Customer Reviews

Blue Suede Shoes: Rockabilly Session

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You really have to see the video of this wonderful show to fully appreciate it, but an album version of this concert has been long overdue for years since this is some of the hottest rockabilly ever performed in one setting. Carl Perkins, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Dave Edmonds, and Rosanne Cash have rarely sounded better than they did in this totally infectious 1985 rockabilly session taped in England.

The top-notch backing band led by Dave Edmonds does a great job of recreating Carl Perkins' classic songs in their original arrangements while making them rock like never before! There is a great, driving version of "Matchbox" with Perkins, Clapton, and Ringo all singing verses of the song. Another highlight is a rockin' version of Roy Orbison's "Mean Woman Blues" that features Clapton wailing away on a scorching guitar solo!

The powerhouse performance of Perkins' masterpiece "Blue Suede Shoes" is reason enough to buy this CD. Anybody who still associates this song with Elvis needs to hear Carl tear into it with his heart and soul in this performance. This is simply the greatest version of this rock n' roll classic ever performed by anyone!

Get a copy of this CD, but most importantly, be sure to get the video of this superb show if you've never seen it. This is as good as rock n' roll ever gets!

Long out on VHS and DVD, "Carl Perkins & friends" is finally available on CD and the wait was worth it!

Recorded before a live audience at Limehouse Studios in London in October, 1985, the session captures all the warmth, love and admiration that Carl Perkins ("The Godfather of Rock") had for his friends Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Dave Edmunds. The affections were equally returned and the result is a stunning, rocking revue of Mr. Perkins' early catalogue of hits, as well as other hits to come from Sun Records' hey day.

Along with the headliners, the stage is graced by the likes of Mr. Perkins son, Greg (on bass), Slim Jim Phantom and Lee Rocker from The Stray Cats and Rosanne Cash. Ms. Cash turns in a stellar duet with Mr. Perkins on "Going to Jackson", originally done by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.

There are no lulls or weak cuts amongst the 18 tracks and when the final song is sung, you'll find yourself hitting the "repeat" button on your CD player.

I agree with the other reviewers...the DVD is an absolute gem. But to have this finally available on CD, and to be able to listen to it on my iPod on my daily walk, or to blast it in the car...priceless.

Carl was so energized and into this session, and obviously SO touched by the affection and admiration that the "youngsters" had for him, and that vibe is evident throughout. Of course it's now bittersweet to hear George Harrison playing with one of his idols, but George's joy is also so clear to see and hear.

The CD and DVD are both worthy additions to anyone's music collection.

If you want to enjoy the Rock Experience, then be sure to watch this video. It is long past time this gem of October 1985 was released to dvd. Carl Perkins, the man whom George Harrison admired since his boyhood was in the line up along with George, fellow former Beatle Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and others. Johnny & June Carter Cash and their music is always a treat, but this ensemble rocked the heck out of their song.

Dave Edmonds, an established guitarist does not disappoint. He and Perkins worked guitar magic on this show and you just never want them to stop! Eric, a guitar icon does some intense playing that makes you want more!

You knew very good and well Perkins was not about to leave the place without playing "Blue Suede Shoes." It is one helluva classic that will last for time immemorial. He and Harrison are in no short supply of fun, energy and talent - this is a damn good collection!

The CD is good, but the dvd is even better. Get ready to rock your Blue Suede Shoes off or your Beatle Boots! I just LOVE this one!

An excellent live presentation of rockabilly classics including some of those remade famous by the Beatles. A true collectors item.

JC

I have this on VHS and now on CD, but it needs to be on DVD. Classic show, classic line-up, and the first time 2 Beatles performing together (and the last until Concert For George) since Bangladesh. When Carl breaks up at the end telling everyone how much he appreciated all of his friends it will bring a lump to the throat of any fan of his or of "roots" rock & roll. Seldom does one get to play with people of that calibre and the love they obviously have for the songs is eclipsed by the love they had for Carl himself, a class act all his life.

Having seen this session on tv, it's wonderful to relive the moment through cd. Even if you're not a rabid George Harrison fan, as I am, I think you'll still find it a great listening experience with Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr and the old guy himself, Carl Perkins, who gave us so many memorable tunes. They're not dead yet as long as we have their music to listen to.

What a joy to listen to! Everone on stage seems to be unabashed happy to be with Carl and just have a great unrestrained time. Recorded in 85 in front of a live and appreciative audience, Perkins brings his guests on one at a time to play with his band and sing solos and duets or harmonies. Perkins sounds absolutely great and his energy seems to infiltrate into everyone's soul. Harrison plays and sings with great confidence and clarity, Ringo reprises his Beatles copy of Perkin's "Honey Don't", Clapton sings and really turns it up on guitar, Edmonds plays great and Roseanne Cash rocks on "What Kind of Girl". The music is outstanding and is full of energy but their pure joy of being together comes through on this great album and closes quite touchingly as Perkins thanks his friends after the film stops but the tape rolls on as this all star band of friends plays on.

Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session showing Carl Perkins as the king of his game and the guests who appear on this session. Carl was a professional who could and did deliver the goods. He pulls an outstanding performance out of Ringo & George showing a lot of 1950's influence. The quality of this session is unbelieveable and continuity makes the whole program flow smoothly and time just flies. Highly recommend this CD.

Great soundtrack to the 80's era cable special. Carl shows the boys a few tricks in a fantastic jam session. Don't pass this up.