15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
B.B. King Still In His Prime., July 5 2009
By Perry Celestino - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: B.B. King: Live at Montreux 1993 (DVD)
This DVD is very similar to the SRO session which came out about three years ago and it was filmed about the time of this set, the early 1990s, when BB was still touring a lot and was still at the top of his game. Like all of the Montreux Series the sound, camera work and production are excellent.
Another interesting thing about this performance is that BB stands up throughout it and it really chronicles the last years of this Blues great's live shows (This is also when I saw him last in Australia). Just as a matter of interest, the set and band are very similar to the "BB Live" set that came out just about two years ago, filmed at BB's Blues Club in Memphis (and the one in Nashville).
This concert was filmed in 1993 and BB is still in top form. The set is an extensive catalogue of his hits and live numbers. The band includes many members that have played with BB for many, many years. Foremost is the great James Toney an extraordinary organ player and keyboardist who just died in 2007. He was with BB since his famous PBS Jazz Casual session in 1968. Also prominent is the excellent bass player Michael Doster. His nephew and sax player Walter King is the Musical Director and he also is a great musician. This band is impeccable!
The set list is very comprehensive. It includes a great band "warm up" with the "Two I Shoot Blues" which showcases the great musicianship of BB's band. Highlights of the set list include Louis Jordan's "Caldonia", Ray Charles' "Let The Good Times Roll", the old standard and favourite "Why I Sing The Blues", a newer offering "Blues Man" and of course the seminal "The Thrill Is Gone", always a favourite and always a bit different. This DVD is 99 minutes long and , while it doesn't say it was filmed in HD on the package, on the end credits it does say that, like the Albert Collin's show, it is in fact in HD, the picture is incredibly clear and sharp. And sound is excellent. I would rank the SRO session and this as BB's two best DVD releases.
A must have purchase for classic Blues Lovers.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome Video, Sep 16 2010
By L. Gregg "Shop a lot" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: B.B. King: Live at Montreux [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray)
This video is great!!!! I was amazed at the video and audio quality as it was filmed in 1993. They must have used amazing gear because this looks and sounds as good as any of the newly recorded stuff. I watched this on a high quality HD projection system in an acousitcally set up room and a $3500 pair of speakers . . . .and it was AWESOME!!! This was when BB was in better health and had a bit more energy . . . I have seen him live several times and I will say he is always a treat. It has been a while since I have seen BB in a small club (1989???) and I forgot how great his facial expressions were. I am so glad somebody captured this era of BBs career so masterfully - I am certain it will be enjoyed by new generations as well as us "old guys"!!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excelent show!, Jan 18 2012
By Robson - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: B.B. King: Live at Montreux [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray)
BB is still in his top form, and performed a great show. Good image and sound quality, worth the price.