A jazz musician will take a theme and run with it for a song, improvising while he's playing. In some ways, DeVille's career has been like Jazz, a long series of improvisations around a theme. As it ages, it continues to expand with each individual nuance in the score that is discovered and explored.
Aside from being able to witness Willy in concert, there is a nice long interview session with Willy and the different band members that were obviously carried out at various points during the tour. The band talks about Willy and Willy talks about music. You come away with a much clearer picture of the man. Whether it's because of a casual aside made by his bassist David J. Keyes or an observation by Kenny Margolis, who has played keyboards with him since the time of Mink DeVille, a picture of a man who lives for his music develops. But unlike so many other driven people, he doesn't come across as a dictator. In fact, according to his backup vocalists, Sweetie and Lisa Wise, he could afford to be a little more demanding.
When I hear a comment like that, I think here's a man who wouldn't understand the need for that. How anyone could not understand the importance of what they were doing and not be willing to put everything they have into it, wouldn't even be comprehendible to him.
The term soul applies to a certain genre of music. Willy DeVille may not be a soul singer, but he is the most literally full of soul singer I've ever heard. Live In The Lowlands is amazingly successful in capturing that essence. If you love the work of Willy DeVille, you will regret not owning this DVD.
Article comments
1 - Paul J. Marasa
Thanks for the heads-up on the DeVille DVD. I haven't bought any of his music since vinyl ruled the world, but a month doesn't go by that I don't think of that voice, that deep sound. I think of him in the same world as Southside Johnny and Springsteen, mournful/joyful NJ/NY stalwarts who showed up as I was leaving high school and trying to figure out the kind of adult I wanted to be. Their music gave me a little piece of what I needed back then--and still do, and always. Thanks again; you made me want to do the Spanish stroll back into this under-appreciated soul-filled singer's work. Keep the faith.
2 - tink
I totally agree with Paul. This is now at the top of my 'must have' list.