“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”
His standard opening is sadly missing from this entertaining live DVD, filmed in some television studio in Denmark, yet it takes nothing away from this solid performance by one of the greatest talents the world has known.
The show in Denmark and the crowd’s reaction only proves that people all over the world loved Johnny. This is made obvious by people today who know nothing about classic country or the other outlaws that Johnny came to run with, but who claim Johnny as their inspiration and hero.
On this disk we get a good glimpse of the Johnny Cash road show. We also get a chance to see and hear many of the regulars of his weekly television show that included his wife June Carter, his longtime friend Carl Perkins, and the Statler brothers.
The disk jumps right into “A Boy Named Sue.” No intros for Cash or the band, just Johnny jumping on stage and picking up his guitar. Johnny always puts this tune over with a smile and chuckle that makes it much more entertaining and comical.
From there, Johnny moves into the solemn Kris Kristofferson-penned “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” a look at someone reflecting on his life and feeling lost on a Sunday morning. This tune is one of my favorites. Johnny’s delivery is more believable for the life he has led. I don’t think anyone else could have pulled this one off as well.
After a good run through my all-time favorite Cash song, “I Walk The Line,” Johnny introduces, as the “originator” of Rock ’n’ Roll, Carl Perkins, who performs two of his tunes, the classics “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Matchbox.” Carl goes through his routine, dancing some fancy footwork while he sings and solos.
People love to see these same steps he’s been doing since the beginning of his career, playing in small honky-tonks and juke joints. As Carl sings “Matchbox,” the camera has Johnny in the shadows, getting the crowd to clap along to the song. It was a very interesting and cool shot.
Johnny comes back for a good version of another Kristofferson song, “Me And Bobby McGee” and a short version of “Guess Things Happen That Way” before introducing the Statler Brothers.
The Statlers have two songs that showcase their four-part country harmony. This always makes me smile and think of my mother who, by the way, introduced a very young Fantasma to her wonderful world of music. That world included country classics such as Mr. Cash, his family and friends, and solid 1960’s pop/rock as well. (Thanks, Ma.) The Statlers do sing another favorite of mine, their all-time hit “Flowers On The Wall.”
Article comments
1 - Barbara Callahan
I couldn't have written this one better myself. Well, maybe one little exception. The 2 spirituals "NO NEED TO WORRY" & "CHILDREN GO WHERE I SEND THEE" are 2 great foot stompping hand clapping songs ! You are right on with the eye looks.
Barbara