Concert for George
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Movie Reviews of Concert for George
Movie Review: A Beautiful Film For a Beautiful Man
Summary: 5 Stars
In his own way, even from beyond the material world, George Harrison once again resets the standards for excellenec in music and film. As was the case with the CONCERT FOR BANGLA DESH, THE CONCERT FOR GEORGE is a work born of tremendous compassion, and if you were to distill George Harrison to one word and say it into the air, you would rightly intone: Compassion.So, from the opening "Sarve Shaam" with its intenseley deep ochre and crimson overtones through Olivia's lighting the lamp for her husband and Eric Clapton's and then Ravi Shankar's beautifully affecting remarks, you know this is a work of very deep love. And it is shot gorgeously, as it should from the man who produced TIME BANDITS and LIFE OF BRIAN. The classical Indian pieces that open the movie are deeply spiritual pieces that set the context for a man whose life dealt with his devotion to his family, his faith, his craft, his friends. Clapton is positively eloquent as he searches for a way to maintain his composure and find the right words for a friend who espoused a less is more ethic in his work to great effect. Shankar speaks with such profound love that it fills your heart. His daughter Anoushka attends respectfully to her father and then plays her heart out. It is glorious!
Less things get too sentimental, Eric Idle and chums arrive for a bawdy version of both "Sit On My Face" and Michael Palin's hilarious intro to "The Lumberjack Song."
How else would you segue from Indian ragas to Beatle tunes?
When Dhani Harrison and Jeff Lynne lead the houseband back on, the concert is an incredible celebration of some of Harrison's best compositions. Every guest delivers the goods, but certainly the emotional highpoint is Ringo's "Photograph" and Paul's "Something." Clapton is incredible throughout. Tom Petty essya the Wilbury's period and Billy Preston breathes revival fervour into "My Sweet Lord." Dhani is terrific throughout and lends an eerie presence playing behind Clapton, every bit the countenance of his father beaming through him.
This film is a triumph on so many levels that it is unlikely that rock will ever elevate itself to this level again anytime in the foreseeable future. When it all resolves into Joe Brown's take on "I'll See You In My Dreams," you realize what a profound proverb the Chinese admonition is: "Money means nothing. To be loved and remembered is everything."
Farewell, George, we'll see you in our dreams.
Movie Review: A very beautiful tribute!
Summary: 5 Stars
I must say I love this DVD! I have seen several tribute concerts (of both people whom are living or have passed on) where some of the performers are there because of a record company contract, or they are a fan of the person, or they have done a cover etc. In this case, not only did those people on the stage work with the late George Harrison, they were also very much part of his life in one way or another. It was a labor of love for sure, and certainly showed how much of an impact this man not only had on the lives and music of the people performing, but on music in general. He never got enough credit in my eyes for his contributions to music. Often shadowed by the whole Lennon/McCartney mystical thing...depending on how mystical you thought that was. Performances that hit me the most were "Horse to Water" (can that gal sing or what!) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers "I Need You", Billy Preston's knock out version of "Isn't It a Pity" "Beware of the Darkness" "The Inner Light""While my guitar Gently Weeps" and "Arpan" knocked my socks off! What a fantastic piece by Ravi Shankar, conducted by his very talented daughter. I loved how up and flamboyant Ringo was, he was being well, Ringo. Why would you expect him to be sad in such a celebration, though I am sure he missed his friend. I too was impressed with Joe Brown, though I never heard of him really much before. In the concert portion, you see the whole original lay out of the concert, starting with the Indian portion, then a nice break with the Monty Python tribute, then the band. As for several previous reviewers on Paul McCartney's need to be the center of attention. Perhaps this is why he was regulated towards the end of the show? Because the concert was not about him? The end time was a lot about Paul being all over. I do think he was kind of being Paul by butting in about what Olivia said back stage, but then again, it was kind of true and nice to know. I don't think he was being mean about it. In general, I am not a big Paul fan, actually I don't care for most of his solo music, but well, I don't think he was trying to be vicious or anything, actually he seemed kind of humble for Paul. The movie portion, you have to remember it's a documentary as well as showing some performances. I think it is fantastic to have both available on this DVD. This is certainly going to be watched over and over and over again.Movie Review: A magnificent tribute for a much-loved man
Summary: 5 Stars
If we only could hear what our friends and loved ones would say about our lifetime; we should be so blessed to have a gathering like this!
Getting right into it, what makes this so meaningful for me as a viewer and listener are the small touches that come from the interaction of the performers and family. The ironies that make a small-but-tremendous impact, gone in a blink of the eye, are why I love this DVD.
First, look at the hug between Paul and Ringo at the end; is there anyone who doubts that these two men said with a simple gesture, how much deeper they grasp the impact of their music and collaboration? It was as much a tribute to their legacy and all the "wish they'd get together again" that was first cut short by John's death.
Second, the poignancy and sensitivity of Paul's vocals on "All Things Must Pass," and what truly could be called George's eulogy song. That was McCartney's bandmate, once-upon-a-time lawsuit opponent, but ultimately, a dear friend. Third, hearing Eric Clapton singing the words to "Something" and realizing that both he and George shared a love for Patti Harrison which went beyond jealousy and kept itself from tearing apart their bonding. Add to that Ringo's sly replacement of George's "those old 12-bar blues" comment from the drum kit during Gary Brooker's enthusiastic rendition of "For You Blue" that everyone knows came from the Let It Be sessions, and the words to "Photograph": "I realize you're not coming back anymore."
From the other players and guests onstage, the profound respect for Ravi Shankar could humble anyone. Then take the brilliant sitar virtuosity of his daughter, Anoushka, whose flying fingers really bring to light the power and technique of an instrument that George helped us to appreciate--and add to that the majestic presentation of the Indian musicians. Finally, to just pull our heart strings, Joe Brown's ending song, "I'll See You In My Dreams" and the cutaway to the audience being showered with rose petals and the touching comments by Dhani Harrison.
George Harrison had his moments where human weaknesses caught up, but anyone who views this loving tribute will have no doubt that his strengths came from his generosity of spirit. We have been blessed by his talent and vision--and our ability to forgive what actions he took which we disliked.
Movie Review: A Splendid Musical Memorial.
Summary: 5 Stars
On Nov 29th 2002, the Royal Albert Hall played host to "The Concert For George", in which all the proceeds went to some of George Harrisons favorite charities. Organized by his widow Olivia, son Dhani and Eric Clapton, this all-star celebration of the life and music of George Harrison, proves to be both somber and happy, as friends and musicians play touching covers of some of Georges biggest hits. Just like the "Concert For Banglsdesh", the show starts of with an indian music session, which features a full orchestra of eastern and western musicians, playing songs composed by his friend and mentor, Ravi Shankar. The real treat is watching his daughter Anoushka, play the sitar. She was the centerpiece of the entire performance. She was simply phenominal, proving that she is indeed, like her father, a master of the sitar. The rock n roll side of the show opened up with Jeff Lynne singing "I Want To Tell You", which set the tone for the rest of the show, in which the all-star cast played one Harrison tune after another with genuine feeling from the heart. Dhani Harrison played rhythm acoustic and electric guitar during the entire show, and is the splitting image of his father. The guest list reads like a who's who of music. Besides Clapton, You will see Jools Holland,Tom Petty,Billy Preston,Ringo Starr,Paul McCartney,Gary Brooker,Jim Capaldi and great session people like, Jim Keltner,Ray Cooper,Jim Horn,Tom Scott,Albert Lee,Klaus Voormann,Chris Stainton,Henry Spinetti and Andy Fairweather Low. Some of the highlights include, Billy Prestons take on "My Sweet Lord" and "Isn't It A Pity", Tom Petty doing "Handle With Care", Paul McCartney and Clapton on "Something" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". Overall, I must say that you can tell, that a lot of effort went into this production, as evident by the wonderful sound and picture quality as well as the handsome packaging that the DVD is housed in. Hearing Joe Brown end the show with an emotional "I'll See You In My Dreams", instead of an obligatory all-star encore jam, is what George Harrison was all about. He was a simple man, who loved melodies, valued his privacy over his celebrity and always lent a helping hand to those less fortunate. I highly recommend this DVD to one and all.Movie Review: Add This To Your Must-Own List!
Summary: 5 Stars
I inadvertently came across this DVD package while browsing Amazon and I decided to order it. What an unexpected gift from above! Truly the spirit of George Harrison permeates this incredible concert. I have to say up front that I am an original Beatles freak who grew up with their music and who knows every note of every song in the minutest of detail (yes, I am also a musician of some 37 years). Therefore, I always enter these "concerts" with tremendous expectation if not trepidation at what havoc an assortment of heavy-handed musicians can wreak upon the subtle genius of the Beatles (and George's) collective works. Alas, my fears quickly evaporated upon hearing the first song as played by Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne and band. One of my all-time favorites, "I Want To Tell You", was given just the exact amount of delicacy mixed with driving rock spirit (I know that sounds like an odd juxtaposition, but that's how George's genius works), that I was in pure musical ecstacy which did not abate until the DVD ended. Every single performer from Clapton to Billy Preston to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to Paul McCartney (yep, he's there, too), played and sang every note with love, enthusiasm, and emotion as if they were trying to pass a heavenly audition being overseen by Harrison himself. Paul's version of "Something", which starts out as a solo on ukelele then morphs into the full band/orchestra version we've come to know and love, could raise goose bumps on a cadaver. Yet, none of it ever seems phony, contrived or overwrought. There is also a portion of the concert that features an incredible composition by Ravi Shankar and an even more incredible performance by his daughter, Anoushka on sitar.
I could obviously go on and on about this spectacular DVD, about how great the audio and video quality of the package is, about how moving each performance is (tears came to my eyes more than once, especially when you see George's son, Dhani, onstage playing guitar and looking like an exact clone of his Dad) but I'll leave it at this: if you're a Beatles/George Harrison fan, do not hesitate. Heck, if you just like great music and wonderful artistry, don't hesitate. Buy this DVD and don't forget the kleenex. Like the other reviews have said: you'll watch it again and again.