Live (2007)

Some familiar, some forgotten, some new crown jewels

The concert section of this DVD is so familiar that one might decide to pass on the whole package, even with the Documentary with previously non-public content: some fascinating music and interview excerpts, mostly in good quality.
In one of the interview segments, James Brown expresses that he saw, around 1980, the value of smaller venues for true communication; that even after all these years as an unparalleled legend, he had something to learn about show business.
As a fan, I also learned something - about the live in Chastain Park show, right here on this low-priced opus: it's a Classic. Years ago, I was disturbed by some of the technical issues (watching it previously on VHS), by the repertoire with no surprises (though he did interject a nice taste of "Dooley's Junkyard Dogs" as a preface to "Jam"), by the dimly lit audience (which, if captured well) adds to that "party" aspect.
Yes, it's a Classic, because it's a 40 year anniversary celebration of the career of JB, it's done in Augusta, Georgia, where he grew up, and it reunites him with Maceo Parker, who is on the scene, and as vital as ever, especially on a time-capsule rendition of "Georgia On My Mind".
There are some missing tunes from the show, but this DVD is certainly - at least - a nice "safety copy" for the initiated. For the historian-fan, the hsow appears to have been done just before "Living In America" smashed the charts, and opened up the door for a new era of creativity, and four or five additional hits.
Also present are Danny Ray, Martha High, and St. Clair Pinckney.
January 12, 2008

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