Search - Donovan: Live in L.A. at the Kodak Theatre on DVD

More than 60 years old, and still "young in mind" !

Northmountain | South of France | 02/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hi !

I am a long time fan of Donovan and seeing him on stage, facing 3000 poeple of all different generations and making them smile and clap their hands like children, move me deeply.
I am belgian, I live in the South of France, so I have few chances to see an artist like Donovan on stage. The last time was in 1997, in Paris.
I know that for a lot of poeple of our "ever speed way of life" society, an artist like Donovan sounds like a "has been".
No need to discuss our tastes, everyone has his own, and it is just all right like this.
But for me, listening to Donovan is like a walk in my "secret garden", where I can connect again with my chilhood soul.
So I enjoy this DVD like a precious moment of inner peace, and now I am longing fir his next album, "Ritual Groove", that seems to be in good progress.

Thank you for reading my "poor" english, and enjoy Donovan or whatever music you like as often as possible !

Best regards,

Philippe Van Den Bergh
(Montpellier - France)"

Worth the wait

Music lover | California | 02/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had heard about Donovan's LA concert on PBS, but missed the broadcast at the time, and I was therefore anxiously awaiting the package from Amazon when the DVD finally was released in January this year.

Was it worth the wait? For me, the answer is a definite yes. Donovan's music is a pleasant memory of growing up for me, and I have always liked his simple style and of course his poetry - minimal fuss with a powerful message. This concert captures the essence of Donovan surprisingly well in my opinion, given the relatively simple stage setting and choreography. Just him, a bass player and a percussionist, creating excellent sounds throughout the evening. His voice sounds like it is still 1964, and his guitar playing throughout is a real highlight for me. The video and sound are both top quality.

The set list contains mostly well-known hits, with a few lesser-known songs in the mix. I was somewhat underwhelmed by the appearances of his daughter and, in one instance, former Beach Boy Mike Love - nothing spectacular there. But for the most part, just the man, his guitar and backup musicians kept me and the audience in the Kodak theater spellbound, for sure. Personal favorites are Try for the Sun, Young Girl Blues and Lalena - wow, can this guy play guitar and sing!

All in all, a great concert that I'll be sure to enjoy over and over.

"

An enlightened troubadour

Toni | Fairfield, IA, USA | 02/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Everything thing is fun to watch and listen to in this DVD: the stories about being in India with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the words and rhythms of the songs, the way Donovan gets the audience to sing along, the sweet duets with his daughter Astrella Celeste. Here is an entertainer who has evolved over the years. He started as a great song writer and singer, and he continues to uncover deeper layers of consciousness in his work."

Great-- but a little disappointing

Karl Valois | USA | 02/27/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love Donovan-- going back to 1965, when my very first single that I bought was "Catch the Wind." I have also bought a number of his albums and "Greatest Hits" compilations. About two years ago, my friends and I went to Torrington's Warner Theatre to see him play live (on the same bill as Roger McGuinn of the Byrds!!!).

Anyway,I received my copy of Donovan's DVD and ran to my DVD player to watch it. The concert was, on the whole, very good. BUT, I was a little disappointed in Donovan's VOICE. It may well be that he had some problems that one night in January, 2007. But, for the first time EVER, he had difficulty in reaching some of the higher notes. And, at times, he merely SPEAKS the words!!!!! Has anyone else noticed??? Also, I was hoping that he would perform "Atlantis." He did not.

Still, the DVD is well worth the price. I was just surprised to see him struggling on the vocals.
"