What Music DVDs are you playing?

[Andyyyy]

Within the past few years, more and more music DVDs have been hitting the stores. I find that even though I don't have a DVD-A player, the DVD sound format itself sounds better than Red Book (regular audio CD format). FOr that reason, I am happy when I can get more of what I like on DVD. There is a difference in the production of the DVDs as well. Production-wise.

I think King Crimson's deja VROOM is among the best. The opening track sneaks up on you, thinking that it's the introduction. The second track, Vroom Vroom, is recorded in such a way that you can select a musician to watch. The selection will also boost the volume of the chosen musician. Somehow, I almos always manage to get stuck watching Bill Bruford (even though the bass player in me says to watch Tony Levin!). The sound is nothing short of excellent! This is one with which I rattle the rafters here at the Kubicki home. This music was created to be played loud :-) . This concert was done in Japan, and I love the Japanese audience as they are quiet through the songs, applauding only after a tune is finished!

In the most improved dept, the DVD-A version of Yes' Fragile is finally done well. The original mix had tons of distortion. This version is a remix, and is very well done. Wakeman's keyboards on the second track sound as if they were recorded today for today's subwoofers.

Of course, I simply must mention both DVDs of Gentle Giant, Giant on the Box and GG at the GG. Because GG disbanded when punk rock entered the musical scene, there has been nothing new by the band in years. Both of these DVDs are old, but unreleased concert footage of some really incredible musicianship and pretty good quality, considering the age and sources. There are "extras" that are not very good quality, but the boy's playing was HOT! But what floats my boat is the little bit of newly recorded music by Kerry Minnear, the writer and keyboard player. Kerry has a unique talent for counterpoint, which gave GG much of their unique sound. There is, on both of these DVDs, a short opening piece and some sweet music which plays while the menus are displayed. For me, a hard core GG fan, the new music alone was worth the price! For more info on GG, you can visit http://www.blazemonger.com/GG/

And for some totally hot music, these are my favs:

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones- Live at the Quick
Steve Hackett- The Tokyo Tapes Live in Japan
Bill Bruford's Earthworks- Footloose
Al Dimeola, Jean-Luc Ponty & Stanley Clark- Live at Montreux (This preceeded the CD the Rite of Strings)