Search - Robin Gibb with the Frankfurt Neue Philharmonic Orchestra - Live on DVD

Robin Gibb Excels!

Martin A Hogan | San Francisco, CA. (Hercules) | 05/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having an early release of this DVD, I must admit Robin Gibb sounds extremely good, even if he appears a bit stiff onstage. His mood is upbeat and he seems to truly be enjoying himself, sleek and dressed all in black, (hair-piece too). He is backed by the Frankfurt Philharmonic Orchestra (they also worked with Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, previously). The setting is rich and intimate with a brilliant light show. Most of the songs are Bee Gees titles that sound somewhat empty without the harmonies (there are four back-up singers emulating the Bee Gees, which is to be expected). Despite that, the deliveries are still great. "Emotion" is brilliant, however, and "My Lover's Prayer" has a nifty surprise with Errol Reid (great singer). Robin's own personal material, ("Please", Juliet", etc.) is more powerful and engaging with a vocal that still sounds fantastic, albeit a tad worn and an octave lower. On "Juliet" the audience continues to sing the chorus after the song ends, resulting in the band indulging in a short reprise. It's total fun! Robin did not sing any material from his "Secret Agent" or "Walls Have Eyes" albums, which was disappointing, nor any other songs from "How Old Are You". He never sang, "I Started A Joke", but did sing "Words" which I found very odd. Some of his work is even sung acapello showcasing his vibrant voice. It's not the Bee Gees, but it's a historic event of one third of pop's greatest trio.

The photo section is fun, if not inspired and the short videos of his estate is amazing ('Joan of Arc' was tried there?). This guy has some estate!"

Some of the songs work, but way too many don't!

Hank | Alpharetta, GA United States | 06/21/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"First, I am a long time fan of the Brothers Gibb and especially of Robin's vocals. So I had reservations when I saw the song list. Twelve of the 18 songs were traditional Barry-leads! While I found Robin's lead on some of the Barry ballads somewhat refreshing, his decision to cover the falsetto songs was utter madness (Night Fever, Tragedy, Stayin Alive, Emotions, etc)! They were HORRIBLE!! What possessed him? The comparisons to Barry's versions were inevitable, so he should have just stayed away from them altogether because he was NOT up to the task. "You Win Again" and "Jive Talkin", although not falsetto, were equally weak - VERY WEAK!!
To be fair, New York Mining Disaster was really quite good, as was Robin's take on "To Love Somebody". He really shone on HIS songs like "Saved by the Bell".
The orchestra backing was wonderful and remiscent of the Bee Gees' old pre-fever sound. The brothers should have done one with an orchestra long ago! That would have been a priceless recording for the ages!
Lastly, Robin's "thumbs up" got really old, really quick! Just bow, already! While I am glad to add this DVD to my Bee Gees collection, I was not particularly anamored with it. It had its highlights, but could have been so much better if Robin had just added more of his songs and stayed away from the falsetto tracks.
"

Robin's DVD

Amthony M. Pavloff | Ferriday, LA | 08/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I really can't understand all the negative criticism Robin has received regarding the release of this DVD/CD. Come on people can't you see the guy is having a lot of fun and making people happy. Don't take things so seriously. It's nice to hear some of the Bee Gees songs with a different lead vocal and not so much falsetto, which I really wish they had never stumbled across. I think he did a wonderful job and the orchestra comes across really great. It's just nice to see that Robin didn't go into a deep depression after the loss of his twin brother and went back to what made them happy, singing.
I mean come on everyone the guy was in on writing all of these songs, so why can't he perform them. Congratulations Robin on a great piece of work and I enjoy it every time I watch it. I highly recommend this CD/DVD. I just hope and pray he and Barry can put aside their differences and work together again or maybe Barry could produce Robin's next CD."

Choose the DVD

R. Betts | Central Pennsylvania | 06/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have a review already in place for the cd version of this concert. I thought I was writing a review of the DVD. The cd version misses, Emotion, and the sound is muddier than the DVD. The DVD in 5.1 sound brings out the separation, and brings up Robin's vocals. If you are to choose between the two, buy the DVD. If you like Robin as a vocalist, get them both. To watch the interaction and the genuine good feeling amongst the participants is part of the ambience on the disc. I have read negative reviews of some due to Robin singing songs Barry did lead on. Being a fan of the 60's and 80's and 90's Bee Gees sound, over the course of time the falsetto of the Children of the World and Spirits era becomes too much. I find Robin's take on some of these songs refreshing. It's much better on the DVD, with a good sound system."