BB King Blues Session
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Movie Reviews of BB King Blues Session
Movie Review: Music Over Medium
Summary: 4 Stars
I actually haven't seen this DVD, so i must defer to others who complain about the quality of the audio capture. As for the video quality, please - it's about the music. I originally saw this show in the '80s, on cable, and have been looking for it ever since. I haven't seen anyone else who mentioned that the session featured Bill Wyman on bass and Charlie Watts on drums (as in the Rolling Stones rhythm section). I don't really remember Phil Collins at all (not really sure he was there), and if Billy Ocean appeared, it was only as a brief featured number, not in an actual jamming performance, and certainly not the "main act". And, Stevie Ray pretty much only played rhythm guitar to back up Eric, watching him trade licks with BB (I think Eric backed off a little, which was understandable, given that BB was not in his prime any more, and it was, after all, BB's show). And, Paul Butterfield (yes, in his last recorded performance) seemed to be whaling away a lot more than we heard in the mix, which, yes, was not the best that one could have hoped. But, please folks, let's remember that some of the earlier Motown stuff sounded like it was produced in a can, but we still love that music. That's what we're talking about here. The all-star "band" (really, knowing who all is playing is just like being a kid in a candy store) really does deliver, within the constraints of the format. As for the female vocal performances, "Bad Etta" James is up first, and she really "tears it up", with a great performance. Then, Gladys Knight (regrettably, Pip-less) gives what has to be one of her best performances - at any rate, it sounds wonderful, and she appears to know she nailed it, because she looks absolutely radiant. But then, Chaka Khan gets up for her number... and starts out - I don't know, but to me, a little slurred - and she is absolutely phemomenal, unbelievable! Then, later, when all three women get into a "cutting contest", trading vocal licks in turn, it's really not much of a contest, to me - Chaka eats them alive, and, in my imagination, at least, it seems like the other women know it; their faces say they'll do their best, but they seemed to be in awe (as was I). So, who knows if it's just me - but you'll be able to decide for yourself, after you see it. I am SO glad to have finally found this.Movie Review: Great show but poor recording quality
Summary: 4 Stars
That's what it is. But I already knew it before I bought. So you should know it too. However, for those who love the Blues it is a must have! Even aware of the quality I bought it and I am very happy with it!Movie Review: Too much R&B, not enough Blues
Summary: 3 Stars
I first watched this about ten years ago and recently bought this poor DVD version. This is a runny VHS transfer but the picture is still watchable and the sound is decent.
With Billy Ocean, Chaka Kahn, Gladys Knight, Etta James, and Phil Collins in the line-up, it's obvious the producers of this special were more interested in appealing to the R&B/pop audience than pleasing blues lovers. This makes me wonder if B.B. actually had complete say over who would be appearing in this concert. I'd also like to know why Etta James was given much more time on stage than the other stars??? Despite a little too much R&B for what was supposed to be a "blues" show, we do have a pretty nice selection of bluesmen here too with Albert King, Paul Butterfield, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and of course B.B. himself who all deliver good performances although Stevie Ray doesn't get much of a chance to tear it up in this show.
With a few changes in the line-up, this show could have been a blues masterpiece. I would have replaced the R&B stars with Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker, Otis Rush, and Buddy Guy who were all alive and well in 1987 when this special was filmed. THAT would have certainly made this a real blues extravaganza to treasure! What we have here is still a pretty decent show however.
The highlights for me are a nice version of B.B.'s classic "The Thrill is Gone" with Eric Clapton swapping guitar licks with King, and the great Stevie Ray who takes the stage with his hero Albert King for a performance of the great blues standard "The Sky is Crying". Paul Butterfield joins them on harmonica and vocals and he gives a strong performance, although I did notice a few dirty glances he gives Stevie Ray during the song.
This is a nice show for R&B lovers, but serious blues fans will most likely feel a little let down. If you want a similiar show with better results, check out the DVD "A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan" which features fine performances from B.B., Clapton, Dr. John, and several other great blues stars including Robert Cray and Buddy Guy!
Movie Review: Great stars, disappointing concert
Summary: 2 Stars
I atttended the taping of this show. While the blurb says "a night of red hot blues", it was actually filmed in the afternoon. In spite of the great stars assembled, these pre-fabricated and "planned" shows usually leave much to be desired - and this is the case with this show. However, if it pleases you to see Albert King, BB King, Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan all playing together, then you should get this DVD. Also of note is that this is Paul Butterfield's last filmed performance before he passed away. Out of place in this DVD is the presence of Billy Ocean and Chaka Kahn - sure they probably have blues roots, but I heard their managers insisted they be in this video. I also heard that Paul Butterfield was extremely intoxicated and had to be limoed around the block until he was set to be filmed because he was bagging on SRV saying that he wasn't a real bluesman and had no business being there - obviously Butterfield hadn't heard SRV play. All in all, a disappointment musically, but 2 stars for the presence of some of the greatest bluesmen of all time.Movie Review: What a waste!
Summary: 1 Stars
First, the DTS sound is misleading. It's very distorted and hard to hear any channel separation. The video looks like it was originally taped on VHS from TV. The reception is actually "snowy". A big disappointment! I have a VHS copy of the original Showtime broadcast from 1987 taped from C-Band satellite with dolby digital audio, and it blows this DVD version away!