Search - In Concert: Albert Collins on DVD

The Ice Man Lives!

Perry Celestino | Tahmoor, NSW Australia | 07/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Albert Collins was a great Blues innovator. His Ice Man sound was unique and immediately recognised. This DVD is superb. The band is great and tight and the sound fabluous. Actually all of the Ohne Filter series are excellent, they sound great and the production is excellent. And this is one of the best.

The set was filmed in 1988 (October). His band was fabulous and included Debbie Davies on second guitar. She helps with vocals as well (She was from LA and was friends with John Mayall's wife). Tracks include "Listen Here" a great opener and introduction to the Collins-style of Blues. His guitar with minor key tuning, a capo and finger playing has a sound that is impossible to copy-there are no SRV's trying to emulate Albert Collins, like there have been with Albert King. No one can do his thing! His attack, phrasing and finger-style were totally unique! Hendrix loved Albert and tried to promote him in the 1960s, when he was only known in Texas and California. "There's this cat from Texas named Albert Collins and he's good, really good" said Jimi in an early interview.

The set progresses to the shuffle "Tired Man" which has a great soulful vocal. "Lights On Nobody Home" is Collins signature slow Blues, he always did this one! I saw him twice in Australia in 1987 and 1992. Great, just like this DVD. "Mastercharge" showcases the Collins -style of Blues humour. He wrote this with his wife Gwendolyne and it appeared on his most influential LP "Ice Pickin". The rest of the set is also interesting. "BLack Cat Bone" was sung by Johnny Copeland on the Show Down LP (Grammy Winner!) but Albert does a great job. "I Ain't Drunk" displays more of Collin's humourous writing style. "I Got A Feeling" is a funky soulful outing with Davies singing backup. The highlight is of course "Frosty" with Duke Robillard adding a few solos on his Surf Green Stratocaster. It ends, as did most of his shows, with a walk through the crowd on his long guitar lead (his trademark!!)

This is a great addition to any Blues DVD collection. I would say that any collection should have Collins (guitar biting sound), Albert King (bending), Little Walter (Harp), Muddy Waters (Voice), Howlin Wolf (Soul), B.B. King (Showmanship) and Freddie King (melodic improvising)!"

Master of the Telecaster

Perry Celestino | 09/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having seen the Iceman live several times during the late 80's and early 90's including at the Chicago Bluesfest, I have always been on the lookout for a good live video record of his performances, This is one of them. I had originally taped this off of a cable broadcast in the 1989 but having a DVD version vs. a VHSI had to get this. Albert and his band are smoking!
I also bought the Live at the Carnegie Hall concert on VHS from Alligator when it was released and while his and Roy Buchanon and Lonnie Mack's performances on that are great, I just never liked the atmosphere on that video. It's all brightly lit with no color lights like any normal concerts have.
If you are interested in seeing the Iceman perform, buy this DVD, the only drawback is that it's barely an hour long because it was from a TV show."

This DVD is fabulous

Wayne H. Anderson | 02/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like the blues or rock order this DVD immidiatly.This Ohne Filter series is very well produced.Albert Collins is in top form and is his band really grooves.This is one of my favorite concert DVD's."

Only One Albert Collins

Richard K. Bowling | 07/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a huge fan of Albert Collins I thought this dvd was great. There just wasn't enough. Since he passed away some years ago you can't expect the recording to be up to todays standards. The camera shots were good and the selection of music was good. I would buy it again if I had to."