So, you’ve got a guy who created a style of the blues performing in the 70s, and a couple of guys who took from that style, made it popular IN the 70s, and are back in the 21st century reeling in the years.
Back in 1974, John Lee Hooker performed at an outdoor event in Massaachusets in front of 6000 long haired and blue jeaned rock hounds and gave the kids their first history lesson on the boogie blues. The 45 minute set, filmed here in black and white from 3 angles, has the picker at his fearsome best, backed by an afro’d team that is plugged in and ready to roll. Timeless material like “Boom Booom” and “Whiskey and Women” still influence guitarists and blues bands this very day. The closing medley is like a documentary on modern rock and blues, with every lick that is imitated today being defined by Hooker. An essential time capsule that you’ll want to play in slow motion to get the notes down just right.
MVD Visual dvd
www.mvdvisual.com
The Bachman and Turner disc is the dvd version of the recording that came out a month ago. The hits of “Let it Ride,” “American Woman” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” are as energetic as they were a generation ago. What’s pleasing here is to be able to appreciate CF Turner’s nimble and sometimes quite creative bass work throughout the concert. His vocals on “Roll on Down the Highway” is a classic, as is the foot stomping anthem “Takin’ Care of Business” which closes the energetic set. Gives a whole new meaning to “70s rock.”
Eagle Vision dvd
www.eaglerockent.com