Customer Reviews

Bridge School Concerts 1

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First. It helps if you like acoustic guitar. Second. Even if you don't you won't be able to find any other CD that even comes close to capturing the raw talent of some of today's legends. I can't help thinking that Neil Young tells all of the performers to "keep it simple". Vocals and a guitar work wonders with these kids. Tom Petty's guitar work is astounding, Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) vocals are pure, Simon & Garfunkel...wow, Pearl Jam...I'm now a fan, listen closely and Neil say's it best..."Elvis (Costello) you're a genius!", the best song in my opinion is Nils Lofgren. It's simply elegant. I came here to write this because I love music and this is the best album I have EVER purchased! Please Neil...MORE! I'll be sending a donation.

after seeing neil young's 1999 bridge school concert, i listened to this CD and immediately felt like sending $1,000 to the bridge school (if only i could afford it!). seriously, this album is the most excellent collection of artists and their songs that i have heard. most collections are unlistenable after the first listening, but this album can be listened to over and over!

Compilation discs are a dime a dozen and many are quite good but many more are a waste of time. My review title is not hyperbole. First, all of the artists who appear seem to ratchet up their performances because they are playing for such a terrific cause established by one of contemporary music's most respected stars. Even though the artists all donate their talent to the Bridge School Concerts, one can surmise that getting a call from Neil and Pegi Young to appear is a thrill.
Naturally, all of the performances are excellent since they have been carefully chosen from many shows, but my favorite tracks are the five in a row from Simon and Garfunkel, David Bowie, Pearl Jam, the Love Mongers (the Wilson sisters from Heart), and Nils Lofgren.
Bowie's complete set here has been widely bootlegged and it's easy to see why. Likewise, Vedder's vocal is brilliant, but the Wilson sisters cover of Zeppelin's Battle of Evermore is uncanny.
The fact that all of the performances are unplugged is an added treat since most of these songs are electric in their original incarnations.

Please do yourself and the Bridge School a favor and buy this c.d.

This CD brings me to (good) tears every time I hear it! The music is beautiful in its simplicity. These are true legends at their finest. The fact that their hearts are open to this wonderful cause only adds to their talent and the strength of the music.

Unless you know what the Bridge School is, you'd foolishly pass this work of art by... The Bridge School is a 'Stellar' school for handicapped children, located near Stanford University in CA. The concerts at the Bridge School are like having the likes of David Bowie, Edward Veddward and Neil Young playing their hearts out in your backyard, for you (apologies to EV), because you are such a wonderful person. The Lovemongers (I think are Ann and Nancy Wilson of HEART) version of Led Zepelin's (sp) Battle of Evermore is 'jaw dropping'. This CD is, simply put, Music's Best Kept Secret... Buy it

If you're unfamiliar, the Bridge School Concerts are an annual event set up by Neil Young to help pay for the non-profit Bridge School, that helps children with severe speech & physical impairments. Big stars play very simple acoustic sets. This one is very, very good.

The set list is:

1. I Am a Child - Neil Young 3:17
2. Shadow of a Doubt (A Complex Kid) - Tom Petty 4:47
3. All That You Have Is Your Soul - Tracy Chapman 5:33
4. Sense of Purpose - The Pretenders & Duke String Quartet 3:07
5. It's All in Your Mind - Beck 2:46
6. The Road's My Middle Name - Bonnie Raitt 4:10
7. Yes It Is - Don Henley 2:45
8. Friend of the Devil - Ministry 2:55
9. America - Simon & Garfunkel 3:40
10. Heroes - David Bowie 6:34
11. Nothingman - Pearl Jam 4:35
12. Battle of Evermore - Lovemongers (Heart) 5:41
13. Believe - Nils Lofgren 3:17
14. Alison - Elvis Costello 3:19
15. People Have the Power - Patti Smith 5:37

Pick it up, enjoy some tunes, help some kids!

If you like the unplugged format you can't miss this album. Maybe it's the only acoustic version of David Bowie's "Heroes" ever recorded. Even if you're not in this acoustic wave, you'll help Neil Youg's efforts to make this good cause well known.

The nice thing about this is: it's live and acoustic. Forgetting about the huge mega charity concert events like Live Aid for a moment which are often more hype and spectacle - this grassroots album is a heartfelt reminder of what music is about. The result is a really nice collection which gels together seamlessly from track to track, but assembles some great music.

What I'd really like to know is how they got such a stunning line up of singers to perform for the school benefit! Neil Young, Elvis Costello, Bowie, Pearl Jam, etc. A eclectic ensemble but one that sings in unison. Couldn't be better. Get it and support the Bridge School!

I enjoyed the c.d.and the great artist that took the time for such a great cause like the Bridge. I enjoy Neil Young`s music and am a great fan. My Heart goe`s out to Neil,Pegi and family for all the hard work to help all these gifted children. Will look forward to the next Bridge Concert. J.C. Milwaukee [P.S. Does Neil ever take a rest? Take care Neil.

This is as good as any good album by any of the artists featured here. There are some stand out songs/performances and some good ones and some okay ones. "Live" makes a difference. Favorites are by Elvis Costello, Tracy Chapman, and Patti Smith.