To begin with, what an exceptional DVD package Concert For George is. In the days of paying twenty bucks to get a single DVD, in a cheap plastic case, with no booklet, and no special features, getting a product of this quality is very refreshing. This package includes two DVDs - one with the complete concert performance, and one with the original theatrical version. What a revelation. A producer that actually appreciates the fact that most of us might prefer to watch a concert uninterrupted by interviews and behind the scenes footage. This is all packaged in a beautiful tri-fold case, which includes a brilliant 30-page booklet containing information about the concert and performers, the set lists, and numerous photographs and quotes from many of the concert’s participants.
Concert For George is a fitting tribute to the late George Harrison whose death was exactly one year prior to the date of this concert. The "quiet Beatle", George's songs increasingly became more relevant and soon demanded their own place on each subsequent Beatles album, right beside the songs of the greatest songwriting duo ever - Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Although only one or two of Harrison's songs would typically make it on each of The Beatles albums, these songs, such as "Something" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", were often the standout tracks on the album. Harrison had such a stockpile of great songs, which he couldn't manage to squeeze on any of The Beatles albums, that he released the triple album, All Things Must Pass, soon after The Beatles breakup. Many consider it the finest of all Beatles solo albums.
A stellar group of musicians came out to pay tribute to George this night, including the two surviving Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Star. Eric Clapton, along with George's wife Olivia, organized the concert, and Clapton does an admirable job as emcee, singer, and, Guitar-God. I must admit I was not familiar with a few of the key musicians in attendance, most notably Joe and Sam Brown. Joe sings stunning back-to-back versions of "Hear Comes The Sun" and "That's The Way It Goes". He also closes the show with a gentle, heartfelt version of "I'll See You In My Dreams". Sam, Joe's daughter, delivers a powerful performance of "Horse To The Water". The lady has some incredible pipes - I've been on the lookout for her CDs ever since.
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