Janet Jackson - Live In Hawaii DVD Review by Gary Hill Say what you will about Janet Jackson, but one thing rings true, she really is a performer. Unlike many pop acts out there today Jackson (for the most part) doesn’t lip synch. More
Michael Jackson - The Trial and Triumph of the King Of Pop DVD Review by Gary Hill Hmmm…this DVD is not really what I was expecting. That said, it’s still entertaining. My thoughts were that this was going to be a documentary focusing on the facts of Michael Jackson’s trial. More
Michael Jackson - The Life And Times Of The King Of Pop 1958 – 2009 DVD Review by G. W. Hill I guess my biggest problem with this DVD is the title. This isn’t really a comprehensive documentary of Michael Jackson’s life at all. Instead it begins with the 911 call and then moves to coverage of the memorial service. More
It seems that the most likely issue anyone might have with this documentary is the contention that Jagger’s work when he was in his twenties has over-shadowed the rest of his output.
Etta James passed away in 2012, and now Eagle Rock is releasing this BluRay as a celebration of her life and talent. I’ve reviewed the companion CD in this issue, so be sure to check that review for more details about the audio performance.
Rick James - Superfreak Live 1982 DVD Review by Gary Hill The funk master himself, Rick James may not be with us anymore, but this 1982 concert is now available on DVD. The release has its good and bad points, but overall is an enjoyable record of the live power of this musical legend. More
Jamiroquai - Live at Montreux DVD Review by Gary Hill I must confess to never having heard this band before seeing this DVD. Combining funk, pop, disco, R & B and jam band sounds into a killer groove seems to be what these guys do best.
Jane’s Addiction - Live Voodoo DVD Review by Gary Hill Jane’s Addiction always had an incredibly tasty and unique sound. I liked them from their first album.
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Jay-Z - Classic Albums: Reasonable Doubt DVD Review by Gary Hill As hip hop begins to gain more respect as an art form you’ll probably see more DVD’s like this. The truth is (and I know a lot of rock fans might find this sacrilegious) there is good and bad music in every genre.
I’ve been a big Elton John fan since I was a little kid. While Goodbye Yellow Brick Road has never been one of my favorites, there’s not a bad EJ record (although some are certainly stronger than others) so it’s interesting to get a glimpse inside this one. I love the archival footage we get with this and there are really a lot of great insights into the lead up to the disc, the songwriting and production. I never realized just how much of a “band effort” this album was. All in all, I’d highly recommend this to all fans of Elton John. It’s got great interviews and great insights. The only complaint I’d have is that I wish it was longer.
Quincy Jones - 50 Years In Music: Live At Montreux 1996 DVD Review by Gary Hill Quincy Jones is a musical legend. For those of us who have come to our musical maturity since he quite playing it might hard to grasp his importance as a musician, but this DVD should go along ways towards bringing the picture into focus.
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Quincy Jones - The 75th Anniversary Birthday Celebration DVD Review by Gary Hill This is an unusual performance because Quincy Jones isn’t performing here. Instead this is a powerhouse group of musicians and performers Jones has influenced over the years performing music that’s connected to him. All this is with Jones in the audience. More
