List Price: $19.97 Our Price: $14.98YOU SAVE $4.99!
Buy it
DVD Festival Express
The vintage concert footage alone makes Festival Express a memorable and worthwhile endeavor, offering scintillating performances by Janis Joplin, the Band (their rollicking version of "Slippin' and Slidin'" is particularly mind-blowing), the Grateful Dead, Buddy Guy, and others (remember Mashmakhan?). In 1970, during the heyday of the rock festival, promoter Ken Walker decided to organize a traveling musical revue, bringing the mountain to Mohammed, as it were. In five days' time, the festival played in three Canadian cities with the entire conglomeration traveling, playing, and getting smashed together the whole way. Nearly as rewarding as the live performances are the candid scenes of the train ride itself, an endless jam session and party during which musicians of all shapes and sizes let their hair down--musically and otherwise. The contemporary interviews with Walker and some of the surviving musicians aren't particularly noteworthy, except as a way to prove that it all actually happened. Walker comes off as a hero in the film: he treated the musicians like royalty and insisted that the train roll on even though he was losing his shirt. (His financial failure is a large reason why this material stayed in the vaults for so long.) Perhaps the most remarkable scene is an off-the-cuff, LSD-fueled train jam featuring Joplin, the Band's Rick Danko, and the Dead's Jerry Garcia playing the old chestnut "Ain't No More Cane." Danko is so obliterated that even Janis has to ask him if he's OK--when Janis is worried about your state of mind, you must be pretty messed up. --Marc Greilsamer
In the summer of 1970, some of the most famous names in contemporary music appeared at a series of Canadian concerts. What set these shows apart from Woodstock, Monterey, etc. was the fact that the musicians, promoters and crew travelled between cities and venues in a CN commuter train. This hairy, heady trip is documented in "Festival Express".
Interspersed with a veritable cornucopia of performances (more on these in a moment) are latter-day interviews with some of the participants explaining why the film footage remained unseen and little-discussed for over three decades. Although certainly interesting and enlightening, I think most viewers will be drawn towards the music. And oh, what music it is. Highlights include...
The Grateful Dead's haunting "New Speedway Boogie", which perfectly captured the widespread anger, fear and confusion in the wake of the Altamont tragedy. Despite Robert Hunter's disturbing lyrics, most concertgoers can be seen grooving joyously to the spectacle of Jerry Garcia crooning into the microphone and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan making sweet love to his harmonica.
The Buddy Guy Blues Band blasting through "Money". I had heard this chestnut performed many times in the past and, previously, always thought of it as so-so. However, I have never heard it sound so desperate, so vital, as it does here. Wandering amongst the audience, picking anguished notes from his guitar, Buddy moans, screams and wails, as brother Phil (on rhythm guitar) and the rest of the band chug along behind him. Buddy and Phil can also be seen taking part in some of the impromptu jams on the train. And that brings me to...
"Ain't No More Cane on the Brazos" - in the hands of a rowdy bunch of (ahem) "enhanced" musicians, this mournful Leadbelly song becomes almost celebratory. The Band's Rick Danko and blues-mama extraordinaire Janis Joplin belt it out while Jerry and Dead guitarist Bob Weir strum along. Plopped between them, John "Marmaduke" Dawson (from New Riders of the Purple Sage) tries not to burst out laughing while over in the corner, folk legends Ian and Sylvia Tyson sway beatifically. At the piece's coda, Jerry declares his love for Janis. Although uproariously funny, this scene is also sad to watch now for reasons which are probably obvious.
Speaking of The Band... try as I might, I cannot choose just one of their performances to mention here. All three are fantastic (although as a Band fan, I suppose I am somewhat biased). They bring the house down on the Little Richard number "Slippin' and Slidin'", show appropriate gravitas (pardon the pun) to "The Weight" and really deliver the goods on "I Shall Be Released", with Richard Manuel's heartbreaking vocals taking center-stage.
"Lazy Day" - this country-rock ditty from the (post-Gram Parsons) Flying Burrito Brothers floats along enjoyably, enhanced by suitably hedonistic lyrics and Pete Kleinow's steel guitar. And, if nothing else, the Brothers prove once and for all that white boys can have Afros too.
"Coming Home Baby", by homegrown rockers Mashmakhan, is a throbbing, pulsing musical maelstrom, enhanced by the no-nonsense rhythm section of Jerry Mercer and Brian Edwards, Rayburn Blake's slashing guitar and Pierre Senecal's groovy organ (and jaw-dropping flute solo).
Not to be outdone, "C.C. Rider" proves why Ian and Sylvia were (and still are) two of the most respected names in Canadian folk-rock. Backed by their band, the Great Speckled Bird (including redneck drum legend N.D. Smart and steel-guitar wizard Buddy Cage) as well as representatives from some of the aforementioned groups, the cowboy-librarian duo treat the Ma Rainey saga with the zest and verve it truly deserves.
And what review would truly be complete without a proper mention of Janis? The movie's final performance, "Tell Mama", explains in no uncertain terms why this lady was such an icon of her era. Backed by the knowing notes of the Full-Tilt Boogie Band, Ms. J. pleads, harangues, coaxes and cajoles her "young cat" into her arms while delivering one of the stream-of-consciousness raps which are now the stuff of legend.
I could go on forever about these segments, as well as the great bonus performances also included on the DVD (Tom Rush! Eric Andersen! Seatrain! Oh wow!). However, I would like to conclude this review by mentioning some of the things that are **not** included, for the benefit of potential customers.
Several of the acts who took part in the Festival concerts do not appear in the film at all. During the restoration and editing of "Festival Express", Alvin Lee asked that scenes of his band, Ten Years After, not be included as he felt that they were sub-par (a viewpoint shared, in fact, by the filmmakers). Complete footage of Traffic and Mountain was, sadly, nowhere to be found despite much searching. And the movie concludes with two songs for which only the audio portion was locatable - Janis warbling an early version of "Me and Bobby McGee" and the New Riders' reverent rendition of the bluegrass classic "Jordan". (For some reason, this latter song, also attempted by Jerry G. and Sylvia T. mid-way through the picture, is referred to in the credits as "Better Take Jesus' Hand").
Also, for you Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett fans, these two and their "Friends" are prominently credited but do not perform a complete song at any point during "Festival Express". Their version of "Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad" (assisted by Leslie West from Mountain) early in the movie is all but inaudible due to the interviews which have been overlaid onto it. However, there is quite a bit of other footage of Delaney (backing Ian and Sylvia), Bonnie (enjoying herself on the train) and Kenny Gradney (griping about various things) so I suppose it's not a total loss.
Finally, I should point out that some of music historian David Dalton's reminiscences are just plain wrong. The most notable error is his statement that Jimi Hendrix had died by the time the concert series began (in fact, Jimi did not leave us until September 18th, 1970, well after the last show took place). His other blunders will be obvious to the seasoned viewer so I will leave it there.
Thanks to promoters Ken Walker, Thor Eaton, Dave Williams and everyone in the cast and crew who made "Festival Express" such an impressive, amazing experience.
And to Janis, Pigpen, Richard, Jerry and Rick, God bless you.
i was there
THIS BRINGS BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES I WAS THERE WITH SOME FRIENDS IN TORONTO AT THE FESTIVAL. I WAS LIVING IN BUFFALO AT THE TIME AND DROVE TO TORONTO. WE HAD A GREAT TIME ONLY WISHED ALVIN LEE AND TYA COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE FILM. WAS GREAT TO SEE JANIS AND THE BAND. MY BIG MEMORY WAS ALMOST GETTING RUN OVER BY THE BAND IN THERE LIMO, THEY STOPPED AND ASKED IF I WAS OK. BOY DOES 35 YEARS GO BY FAST
SWITCHMAN'S SLEEPIN', TRAIN 102, IS ON THE WRONG TRACK AND HEADED FOR YOU...
With The Dead, Janis, The Band, Buddy Guy and a host of free-spirited musicians ready to party and have a nice little trip, you know one little train will barely be able to contain the energy! Sad to see the lack of good-will and bad vibes spewed forth by some in the north (officials and some concert goers), but aside from that, this event is one for the ages. Great performances abound on this documentary style music-fest with peak Dead including Pigpen just before his death: Don't Ease Me In, Friend of the Devil, New Speedway Boogie, Hard to Handle and Easy Wind are enough to buy this treasure (I'm a huge Dead fan - not much is available to view from this period). Janis just rocks the stage, and nearly steals the show, with her trademark full-out soul and the great Big Brother & Holding Co. band are wonderful to see, their guitarist just tears it up (seeing some of the now passed away greats puts a tear in your eye - sniff). The few Band songs are really cool and they seem to be having a great few days (Rick Danko gets plastered - hysterical), Buddy is looking slim and in fine form enjoying the journey, with many an interesting observation to share. Seeing some of the rare performances of the likes of Tom Rush and Seatrain are a nice bonus and bring back the feeling of the engaged social climate of the era. If Hendrix hadn't just died, he would probably have made it with his Band of Gypsies...he would have been right at home here. Can't believe more clouds of smoke aren't visible, although the crowds do seem to be having a blast generally. This is not an American audience! There is a feeling of restricted, stifled space with the Canadian festival goers??? What's the deal? I don't know, but the protesters pissing and moaning that dope and music should be free and ruining the vibe could be part of it...VERY INTERESTING ON MANY LEVELS! Let me guess, NONE of you (protesters) are giving away the products of your labor these days, or funding musical events out-of-pocket, eh? This was lost for 33 years (although I have heard of this before) due to lawsuits and the promoter's bankruptcy, and now it is expertly put together by the likes of Eddie Kramer for the benefit of fans of this great era of music. Seriously, don't miss this, it is really a trip and historically invaluable! I guess we can thank those who helped stall this project for making us (still around) appreciate it that much more. Funny how the world turns and all works out in the end. ENJOY!
A beautiful DVD. NOT a burn, like most band DVDs I've seen. It very accurately captures the soul and essence of the band. If you loved the Airplane, you'll love this DVD!
If I could ask one favor, I would ask that someone do one like this on Quicksilver, Country Joe & the Fish, the Youngbloods, H.P. Lovecraft, and anyone else there's film or recordings of!
Please - before the film and master tapes all rot and disintegrate! More Info about this DVD Director(s): Bob Sarles DVD Release Date: Released the 21 September 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $19.98 Your Price: $15.98YOU SAVE $4!
Buy it
The only Grateful Dead video to have received a theatrical release (in the mid-'70s), this film is a real time capsule. See Keith and Donna Godcheaux as integral parts of the band! See the Wall of Sound! See the trippy animation! See Jerry with all-black hair! The photography and sound are crude and not on par with those in some of the more recent Dead videos, notably Ticket to New Year's or Downhill from Here, but its earnestness, and its focus on an era in the Band's history with little other video documentation, more than make up for the lack of polish. There's some above-average music, too, especially "Eyes of the World" and the ever-irresistible "U.S. Blues." --Anne HurleyMore Info about this DVD Director(s): Jerry Garcia - Leon Gast DVD Release Date: Released the 09 November 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $29.95 Your Price: $23.96YOU SAVE $5.99!
Buy it
It's virtually impossible to approach No Direction Home without a cluster of fixed ideas. Who doesn't have their own private Dylan? The true excellence of Martin Scorsese's achievement lies in how his documentary shakes us free of our comfortable assumptions. In the process, it plays out on several levels at once, each taking shape as an unfailingly fascinating narrative. There is, of course, the central story of an individual genius staking out his artistic identity. But along with this Bildungsroman come other threads and contexts: most notably, the role of popular culture in postwar America, art's self-reliance versus its social responsibilities, and fans' complicity with the publicity machine in sustaining myths. All of these threads reinforce each other, together... More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 20 September 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $29.98 Your Price: $19.99YOU SAVE $9.99!
Buy it
Although it could have been twice as long, this double-DVD set effectively captures over three hours of highlights from one of the most comprehensive and diverse collection of guitarists ever assembled for a single event. Recorded over three days in June of 2004 to benefit Eric Clapton's Crossroads Center in Antigua (as do the sales of this set), the show is not surprisingly heavy on the rootsy blues and country that comprise Clapton's primary inspirations. But it also includes folk (James Taylor), gospel (Robert Randolph & the Family Band), fret-shredding rockers (Steve Vai who delivers a dazzling performance), jazz (John McLaughlin), and, most interestingly, Indian classical music (a stunning piece from Vishwa Mohan Bhatt).
Most compelling are the rare and sometimes unusual... More Info about this DVD Director(s): B.B. King - Ron de Moraes DVD Release Date: Released the 09 November 2004 Usually ships in 6 to 11 days
List Price: $29.98 Your Price: $22.99YOU SAVE $6.99!
Buy it
Unavailable at all for nearly three decades, then issued in a VHS edition in 1996, the Rolling Stones' legendary Rock and Roll Circus finally gets the full treatment with this DVD release documenting the 1968 event. The Stones were reportedly unhappy with their performance (hence the long delay), and it isn't their finest moment; performing "Jumping Jack Flash" and a variety of songs from their then-new Beggars Banquet album, Keith Richards is game, but Jagger's preening (especially on "Sympathy for the Devil") is over the top, and guitarist Brian Jones looks dissolute and well on his way to his death the following year. A certain weirdness permeates some of the other musical acts as well: Jethro Tull lip-syncs unconvincingly, Taj Mahal and band were obliged to perform... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Michael Lindsay-Hogg - Mick Jagger Director(s): Michael Lindsay-Hogg DVD Release Date: Released the 12 October 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $19.98 Your Price: $15.98YOU SAVE $4!
Buy it
