Search - John Lee Hooker - Come and See About Me: The Definitive DVD on DVD

Long Live The Boogie King

Perry Celestino | Tahmoor, NSW Australia | 07/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Lee Hooker was the last of the unstructured real country Bluesmen. He was a semi-urbanized Robert Johnson-style one man band and was even born in Clarksdale, Mississippi where WC Handy had first seen slide guitar playing. I can remember seeing John Lee in Central Park in 1967 playing second fiddle to Al Kooper and the final stages of the Blues Project. He came out all alone, no band, just a chair and blew them totally away. You can't beat the real thing! This DVD is a definite must have for any Blues fan. As the ranks of real Blues originals diminishes we need to cling on to these type of records. This compilation is well edited and put together. It is over two hours long which is what Blues fans want. The songs are a great overview of JLH's career including his classic Newport Jazz Festival appearance and his famous 1965 European American Folk Blues Festival version of "Hobo Blues". Also included is a track from his excellent 1980s "Maintenance Shop Blues" appearance (I wish they would re-release the Albert King Set!). All in all this is a wonderful compilation. It shows Hooker in all stages of his playing; by himself, with various guest artists, with bands and of course with Santana doing "The Healer". I would also strongly recommend the two JLH DVD's from Vestapol: "John Lee Hooker and Friends" and "John Lee Hooker:Rare Performances"(Amazon can get these by Special Order). This DVD is must for all Blues and American Music fans!"

This is one not to be missed

David Cantu | San Antonio, TX USA | 07/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I dont often purchase "archival" performances on DVD due to the often poor quality of both picture and sound. This one, however transcends the archival dust truely conjures up old nuances and feelings that modern bluesmen rarely pull out of the hat. Johns 1965 performance of "Hobo Blues" is a tribute to his dark and smoothly melodic blues. "Im in the Mood" with Bonnie Raitt, raises gooseflesh on me like no other wonderfully performed, almost extemperaneous blues rendition either modern or historical. This collection of both very old and performances from the sunset of his life is full of rare jewels that keeps me poping the DVD back into the player. I applaud and thank the Estate of John Lee Hooker for allowing us the ability to bring him into our homes. He is truely missed, but I hear him all the time listening to Van, Eric, Bonnie, Susan and even myself when I perform. He lives on in us."

Keeps going back into the player

My Twin | San Jose, CA United States | 07/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I keep going back to this DVD to hear "Boogie Chillen", where the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton are the backup band, just to hear him sing and play. The inspiration for most of the Brisitsh rockers of the 60s and 70s, as Carlos Santana points out he influenced everyone in rock. On this DVD you notice Van Morrison, Santana, Clapton and others lifting his licks in their styles. Great foot-stompin' boogie, but also killer blues from a giant talent. Not so much a greatest hits as an exploration of his style in role in defining the sound for blues rock.Well worth the price."

Excellent!

G. Eaton | Livermore, CA USA | 09/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've watched this 4 times now. It's amazing how JLH could give you so much with and E chord and that steady driving foot stomp. The high points of this DVD for me were the interviews with JLH and the duet of "In the Mood" with Bonnie Raitt. This is a first class performance. I would highly recommend that anyone reading this review---who loves blues and blues history---buy this DVD.
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