Willy DeVille – Live In
The Lowlands (DTS)
Picture: C+
Sound: B Extras: C+ Concert: B
Latino Music may have become a wide-ranging hit more
recently in the 1990s, but its vital contribution to Pop and Rock music during
the counterculture 1960s is inarguable and the world is still catching up with
it all. Along with Carlos Santana and
Los Lobos, the less known Willy DeVille was cutting records starting in the
1960s and was even savvy enough to be an active musician during the original
days of Punk Rock in 1970s New York. Willy
DeVille – Live In The Lowlands is a terrific new concert DVD you might
easily miss, but once you experience it, becomes a standout release those who
love music and/or have home theater systems will want to get their hands on.
Of the 21 songs, DeVille and company come up with a
terrific opener version of War’s hit Low Rider that brings out the best
in that song beyond its silly pop trivialization, while Jay & The
American’s 1964 classic Come A Little Bit Closer loses some of the
obvious humor and gains some ironic distance.
I also enjoyed the cover of Hey Joe, recorded by everyone from
Jimi Hendrix to Cher. However, all the
songs here are exceptional and exceptionally performed, making this critic wish
it had gone on a little bit longer.
The anamorphically enhanced 16 X 9/1.78 X 1 image may have
some detail issues, but when it comes to the color range, it is just fine. Director Perry Joseph makes the concert more
than just a few static cameras hanging around; a problem with one too many live
DVDs. Then there is the sound. Though the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is not bad,
the DTS 5.1 is very nice, capturing all the nuances of the music that is somewhere
between the richness of Blues and punch of Latino and Rock sensibilities. Eagle Vision has backed DTS for years and
that has kept their product high quality.
Extras include inserts during the concert as an appealing
option and a half-hour interview with DeVille and friends about music as art
and how the record industry may have missed the boat with a talent by DeVille
in not knowing who they had and the caliber of talent that has very much
appreciated with age. This DVD sets
that record straight.
- Nicholas Sheffo
