Rating: 
Summary: A must for John Prine fans
Review: Although I'm 62, I only became a fan last year. I bought several CDs and just got a DVD player, so had to get Sessions at West 54th. I am delighted by the production, the technical quality of the camerawork, video and audio but especially with the music. Jason Wilber is terrific on guitars of various kinds, and Dave Jacques is a masterful bass player. J.P. takes everything in stride and seems to be having a great time, especially with Iris DeMent. I'll be playing this many times.
Rating:
Summary: Perfection for Prine fans
Review: For all those fans who have seen John Prine in his recent concert performances,this is the perfect souvenir(geddit?)of the event.Recorded in New York City in 2001, he is superbly backed by Jason Wilber and Dave Jacques while he performs many of his classic songs.John is also joined on five tracks from his 'In Spite of Ourselves' album by Iris Dement.Also included on the DVD is a chatty interview conducted by a seemingly overawed John Hiatt.
Whether you know John Prine's work from his early days in the seventies or are a recent convert, you will find this concert terrific entertainment. (January 2002)
Rating:
Summary: This DVD is paradise!
Review: I am a younger John Prine fan (I am 20) and have quite a story about my love of his music. I met John Prine before I ever heard his music. You see, my dad's cousin is a Kentucky State Trooper, who lives in Muhlenburg County. Every year, the Everly Brothers (who are also from Muhlenburg County) hold a music festival that is called "Homecoming". My second cousin is in charge of the security for that concert.
Anyways, cousin Eddie got my dad and me backstage passes and introduced us to Mr Prine before the show. That same night, I met Lightnin' Chance (one of Johnny Cash's idols), Jessica Andrews, Phil Everly, and Trace Adkins (Blech!).
That night, John Prine played and I was hooked instantly. This fall, Mr Prine is coming to the Saint Louis area, but I can't afford tickets, so I bought the DVD instead. I was very pleased.
I was upset a bit by the production quality of the DVD--it was almost too good. I kind of wished it would be Mr Prine by himself with only his Martin D-28 and a mic. He did play the hits, which rocked. Iris DeMent scared me at first, but I got to like her by the last song.
All in all, it is a very good representation of what I saw in Muhlenburg County, Kentucky two years ago. I highly reccomend this DVD to anyone who knows anything about music.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, Brilliant, Heartbreaking
Review: I didn't consider myself a big fan of Prine, although I liked a few of his songs. But I saw this when it was broadcast, and I was awestruck: gone are the snarky mannerisms of youth, replaced by wry wisdom and heartfelt weariness. He can now sing his own songs as they were meant to be sung, with detachment and hindsight and the voice of real experience. This DVD and his "Souvenirs" CD are enough by themselves to establish his place in musical history. Prine is arguably America's best songwriter.
Rating:
Summary: Thankful for small-ish mercies
Review: I don't mean to be unkind, but if there is one problem with this, it is too short. John Prine is so good, I bet the video could have been twice as long. However, this was a Christmas present and one I so badly wanted! I have been a fan since he appeared on BBC TV's "In Concert" programme in the early 70's to promote his first, eponymous, album, which is what I listen to if I feel sad!This DVD was, as I expected, wonderful. The songs are excellent and his duets with the ultra-beautiful Iris Dement, were top-quality. The musicians were top drawer and understated, complimenting JP perfectly. I'm glad JP is healthy again, following his brush with cancer, so we can be ready for his next release. JP continues to astound with his wit. A true genius, who, I hope, will appear in Britain in 2003. This is a long-awaited DVD and, for his fans, is long overdue and a must-buy. Brilliant (but not long enough)
Rating:
Summary: john prine live from sessions at west 54th
Review: I have been lucky enough to have owned this dvd for 3 months and am surprised that I have not worn it out. Unfortunately by living in New Zealand this is the closest I can get to seeing John Prine live. He is a personable and highly entertaining live performer and this well produced dvd covers a good range of his work. I love his accoustic guitar which is well complimented by his great backing band. Iris De ment was a fantastic choice to support on the more recent tracks they seem to have a natural affinity with each other which makes the songs seem very believeable. As you can see I am a great fan of John's and love this dvd.
Rating:
Summary: Classic Prine after all these years!
Review: I've been an avid John Prine fan since 1973. I've seen him capture an audience standing alone on stage with his guitar as well as when he toured with his band. This DVD takes me back to his early acoustic years, getting close to his audience and making them feel at home with his songs. Iris DeMent adds a strength and vocal compliment to John as did Bonnie Raitt, when she toured with him years ago. This DVD is a must for the true fan of John's way of telling his stories.
Rating:
Summary: All the Best
Review: If you are a John Prine fan you have been waiting for a quality Prine concert captured live. Here is it is. The DVD contains several of the great classics plus newer material, all sounding and looking great! Perhaps the greatest treat of the production is the interview of Prine by John Hiatt. The conversation covers John's career from Chicago to Nashville, with some great stories along the way. A treasure for fans of one of America's greatest songwriters.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent performance made even better on DVD....
Review: John Prine covers many of his chestnuts as well as a few samples from the "In Spite of Ourselves" album (highly recommended also!) The only drawback is the uncomfortable interview by John Hiatt. He doesn't seem to very natural in the setting and often responds to John Prine's comments with a simple "wow" along with being a little unprepared with regard to Prine's background. I don't own a lot of music DVDs so I was quite impressed by the sound offered on the Dolby Digital 5.1 track. It does give the impression that you are right there in the audience. You may even consider playing it music-only without the video because it is a truly excellent recording and performance.
Rating:
Summary: a standard in concert dvd's
Review: John Prine is a great songwriter and he himself is the best performer of his own songs. This is a great concert, in an intimate setting. A fantastic young gitarist and a very good bass player complement John. There's not one boring moment. And then there's the duets with Iris DeMent (it's a shame she has only made three cd's till now). Iris is a very special, oldfashioned-sounding singer. I love her.
What's more: there's no talking through songs or anything else that diverts from the music. There's just great music, beautifully filmed. A pure joy. It almost beats being there.
Wish there were more dvd's like this one.
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