This charming documentary dvd only confirms my suspicion that Sir Paul McCartney would’ve been completely content to live his life as an obscure cabaret singer/songwriter and play for sparse crowds into the wee hours on a weekly basis, except for the fact that he stumbled upon forming the most popular and important rock and roll band of the 20th Century. Here, in the famous Capitol Records recording studio, he surrounds himself with an all star jazz cast, a few rock icons, and an appreciative studio audience and runs through a collection of Tin Pan Alley songs that either the Beatle grew up with or felt fit into his world view.
The cozy and enjoyable dvd has Paul singing the material from his Kiss on the Bottom disc with the supporting cast of Diana Krall/p, John Pizzarelli-Anthony Wilson/g, John Clayton/b KariemRiggins/dr and an orchestra lead by Alan Broadbent. Guest appearances b y Stevie Wonder, Joe Walsh and Eric Clapton give an extra texture to the recording session. The mutual admiration between Beatle and studio jazz musicians is palpable, as both seem awed by the other. Interviews with Paul and cast add to the charm, making you realized that Paul and his first band won the world over not only by a new type of popular music, but by a charm and demeanor that is so sadly missing in this day of American Idols. A wonderful stroll into the studio.
Eagle Vision DVD