DVD Review: Sir Douglas Quintet - Live From Austin, Texas - Page 2

Although Doug Sahms' stylish guitar rides through every song and although every musician in this set is superb, the hallmark of this group's sound is the classic Vox Continental Organ, stretched to its limits by Augie Meyers. Meyers style has been credited with influencing numerous other keyboard players, including The Doors' Ray Manzarek.

During this concert, Meyers also plays lively Cajun flavoured accordion and sings. "Going Down to Mexico" is a very Tex Mex sounding country song driven by a simple two-step rhythm and lots of ee-ha shouting by band members in the background. Watching him perform this song, it's clear Meyers is having a ball.

"Tonight, Tonight" features Alvin Crow on guitar and vocals, and what a rocker that is. It helps that Crow has his rockabilly image down pat. He's on stage in a shiny satin red and white cowboy shirt straight out of 1957, with both sleeves removed. Crow's vocal and guitar are extremely reminiscent of fellow Texan Buddy Holly at his best. Augie Meyers rocking Vox in the the background adds more than a touch of Chris Montez to the sound.

There's even a bonus song in this concert, not listed on the cover or in the liner notes. The group performs its own version of Charlie Pride's hit "(Is Anybody Going To) San Antone" featuring some bright fiddling by Crow. In the middle of the song, the band transitions smoothly into a full length version of Sahm's roots rocker "Texas Tornado" and then transitions just as smoothly back to complete the rest of "San Antone." It's two great songs for the price of one.

You don't have to watch. The music on this release works well played in the background while you do other things, just like playing a music CD. To sit and watch the show adds a whole other dimension. Either way, if you want to hear one of the best rock and roll bands of the last forty years, you have to own this DVD.

Go to Wikipedia for more information on the Sir Douglas Quintet. You can find information on Austin City Limits at pbs.org.
Live From Austin TX
Sir Douglas Quintet
New West Records
2006
DVD 17 songs

Article Author: Bob MacKenzie

For four decades, Bob has written commentary and reviewed music, painting, film, theatre, and other arts for local, regional, and national Canadian media. Since 1996, he’s written Sound Bytes music reviews online. …

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