Search - Night's Tale: Live in the Usa on DVD

Caravan in fine form

Matthew Bush | Seattle, WA United States | 07/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First let's get the negative out of the way. This concert DVD is filmed with poor lighting, with the band practically in shadows for much of the show.On the other hand, Caravan plays extremely well at this Nearfest 2002 performance. Most of the original group is in this new lineup, with fine playing by David Sinclair on keyboards and Geoff Richardson on viola (and "electric" spoons on "If I could do it again, I'd do it all over you"). While original guitarist Pye Hastings does much of the singing and plays rythm, he wisely defers the lead guitar work to new lad Doug Boyle, who is honestly one of the best electric guitarists I have ever heard, and he performs several stunning solos during the show. He really infuses a new energy level into Caravan's music, adding an intense jazz-rock fusion into their Cantebury sound.The song selection is very good, as is the 5.1 sound and it's a full 90 minute concert. I've always felt Caravan's lyrics were a bit corny and meandering, and that hasn't changed. But once they get going in their long instrumental sections, they really rock, and that's what Caravan is all about."