The Best of Sessions at West 54th, Vol. 1

Rating:
Summary: Almost like being there...
Review: This DVD alone is worth the investment in a DVD player. Granted, the collection of artists assembled on this disc is eclectic, but all share a level of talent unsurpassed by anyone currently reaping a high level of commercial success. The first season of Sessions at West 54th featured performances by artists ranging from Ani DiFranco to Tricky (both of which I was fortunate to catch), and recent installments continue to showcase unique and innovating music from bands like Cibo Matto to Speech (of Arrested Development). This DVD captures some of the best performances from the first season, and does so with so much audio and visual perfection it's hard to believe you're not actually sitting at the Sony Music Studios on West 54th. In fact, the performances by Shawn Colvin, Ani DiFranco, and Sinead O'Connor almost match what they offer live -- absent are the tall people who usually end up standing in front of you and the lack of intimacy larger music venues tend to present. To be able to experience (over and over again) the raw, emotional energy of performers like DiFranco and O'Connor alone is worth the $25 -- I almost get the same goosebumps. Of course, nothing can ever compare to the actual live performances, but this disc comes as close to it as I'd imagine anything can ever get. Ben Folds Five, Keb' Mo', and Wynton Marsalis provide stand-out performances, as well. I, too, would like to see a continuation of the "volume" series on DVD, and full sets from select artists. Also, the disc could be even better with multi-angle functionality and the original interviews with Chris Douridas. Overall, though, it doesn't get any better than this! It is by far the best DVD I own.

Rating:
Summary: I Loved It!
Review: This is a must have for any musician, any audiophile, and any one with 5.1 audio. If you wanna hear 5.1 audio's capabilities... go to Susanne Vega's song Caramel and hear the accordion, clarinet and cello seperation going on around you. Breathtaking performances from artists I was unfamiliar with, and now instant fans. The sound quality is so clean, if it was a kitchen floor, you'd eat off of it. Please Please Please continue with at least 5 more volumes of this series. I'd kill to see entire performances of each artist available. I know that Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach's performance is available on vhs... where or where is the dvd? DON'T HESITATE..buy this dvd now!

Rating:
Summary: Ear Candy
Review: This is a must have for any musician, any audiophile, and any one with 5.1 audio. If you wanna hear 5.1 audio's capabilities... go to Susanne Vega's song Caramel and hear the accordion, clarinet and cello seperation going on around you. Breathtaking performances from artists I was unfamiliar with, and now instant fans. The sound quality is so clean, if it was a kitchen floor, you'd eat off of it. Please Please Please continue with at least 5 more volumes of this series. I'd kill to see entire performances of each artist available. I know that Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach's performance is available on vhs... where or where is the dvd? DON'T HESITATE..buy this dvd now!

Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: This is an incredible DVD. The first performance, by Wynton Marsalis, will leave you breathless.

Rating:
Summary: A Great DVD to Add to Your Collection
Review: This is the best musical DVD title that I own. The sound is incredible. I get goose bumps every time I watch it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some great performances.

Rating:
Summary: A Great DVD to Add to Your Collection
Review: This is the best musical DVD title that I own. The sound is incredible. I get goose bumps every time I watch it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some great performances.

Rating:
Summary: basic review
Review: this is the best of my 20 audio dvd collection. the acoustics are emphasized in this sony studio masterpiece. the best performances are truley special. if you are an audio enthusist you will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Best of Sessions at W 54th Street. Vol 1.
Review: This one of those gems I stumbled upon and ordered out of curiosity. Now I can't wait for Vol 2. The performances are as rewarding as they are varied, and the video and audio quality is impeccable. I've now discarded my DVD demo discs and use this DVD to demonstrate to my friends just what a rich experience the DVD format is capable of.