Customer Reviews

Alison Krauss & Union Station Live (Jewel Case)

5 star:		(98)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Along with my father, we went to see Alison Krauss & Union Station perform live in El Paso, TX in early December of last year, and we were just blown away by the amazing talent of these musicians. Alison Krauss' voice sounded more beautiful and was more astonishing than any studio song I've ever heard recorded by her. Members of Union Station, Barry Bales, Jerry Douglas, Ron Block, and Dan Tyminski blew up away with their instrument playing. It's hard to believe that both my first concert, and pretty much my Dad's first concert, would pretty much turn out to be overall perfect. Alison Krauss sang beautifully and Union Station performed exceptionally.

When I was thinking of a gift to buy my father for Christmas, I remembered how much he was blown away by the concert. So, I ordered the DVD version of their live concert from April 29 and 30, 2002 at The Louisville Palace in Louisville, KY. My father was so happy when he got the DVD, and he loved watching all of the artists performs. He said it was haunting to see them on screen, considering we had just seen them in concert, and he said it was just like being there all over again -- hearing them live, being blown away by their amazing talents.

Alison Krauss & Union Station have to be some of the best artists to have come along ever since music was first being recorded. They're talents are breath-taking and you won't have a single flaw to point out about them.

I think the more special 'treats' on this 2 DVD set are the intense, instrument-only performances "Choctaw Hayride" and "Cluck Old Hen". It's amazing watching how fast and accurate these musicians play their instruments. Not only does Alison Krauss sing, but she also plays the fiddle. If Alison Krauss & Union Station ever stop if your town for a concert, here's some smart advice. GO SEE THEM. You'll get a whole lot more than your money's worth.

The special features of this DVD aren't bad at all. The first disc of this 2 DVD set is of the concert, and the second is of the special features. The second disc contains a tribute to Peador O'Donnell (someone who worked closely with the group), a haunting music video for "New Favorite" from the album NEW FAVORITE, and other features including biographies of/interviews with Alison Krauss, Union Station, and drummer Larry Atamanuik.

The Alison Krauss & Union Station LIVE 2-disc CD set will make a great gift for anyone who loves pure, quality music.

This is an excellent DVD, and long awaited for AKUS fans. Both the video and audio components of this concert are worth the price alone. The DTS 5.1 surround sound makes it feel like you're front and center. The concert is the same one that they used to make their "AKUS - Live" 2-CD set, with some omissions, most notably the two encore songs after "Oh, Atlanta". One highlight, for me at least, was the inclusion of the band's banter with the audience between songs. There is a little of this on the CD version, but much more is included here, and it really showcases the band's personality and sense of humor. For those who have been to one of their concerts, this truly is the next best thing to being there.

Disc two is far less impressive. The interviews are pretty stiff, and the producer got a little carried away with photography tricks - switching from color to black-and-white endlessly, and video gymnastics that look like they came right off of an overdone powerpoint presentation. The behind-the-scenes footage is simply the result of someone holding a home video camera and taking various shots of everyone monkeying for the camera. It's not all bad, by any means, but it is a lost opportunity for those who were hoping to get a little more insight into the band.

Bottom line, however - this is an excellent concert and a very well done DVD at that. It rivals the Eagle's "Hell Freezes Over" DVD for sound and video, and is one I will be watching over and over for years to come.

I have just watched this concert twice in a row straight through.
I've seen the band live on two separate occasions and whereas a film/video/dvd can never replicate the exact experience, this DVD comes very close.
Those familiar with the live CD (which this is the visual version of) will appreciate the additional dialogue and between songs banter. Alison is very funny and natural when talking to the audience, her brand of wry self depreciating humour comes across very well, and endears her to the viewer.
The musicianship is impeccable, first rate, amazing, defies superlatives. Especially the world class dobro playing of Jerry Douglas (though the whole band is musically above reproach).
The visuals are very clear, lots of detail on the individual solo-ists as they take their breaks.
The sound is crystal clear, no nuance is missed.
Buy it, listen, watch, be amazed.
Then watch and listen all over again, you'll still be amazed.

Country music seemed to lose its way in the late sixties when country performers increasingly began to imitate rock musicians. Beginning about ten years ago, there was a new initiative to bring it back to its authentic roots, led by Emmy Lou Harris and given real momentum by the release of the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Even George Clooney was upstaged by the real star of the film -- the music.

We enjoyed the film so much that we bought the companion DVD, Down from the Mountain (The "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Concert) which recorded a Nashville concert by the musicians from "O Brother." If you don't already have that DVD, buy it.

Anyway, Alison Krauss and Union Station figured strongly in all of this (group member Dan Tyminski sang "Man of Constant Sorrow" and the group itself was the Soggy Bottom Boys). Because "Down From the Mountain" featured interviews with all of the musicians involved, we became aware of what serious musicians the members of Union Station are.

This concert, which takes place in a beautiful venue (the Louisville Palace -- what all auditoriums aspire to be when they grow up), simply takes up from where "Down From the Mountain" left off. Almost all of the music is fast and upbeat, with lots of pickin' and individual performances by members of the group. My personal favorite is Jerry Douglas who plays the dobro, a horizontal guitar that produces the sweetest sound I've heard. I now realize that it lay at the core of some of the best music in "O Brother."

Alison herself comes across as being shy and slightly embarrassed at being the center of attention, a true Natural.

Sit back and enjoy.

I love AKUS. I bought the CD set of this concert several months back, and just recently picked up the DVD. I have to agree with a couple of the earlier reviewers who said the sound is not what it should be on this DVD. The stereo version sounds great, just like the CDs. However, each of the 5.1 mixes sound terrible in my opinion. There is no use of the centre channel at all, and the vocals get totally washed out because of it. It sounds like the vocal tracks were recorded in the back of the theatre they played in.

Once again, this is only a problem with the DD and DTS versions, as the stereo version sounds great. However, the main point of wanting it on DVD is to get a good crisp 5.1 mix. This DVD doesn't deliver it. Truly unfortunate, as AKUS is just about my favourite band and I would have loved to hear a great 5.1 mix of what was an excellent concert.

That having been said, this is still an incredible DVD (if played in stereo) with good picture quality and a fair amount of bonus material (although the candid "on the road" video footage seemed to be thrown together rather hastily). If you're a true AKUS fan, you'll find a lot to enjoy here, despite the sound SNAFU.

This concert DVD is one of my favorite DVDs-- the DVD captures the blended harmonies and the tight playing of Alison Krauss & Union Station. This DVD is close to having Alison and her band playing a concert in your living room. Viewers who also play bluegrass will appreciate the close upsections on the various players.

Alison superbly fronts her band with her angelic voice. Dan Tymanski (hope I spelled his name right) adds his clear strong vocals and is featured soloist on a number of cuts including his well-received and awarded "Man of Constant Sorrow" solo. Jerry Douglass could not be bested by anyone else in the world on his Dobro and his playing is featured throughout the DVD. His solo instrumentals he nails down pat. Each member of the band is given a chance to shine btw.

If you like acoustic music and great vocal harmonies you would likely enjoy this DVD. Now if I can only find a DVD of that TV special of Shania Twain backed by Alison Krauss & Union Station that I saw on TV this winter. I don't think there is a DVD out yet of that show but if one comes out I will buy it promptly.

If you like the Alison Krauss & Union Station Live 2-CD set, you will really enjoy this DVD. I had the opportunity to see AKUS live several months ago and this DVD is identical to their current concert tour. Some musical groups are primarily studio musicians. When a live performance sounds identical (or better) than the studio version - you've got real musicians. AKUS live performance is BETTER than the studio version. You can feel the electricity and see what a good time the band has playing their songs. Enough of that - now on to the two discs:

Disc One (All the songs):
The DVD song list is exactly the same as the CD set with one notable exception. The CD set includes the entire concert performance AND the encore. The encore section missing songs are "Down to the River to Pray" (from O' Brother Where Art Thou) and my personal favorite "There Is A Reason". During the encore at a live AKUS show, the entire band comes back out but huddles around one microphone on the left corner of the stage. Alison then sings "Down to the River to Pray" accapella with the Soggy Bottom Boys as harmony and follows with "There is a Reason". The sound quality and harmony is so good, it gives you chill-bumps. The omission of the encore was a serious mistake in my opinion.

Disc 2 (special features):
There are two special features that were outstanding. "Home Videos from the Road" gives you a greater understanding of what AKUS are really like, how they eat while touring, what actually goes into setting up a concert stage, etc. The "Interviews" section was my favorite. Each band member gives an interview discussing how they got into the music business, their favorite songs, their instruments, and lots of video clips from when they were growing up.

Overall, this is a tremendous live DVD set. You WILL NOT be disappointed...

I have to say that I am not a bona fide bluegrass or country fan.I stumbled on Alison Krauss from a borrowed Cd a few years ago and I have remained impressed til this day.I own the CD recording of this concert and have listened to it often, and I'm never anything but entertained,lifted,and awed by the talent on display.Having never seen the group perform live, I never realized how much the visuals help as Union Station interprets it's musical style on stage.
It's clear from the outset that this is a team effort and everyone contributes to make this a collaborative effort.The talent is extraordinary and the viewer never finds himself getting bored or tired of the "sound".Bluegrass is made here to seem like fun, and one can't not help getting swept up in the fast-paced numbers.
The picture quality is very high on the DVD as is the sound.The extras on DVD 2 provide a more intimate glimpse into individuals in Union Station.If you are in the mood for a world-class musical romp , a talent fest, breathtaking vocals by Alison, and a few hours of concert performances at their best, add this DVD to your collection.You will view this more than once,I already have, and will often as it's that much fun.

I'd love to give this concert 5 stars. The playing is wonderful - Alison the band are stunning musicians and the material chosen for this concert tour was first rate.

Although this DVD is advertised as 5.1 in DTS and Dolby it isn't. There is no center channel used and the vocals are mixed into the right front speaker with some of the instruments. The result is muddy vocals that are almost lost in the mix.

I did pick this concert up in SACD surround and the engineers did it right there. The sound on the SACD is very good. For some reason they screwed up the DVD - too bad.

Alison Krauss + Union Station was once a band only popular with bluegrass and country fans; however, recently they have been gently pushed into the publice eye with the help of the motion picture "Oh, Brother Where Art Thou?" Although When You Say Nothing At All featured on the album "A Collection: Baby Now That I Found You" initially caught the attention of the masses, only recently has AKUS been heavily in the spotlight. The most recent addition to AKUS' collection, "AKUS: Live DVD" is quite a treat for AKUS and bluegrass fans alike. The band's stage prescence and instrumental, as well as vocal ablities are absolutley incredible. The music is played passionatly and powerfully. The song list selected for this particular concert is wonderfully extensive. Many are from AKUS' latest album, "New Favorite." However, a few go as far back as "Everytime You Say Goodbye." Many of the well-known songs such as Stay are played more up-beat, partially thanks to the drummer Larry Atamanuik. While others are played a bit differently such as Cluck Old Hen and Oh, Atlanta. The sound quality featured on the DVD is obviously phenomenal. All of the instruments are heard clearly, as goes for the beautiful vocals lended by of course Alison Krauss, as well as Dan Tyminski, and Ron Block who is featured on his new original: Faraway Land. Jerry Douglas is also amazing with the dobro he so masterfully wields. The bass player Barry Bales is also exquisite with his instrument and back up vocals. Visually, the DVD is beautiful. The cinematography showcases the monstrous Louisville Palace in Louisville, KY, not to mention AKUS' instrumental skills. The wonderful close-ups pull the audience in creating a fantastic sense of unity with the band. As far as the special features go: The interviews, homevideos, and photos are very personal. Disc 2 also features AKUS' primary disography. The New Favorite music video can also be found. A few other music videos would have been nice but New Favorite is still incredible. There is also an emotional tribute to AKUS' road manager Frank Edmonson. Overall, AKUS Live DVD is a mesmerizing experience. A must-have for any AKUS fan, as well as a great starting point for new fans of some of the most talented musicians in the music industry.