Search - Live at Billy Bob's Texas: Asleep at the Wheel - Act One on DVD

The best of the band's contemporary live show

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 05/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD celebrates the best of Asleep at the Wheel's contemporary live show. This newer version of the band is not as strong as the classic version, as seen in the "In Concert" DVD. That written, the viewer would hardly know that this is anything less than Asleep at the Wheel in their prime given the actual songs selected and the performance quality. The band plays plenty of Asleep at the Wheel standards like 'Route 66,' 'Boogie Back to Texas' and 'Take Me Back to Tulsa.' Beyond such time tested tunes, newer choices keep the setlist fresh like 'One Six Pack to Go,' 'Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens,' 'Don't Fence Me In,' and 'Cotton Eyed Joe.' Indeed, it must have taken enormous restraint to omit 'Cherokee Maiden.' Ray Benson's charisma is in high gear and Jason Roberts' songs are always welcome. Despite these glowing assets, there are drawbacks. While it was a great idea to have a bilingual musician work in the Tex-Mex influence, Haydn Vitera was clearly the wrong man for the job. He takes second fiddle literally and figuratively as his voice and personality never fit the band. The only saving grace is that compared to the band's regular shows, he only sings one tune for this DVD. Also, double fiddles are a staple of Western Swing -why double steel guitars? There is no Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant type interaction here, Asleep at the Wheel employs two musicians to do one person's job. Granted, these are minor issues. Beyond drawbacks and benefits, we are spared from hearing any of the cheesy songs from the "Alamo" album and better yet the audience is saved from hearing Ray Benson's corny crooner material. In this respect, the omitted songs strengthen "Live at Bill Bob's Texas" as much as the high quality material that is included. I'd like to award this 4 + 1/2 stars since the Ohne Filter "In Concert" DVD is better; the sound and video production made me bump this up to five instead of knocking it down to four. This is a great Alseep at the Wheel concert, watch it and enjoy!"

Only 4 or 5 songs on this dvd

Larry A. Stephenson | norman, ok, usa | 12/26/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Always good to see Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, but I missed that there was only 4 or 5 songs on it....I guess I should have figured it out since it was only $6.99...Amazon, as always was very quick with delivery...."