Customer Reviews

10 Days Out (Blues from the Backroads)/ (CD/DVD)

5 star:		(129)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Sometimes these collaborations between famous rockers and old bluesmen don't turn out so well. Some do, such as Jimmy Rodgers' Blues Blues Blues, and Hubert Sumlin's About Them Shoes. In any case, the famous rockers too often take center stage. Kenny Wayne Shepherd takes a different approach on the brilliant 10 Days Out. Shepherd, his bandmates, and the Double Trouble rhythm section are the supporting cast to the real stars of this CD and DVD, weathered bluesmen (and blueswoman!) both well-known and obscure. From acoustic backwoods jams to live electric performances, this has it all. And even better, Shepherd took the audio and video crew to the hometowns of the blues musicians and jammed in kitchens, the backwoods, living rooms.... wherever the magic appeared. Even B.B. King performs in a juke joint in his hometown of Indianola MS. If you love the blues, you must own this CD!

POSTCRIPT: The DVD is absolutely a gem! Professionally produced and worthy of broadcast, the blues musicians talk about their lives and and the blues. And like the music, Shepherd stays in the backgroud. The DVD is not about Kenny On The Road, it's about the blues and the musicians who create the music. It's interesting that this package is marketed as an audio CD with a bonus DVD. It could have easily been packaged as a DVD with a bonus CD - it's that good!

This is being sold as a "CD/DVD" which it is, but it is the DVD which needs to be promoted and praised. The CD is a nice bonus to have to play in standard CD players like in your car. The DVD really deserves some awards. The Grammys are a shallow and overly broad presentation of popular music and I am usually less than enthusiastic about the annual event. Still, I hope that this CD/DVD receives recognition there and in other venues throughout the year. The only thing left out by other reviewers who [like me] loved this production is more credit to Kenny Wayne's dad Ken Shepherd who as a co-producer supervised and contributed a lot to this magnificent documentation of the blues.

I know it's a bit more cost-wise than a normal cd, but if you even remotely like the blues you really need to check this out. The music is incredible and the movie (unlike some dvd's attached to cd's) is fantastic. A great trip through history and interviews with some really talented bluesmen. Hopefully some of the proceeds of the disc go to these talented men because as you'll see many live in impoverished conditions even though their music has inspired many of todays very successful musicians. Its definitely worth the purchase price!!

I can not disagree more with the RS Review. I feel that a different reviewer should give this CD/DVD combo a second look. This is for the Blues enthusiast and not the show-boating KWS we have seen in the past. Kenny lets the Blues greats enjoy "their moment". As it should be. The RS reviewer could not possibly have and heart felt appreciation for the history of the blues or have watched the DVD. Remember when SRV was told BB King was opening for "him". He told his management this is to NEVER happen again! KWS wanted to make this CD/DVD to capture some of the blues greats that were getting on in age to preserve some of there talent and stories for all time. In fact three of the people that were featured on these recordings past away even before it's release. This is probably one of the top 5 CD's I have ever purchased and I own thousands. Granted it is probably not for people looking for a new pop album or a top charting hit. The live lessons learned on the DVD alone are worth the price for admission. As Cootie Stark sings "I searched and I searched and I searched and I searched but I ain't never found no U-Haul behind no Hearse" RS just got this one wrong. This is a must buy for any Blues enthusiast period.

If you're a Kenny Wayne Shepherd fan you'll love this. If you're a blues fan you'll love this. If you're a fan of real music played with heart and soul by real musicians, you'll LOVE THIS. This is finally a blues documentary that nails it dead on. He introduces you not just to blues legends (BB King) but lesser knowns, who are just as talented and endearing, such as Etta Baker.

It's not just a documentary, it's history. Since it's recording SIX of the artists have died. Do yourself a favor and buy it today.

A few weeks ago, I walked into the music department at my local media store, and heard a classic, driving blues number playing. I instantly asked, "Who IS this?" and the clerk held up 10 Days Out, a CD / DVD combo by Kenny Wayne Shepherd. I did not know Mr. Shepherd, and the price tag was a bit daunting, but I made a mental note anyway.

A few days later, I walked into the same store, and heard a great version of a blues song I know well, The Thrill Is Gone, and again, I instantly asked, "Who IS this?" Much to my surprise, the clerk again held up this CD / DVD combo, and I knew immediately that I had to get it.

Upon further perusal, I realized that there were some very good reasons why it caught my attention. Two of them are guest artists B. B. King and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, two of the most respected blues artists in the genre. Since taking it home, I have discovered there are at least a half-dozen more good reasons for liking it, all in the form of the many special guest stars who show us what the blues are all about.

Despite a lukewarm review by Rolling Stone (and their website is ablaze with fans complaining that the reviewer for R. S. missed the boat on this one) I have to say it's one of the more accessible and enjoyable blues jams I've yet acquired, and that's saying a lot. Picking a favorite track is hard out of so many gems (and how better to know when you've purchased a great piece of music; so much of today's "product" - in almost any musical category - offers a single listenable track, or hit, and even that is usually overrated) but I have a sentimental weakness for the old tune, Sitting On Top of the World, which has been recorded by countless artists in the blues, jazz, country, western swing, bluegrass and folk canons - how's THAT for a roots perennial?

If you know nothing about blues but have always been curious, especially if you have a penchant for R & B or rock and roll, and want to explore their true roots, this album may just open up a whole new world for you. And if it doesn't, it's still a great piece of music.

Since receiving it in the mail three days ago, I haven't been able to get the CD off my stereo long enough to check out the DVD portion, but user reviews I've read say that's the best part. Hard to fathom, but I'm sure looking forward to it.

What I knew of Kenny Wayne Shepherd prior to this wasn't exactly to my taste. It was good - no doubt about that. He is great guitar player. But his music was a bit too tough, too electric for my taste.
As I never give up on good musicians, I looked and listened into this one - man, was I blown away!!!!
The concept is quite simple, Kenny Wayne together with his friends Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon (of Double Trouble) visits the players he loves and adores and joins them to create this country blues jam-fest. It's improvised, just taped the way it was, but that's what makes it so special.
Watching and listening to him play together with Etta Baker in her kitchen, or with Buddy Flett in a graveyard as a tribute to the late and great Leadbelly. With Cootie Stark performing U-Haul. Waiting for BB in his own hometown - ooooh these solos just hit me! WOOW!
No matter which track you pick, there's so much love for the music jumping off the disc - amazing.
And even for non-blues fans, this is something to watch. The fun these terrific musicians have playing together, sharing their craft and the joy will jump over to you, who knows, maybe in the end even turning you into yet another blues fan like me.
It comes as a two disc set. The dvd is my favorite, but sometimes when you just want to listen to the music, then you pick the cd.

The DVD alone is worth the price. Even though KWS can be a little annoying in the music clips at times, the older guys are worth every penny. Not that KWS is bad, the older guys just show he still has a little way to go. But Kenny is a gratious host and takes us on a great ride into blues history.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd has always lived in the shadow of the great Stevie Ray Vaughan but with this release he travels back to the roots of the Blues to pay tribute and give back to those that made and shaped this music. Kenny shows maturity and grace when playing alongside some of the greats even though it is his album and his dvd. Kenny's plays to support and highlight the legends instead of overshadow them and it makes this project one of the best blues releases in recent memory. At the same time you can always tell when he steps into the spotlight as that biting tone gives you shivers. Kenny clearly continues to have command over his instrument but it is nice to see some restraint and respect given to the forefathers (and mothers with Ms Etta Baker) The dvd is fantastic and a true treasure in that since the making of this film several members of the cast have passed away. This project was clearly done with love in mind and it shows. I thank Kenny for making this album and I certainly hope he will recieve a grammy for this as it will be for all of the legends. I can not recommend this enough.

Beyond superlatives,this CD - dvd combination is solid from beginning to end. Shepherd is refreshing as a "star" who has humility and respect.