The Harry Smith Project Live (Single DVD-Video)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: D     Concert: B

 

 

Harry Smith (1923-1991) was not a writer, producer, engineer, music innovator or music theorist.  Instead, he was a fan, archivist and even scholar who created such an archive and collection of Folk genre music so amazing, it is considered the definitive Anthology Of American Folk Music.  As tribute to his vital accomplishments, some of the most important singers in the business came together for a concert honoring him and the music he saved.  He even made some films, which are shown during the concert.  Beck, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello, Nick Cave, David Johansen, Steve Earle, Richard Thompson, Beth Orton and Lou Reed are among the big names present.

 

Though the performances are good throughout, the standout here easily in the entire set is Nick Cave’s amazing performance of John The Revelator, which is as much Folk as it is Punk and Rock.  Cave is grossly underrated, is also a good actor and has never received the credit or success in the U.S. he deserves.  If Shout! Factory and Sony wanted to bring serious attention to this release, this should be issued as a single.  Otherwise, you get 23 songs in this single DVD alone and all are certain to be remembered at Grammy time.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image was shot on profession analog NTSC video, whether digitally affiliated or not.  Detail and color can be limited, but the source is clean for the most part.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is weaker than expected, taped without such consideration.  Still, the audio has its moments, but there is a reason it is not DTS.  There are no extras, but 2.5 hours of programming should make most happy and there is a four DVD/CD set box set being released before this abbreviated version.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo