Search - Robben Ford & The Blue Line in Concert on DVD

Amazing live performance

de_lege_ferenda | United States | 05/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At least once in your life, you should hear guitarist Robben Ford play live. This DVD is the next best thing to being there. It captures a fantastic 1993 performance by Robben and the Blue Line (bassist Roscoe Beck and drummer Tom Brechtlein). Robben's diverse career has encompassed jazz, fusion, blues, modern blues, and blues-rock. The songs on display here come from his "ballsiest" blues and blues-rock period. Mind-bendingly great guitar solos populate this disc, and they range from scorching rockers to soulful tear-your-heart out blues. In the latter category, his version of "Worried Life Blues" is a particular standout. Run don't walk to get this DVD. And see Robben live if you have the chance. No two performances are the same and he's at his best live."

Absolutely worth every penny!

Philip Snyder | Amherst, New York United States | 05/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Robben Ford is a Giant amongst guitar heroes. His flawless fleet-fingered technique, gorgeous tone, and pure musicality have made him loved and respected by guitarists all over the world. This performance, taped on April 7, 1993 for the German TV program Ohne Filter, shows Robben and The Blue Line (stellar musicians Tom Brechtlein on drums and Roscoe Beck on bass) tear through a brief set of classics with effortless abandon. Unfortunately, because this WAS filmed for TV, the set comes in at a mere 49 minutes and change (thus the 4 star rating) and consists of : The Brother - You Cut Me To The Bone - Worried Life Blues - Start It Up - Step On It - Prison Of Love - Tell Me I'm Your Man - Talk To Your Daughter. The band's performance is tight and energetic, and the sound and camera-work are clean, with very clear close-up shots of Robben's fretwork. On the downside, if you're a fan of extras, this disk is sadly lacking. The only bonus feature pertaining to Robben is a biography section. This is 9 screens of text, and can be viewed in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese.Despite the exceptionally short running time, this is a great DVD for Ford fans and I highly recommend it. In a world where you could do a DVD search on "Backstreet Boys" and probably come up with 38 hits, we should be thankful that we have at least one on Robben. Until he takes some cameras into a few of his jaw-dropping club shows and gives us the REAL live Robben Ford concert disk, this one will do."

Want to watch the best blues guitarist alive?

Grant Miller | Denver, CO USA | 05/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Then buy this DVD! Robben Ford is in top form on this April 7th, 1993 Germany performance, captured here in impeccable DVD quality. The fantastic trio of Robben on guitar and vocals (his vocals are NOT a weakness - as so many "critics" might mislead you; instead, it is strong, soulful, emotional...), Roscoe Beck TEARING IT UP on either his Fender 4-string, or his 6-string bass (on which he breaks a string during a solo!), and Tom Brechtlein grinning away as he masterfully backs up this tour de force on the drums.This is the only complete live performance of Robben Ford available for sale on a video format, and luckily for us it is available on the DVD format with its sonic and visual superiority.I promise that anyone who appreciates good guitar, and/or good blues will greatly enjoy this concert, as it showcases Robben Ford and The Blue Line at the pinnacle of its sound."

Great musician, guitarist

D. Pollard | Odessa, Texas United States | 05/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just received the Robben Ford DVD yesterday. I've been a fan of Robben's for over twenty years. He's done stints as a guitarist with Jimmy Witherspoon, Charlie Musselwhite, Joni Mitchell, the Yellowjackets and the great Miles Davis, to name a few. As a guitarist myself, I am awed by his talent and musicality. He is often labeled as a fusion guitarist, which is somewhat of a misnomer. While quite fluent in the jazz medium he is at heart a bluesman. Once again this DVD is taken from the Ohne Filter German Televison show. The mixing and sound quality is great. Robben uses his band The Blue Line here. It is a trio consisting of Roscoe Beck on bass and Tom Brecchtlein on drums. Both are superb musicians. The show is from 93.Robbens playing is incredible and incedniary. His voice while not quite on a par with his playing is pleasant and easy to listen to. My only complaint is It's a bit short, just eight songs but still well worth the price of the DVD. If you are a fan of postmodern urban blues, this DVD is a must have."