Search - Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Music on DVD

Chuck Berrys' " Rock and Roll Music"

Henry Collins | Orinda Calif. | 01/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great DVD, showing what I am coming to see as Chuck in full stride touring mode. Showing up at the last minute, meeting the awe struck young back up band ( who are fine except for an abortive attempt at lead by their guitarist ) and boogying on stage and clearly loving what he was doing. You can see how Chuck is able to relate to his young white audience and really treat them to a show unmatched by any contemporary band, black or white. For they were watching and grooving to the real King of Rock and roll in his prime. The " Hail HailRock and Roll " DVD shows Chuck with the best back up, but this shows him in his youthful prime. Get it and you will see what everyone is giving him the accolades for. Hank Collins ,Orinda calif."

IT TOTALLY ROCKS!

Taylor Lee | Texas Gal | 07/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have 2 concert dvds of Chuck Berry now...and have a comparison..first I got the HAIL, HAIL ROCK AND ROLL...which is really good..but it is obviously more contrived and less spontaneous than this concert..it seems to hinder Chuck's talents...more of Keith Richards and Taylor Hackford's concert..but THIS dvd is PURE CHUCK BERRY and I'm really glad I decided to get it...it is pure energy..you really feel like you are THERE in the stadium...turn it up up up! It is how Chuck Berry REALLY IS...not hindering his talent and telling him how his concert should be like the HAIL, HAIL ROCK AND ROLL. get this one! and truly rock on! e sure to watch this when you are NOT multi-tasking...it deserves your undivided attention."

Exceptional 45 minutes of Chuck live

Phil S. | USA | 04/22/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Who knows what the reaction wuld have been if Chuck arrived with his Chess Records backup? Well, in 1969 it seems he was at the end of his 3-year sojourn at Mercury, and those dudes didn't do as well (though contrary to critical opinion, there*were* some fine sides). Also, the historian will note that Chuck included *two* Mercury records sides, "Maybelline:, and "Goodnight, Well It's Time To Go". Huh? Meaning his recut version with some lyeics not heard on the '55 classic, and a new C-Ami-F-G7 doo-wop based somewhat on the Spaniels.
The filmakers have skillfully interwoven crowd reaction shots - something usually missing in contemprary hyperactive camerawork and editing, and this interaction creates a real party feel. Pretty girls dancing in the sunlight is not something most documentary makers think is appealing to the viewer.
This concert thus has plenty of good music and atmosphere - what a strange mix!
Yes, it's the Father Of Rock And Roll with a not-bad pick-up band - let me say, up front, there is much sloppiness, and some discord (ok, if you're not gonna bring along a couple of "broken in" session players at least bring along some lead sheets - what's the problem? Go into any music shoppe and buy your own Greatest Hits in book form and hit the erox machine. You got the copyrights, anyway....).
But the happy attendees do not seem to mind. And this is very interesting, as the writers have always implied that the new "rock" generation looked down their nose at the more foundational rock and roll.
Yep, the kids ate it up in Toronto on September 13th, 1969.
Well, whatever minor mishaps took place during Chuck's set, if John & Yoko & Eric & co. closed the festival, from what I gather, he must have sounded too precise.
Song list, despite what's printed on the VHS jacket: Rock & Roll Music / School Day (Ring! Ring! Goes The Bell) [aka Hail Hail Rock and Roll & Long Live Rock and Roll] / Johnny B. Goode / Promised Lnnd / Carol / (I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man / Maybelline / Too Much Monkey Business / Reelin' & Rockin' / Sweet Little Sixteen / In The Wee Wee Hours [not the James Brown song, as listed] / Medley: Goodnight, Well It's Time To Go & Johnny B. Goode (reprise).
Want to add, or re=emphasize that Chuck's singing and playing is outstanding. He improvizes in both realms throughout.
Tape gets a very strong *3*."