Search - Steve Goodman - Live from Austin City Limits and More on DVD

A Season Ticket with the Angels...

James D. DeWitt | Fairbanks, AK United States | 04/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Steve Goodman never found fame, not the kind he deserved anyway. A gifted songwriter, a splendid guitarist, and a charismatic live act, his death in 1984 left holes in lot of folks' lives. John Prine still dedicates "Souvenirs" to Steve in every concert he does.The DVD captures a couple of Austin City Limits shows where Steve was in good form, high energy in the first half, lower energy in the second half, sapped a bit by the chemo and the disease that killed him. Between those two halves, there's an interview from an apartment overlooking Wrigley Field. Even the poor editing can't take away from the heart-wrenching Q&A, or diminish the "Dying Cub Fan's Last Request" as Steve sings it, with Wrigley in the background, a few months before his death.This is the closest you can come in this life to seeing a Steve Goodman concert. For those of us who are fans - and I am an unabashed fan - it is a rare and precious treat. For those who don't know Steve and his wonderful songs, this is a great chance to experience a Steve Goodman show. Highly recommended. Simply delightful."

What You All Missed

mark munger | Duluth, Minnesota United States | 03/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First, as always, a couple of confessions. Number 1, I am a Steve Goodman fan. Number 2, I am an author. Words matter. Steve Goodman, while a fine vocalist and a stunning guitarist, was, first and foremost, a lyricist. ...Now for the review: This is as good as you're gonna get now that Steve is playing with the angels. I had the chance to see him live in the late '70's and that concert remains, without a doubt, the single most beloved musical event I ever attended. This DVD does have a technical glich here and there in terms of an unforeseen pause or two. So what? The concert footage is priceless, the sound quality is good, and the interviews with Kris Kristoferson, John Prine, and others, are memorable. You can't watch Steve's interview about the Chicago Cubs, where it's clear he's battling the cancer that ultimately killed him, without shedding tears. Buy this DVD and buy any of Steve's CD's. Any CD. And you will be an immediate Goodman junkie. Guaranteed."

They believe me now...

E. McGraw | Roswell, GA United States | 09/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a lifelong musician. I have a very musical stepson, aged 24. He's into folk music, plays banjo, mandolin, fiddle. I have a husband, he likes John Prine. As an old lady of 44, I tell nostalgic stories of doing stage lighting for the most incredible live performer and his rag-tag band of scraggly folk singers, mandolin wizards, and celebrity drop-ins. I mention the name, Steve Goodman, and rattle off a few of his more well-known songs... City of New Orleans, You Never Even Call Me By My Name, etc. I used to get knowing nods and shrugs, the occasional eye roll. Imagine my joy at finding this tape - finally being able to visually demonstrate the indescribable energy and wit of this charming treasure of a guy. Watching him shake a rather listless and stuffy Austin City Limits crowd out of their patchouli haze and leave them cheering for encores was a treat well worth the investment. Seeing those unforgettable facial expressions, and the guitar licks - MAN. He was so much fun to watch, to listen to - to be in the same room with. My family has a new-found respect for me and my stories now! And my 24-year-old is practicing some of those incredible guitar licks. A new generation of Steve Goodman fans is born. The interviews are heartfelt, moving, and lovely. If you have ever seen Steve, you'll laugh and cry. If not, you will become a fan."

Surprised

E. McGraw | 01/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Steve Goodman for years, but I knew him only as a gifted songwriter and recording artist. I now realize that the recordings I have are somewhat sterile and never captured the essence of this guy. He was a truly talented and wonderful performer with amazing energy and imagination. The DVD gets it and you should too!"