening line to Seperate Ways you will think "Oh, my god...it's Steve Perry with a perm!" Well, buy this DVD and you will not have to wait very long because Seperate Ways is the opening track and it only gets better from there! Superior picture and awesome sound quality! A must have for any AOR, melodic rock fan or just anyone with a superior home theatre system. - Journey For Two
Rating: Summary: Great Show by a Great Group! Review: Not having the pleasure of being there to see this concert live, I must say that seeing it in the comfort of home with the sound system turned up to eleven is almost good enough. Buy this DVD.. you're going to love it!!! And while you're buying be sure to pick up a copy of Arrival to hear the newest music from the band. Kevin Shirley does a great job and the sound is super on the DVD and Arrival. This Journey takes you to a Higher Place and it's good good good!!
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