Search - Dave Mason - Live at Perkins Place on DVD

Let It Go - Naked

running_man | Chesterfield Twp., MI | 01/25/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here's a 1981 Dave Mason acoustic show recorded at the 2,000 seat auditorium known today as The Raymond Theatre in Pasadena, CA. Everything is on a quaint scale here, from the 3 camera film crew to the two man band to the 58 minute running time. Jim Krueger, who has appeared on every Dave Mason album released since 1974 (with the exception of 1987's 'Two Hearts'), accompanies Mason throughout the concert.The film has a very intimate feel to it, with one camera roaming the stage, one shooting from the foot of the stage, and one long-range camera peering over the audience. Remember that video technology was still in its infancy (we were still feuding over VHS vs. Beta in 1981!). Mason provides the rhythm section on a 12-string acoustic guitar, defering all the leads to Krueger on a 6-string acoustic. That may disappoint some Mason fans who fancy Dave as the best guitarist this side of Jimi Hendrix, until you take the time to absorb Krueger's remarkable performances. Especially dramatic are the interplay between Mason and Krueger on 'Feelin' Alright' and 'All Along the Watchtower', both of which burn the nylon mightily.Among the other offerings are Mason's biggest charting hit, 'We Just Disagree' which rose to #12 in 1977, and which incidentally was penned by Krueger. Two songs are chosen from Mason's spectacular 'Alone Together' LP, the opener 'It's Just a Song', and a pensive 'Sad and Deep As You'. Other Mason staples such as 'Let It Go, Let It Flow' (charting at #45 in 1977), and two songs from his 1974 'Dave Mason' LP, the first to feature Krueger, 'Every Woman' and the Sam Cooke classic 'Bring It On Home To Me', are given sturdy renditions.Mason also adds side dishes of beloved classics from other performers to the buffet. He reaches back to 1961 for Ben E. King's classic 'Stand By Me' for his second number, and two numbers later he reaches even further back to 1951 for an Elmore James blues number (stolen from Robert Johnson), 'Dust My Blues'. The eclectic song selection goes on as Mason presents versions of Elvis Presley's 'All Shook Up', and for an encore The Eagles 'Take It To the Limit'. One other song, a soft and thoughtful ballad penned by Krueger, 'The Words' from Mason's 1978 'Mariposa De Oro' LP, completes the set. Mason does well with covers, readily adapting them to his own style.In 1981 our culture was finally recovering from disco fever, and was nearly ready to embark on the Madonna/Michael Jackson era... not fertile soil for the type of music Mason had been bred for. So it's not surprising that he was taking his music to smaller venues in a low-key manner. In a way, however, this proved to be a windfall for the rest of us as we get a look at a minimalist, unplugged approach to songs we were use to hearing with full accompaniment. The sound for this concert is superb, and the filming is smart and intimate. Mercilessly, we are spared audience shots, and only one song delves into the death nell of audience participation. Mason is in fine voice, and these songs remain as vibrant as when they were originally released, even if they weren't being fully appreciated for what they were in 1981. Though it wasn't his time, Mason wasn't looking back, but reinterpreting his catalog."

Acoustic Mason and Krueger at its very best!

Paul Lowerre | New York, New York United States | 09/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the late '70s, Dave Mason established himself as one of the truly great electric guitarists, ringing those incredible sounds out of his Fender while touring for the "Certified Live" album. But his mastery of the acoustic guitar has been largely overlooked, unless you were lucky enough to catch him at a small, cafe-style "unplugged" venue. There were certainly no commercially available recordings to do him much justice at all. Until "Live at Perkins Place". This CD/DVD is nothing short of spectacular, brilliantly illuminating the craftsmanship of Mason on his 12 string, his unparalleled arrangement and harmonization, and the richening of his singing voice into the early '80's. (Love that growl!) Jim Krueger's mandolin-style picking is virtuoso, absolutely breathtaking. Their point/counterpoint on the classic "Watchtower" rises to the level of sublime. The camera work is in-tight but very natural feeling. No fancy fast-frame editing, giving the viewer long, intimate looks at Dave and Jim's emotional involvement in their performance, and long, up-close studies of their incredible fingerwork - both fret work and picking. On my surround-sound home theater, I was totally absorbed into the show. Mason fans who hunger for new releases will love this intimate live video of "the Man". And any fan of acoustic guitar will love this top-shelf performance. This DVD is a must own!"

Absolutely Stunning

Jake W. Prucha | Milwaukee, WI | 01/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This performance is one that any music-lover needs to experience. I've seen a lot of good concert-movies, but this one tops my list by far. The way these two men connect is amazing, and the picking shown by Jim Krueger is some of the best I've seen. This video is a must-have."

An Unknown 'Gem,' If I Ever Saw One!

Craig Connell | Lockport, NY USA | 09/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rocker Dave Mason and guitarist Jim Krueger give a two-man acoustic performance in Pasadena, Ca., in 1981. This was an "unplugged" concert before that term was invented! It's also very, very good. Two-man concerts are a bit unusual, but these guys pull it off. Consider this DVD one of those "unknown gems."

Mason was (and still is) a solid singer and guitar player, whether he's doing rock, ballads or blues. Krueger is someone I did not know, but - wow: what an impressive guitar player! He is tremendous. This is a fast-moving one hour concert because the songs are entertaining and the guitar work is outstanding. That instrumental talent really comes out in the 10-minute "All Along The Watchtower," a Bob Dylan song made famous by Jimi Hendrix. Krueger is the "star" of that tune in here, but Mason plays well, too.

I can't think of any song that was not done well on this DVD. The only negative was Mason profaning once in one song...but I'm absolutely delighted with the singing and playing in this concert. It's always enjoyable no matter how times I watch it!

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