Customer Reviews

Bamboozled: Live in Germany

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I guess it was around 20 years ago that I heard a great song on the radio, "Hard Times in the Land of Plenty"--I was "Whoa--who is this ?" Of course, it was Omar and the Howlers. Since that time, I have bought most of Omar's CDs and have never been disappointed. With this trio, you get no-frills, straight-ahead rock n' roll, blues, boogie, with Omar's searing vocals and terrific guitar-playing up front and centre.

This concert was recorded in Germany in 2005. It contains a blistering set of 17 songs, including many of Omar's most popular numbers. He is accompanied by two excellent musicians--Jon Hahn on drums--Barry Bihm on bass--and all three of these guys can really cook ! Omar has been playing guitar a long time, and it shows--he really does have his own style (rare these days), and if you play guitar, or just appreciate guitar music, you should check him out.

I thought that the audience seemed a bit tentative at first, but after a couple of numbers, Omar has them "shaking" with gusto ! There are a couple of fascinating extras. There is an interview with Omar, who talks about his music, background and influences like John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed and Bo Diddley. He didn't mention Howlin' Wolf, but I sure hear some of Wolf in his vocals ! The only problem with the interview--the interviewer--detached--referring to notes--almost disinterested as Omar talks about his Mississippi upbringing and the state of the music business today. There is also a documentary covering the last 20 years or so on the life and times of the Howlers, with footage taken from various points in Omar's career.

I found the quality of the picture and sound to be fine. Hint--this DVD is meant to be played loud !

Bottom line--if you like rock n' roll, boogie, blues with a raw, honest, "southern" feel, this DVD will more than satisfy your appetite. You might even want to do some "shakin' " ! Highly recommended.

Great three piece band. I first saw them on Austin City Limits in the '80's and became a big fan. This out of print Ruf records DVD is a real gem if you are a devoted fan. Omar is a great song writer and the structure of his music is what real Rock and Roll is all about. A Texas blues\rock gem.

IF YOU LIKE ROCKIN' BLUES, THIS IS YOUR GUY.DOSEN'T TOUR IN THE STATES MUCH BUT IF YA GET A CHANCE TO SEE HIM, DO SO..IF NOT, BUY THIS DVD AND THEN YOU'LL WANT TO.

Omar is an "original" and this DVD is a unique opportunity to see him in action. I would have given it more than 3 stars except for the fact that I found some of the music to be repetitious. The bonus features are a home-movie travelogue of the band's visit to various countries in Europe along with some clips from other perfomances and while not great, it is interesting. Omar was on Austin City Limits many years ago and the broadcast also included Queen Ida (Zydeco) -- I don't know if it's available on a DVD but if it is, it's very good.