I’ve reviewed the audio of this DVD in the current issue. Check that one for information about the specific songs. Here’s the thing, I’m sure a lot of people will like the harder edged, rawer performance on the first disc – oddly, as it was on the audio disc, 1980 is presented on the first disc and the early concert is on the second – than the bigger band versions from 1978. I have to say that I find the later show hard to watch. It’s too repetitive and lacks variety. The second disc, though, from when Parker was relatively unknown rocks. It’s got a horn section and that adds to the groove and power. It’s just a much better concert in my book.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.