Customer Reviews

James Taylor Live at the Beacon Theatre

5 star:		(102)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The performance is incredible, the sound fantastic and the picture quality is great. James Taylor - Live at the Beacon Theater has all the elements to make it one of the more outstanding musical events released on DVD. However it falls short, not because of the performer or the sound quality but because of the video editing.

Producer Carol Donovan and director Beth McCarthy subject us not to a video of a James Taylor concert but to a "music video" produced in MTV's ADD editing style. Filled with 2 and 3 second cuts and shots from moving cameras we are never given the opportunity to concentrate on James Taylor's performance. Apparently Donovan and McCarthy didn't take into account the audience that would be watching this video nor the performer. James Taylor is a man of enough talent that videos of his performances don't need to be packaged in the MTV style of quick cuts and constant motion. I don't think his fans want to watch him that way either.

The way things are edited in this DVD actually detracts from the experience. You won't see Taylor long enough in any one shot to visually appreciate his guitar playing nor will you see the expressions on his face long enough in a shot to truly convey the "soul" of this concert. Many times the camera isn't even on him or the shot is so long (far away) that you can't see him singing. What you will be treated to lots of "slick" shots. Shots from boom cameras moving from side to side, wide shots of the theater where you can't see Taylor (but you can see the folks walking down the aisle), useless audience shots and "artistic" shots through the drum kit or from behind the piano. If you ever wondered what the back of Taylor's head looks like you'll get the chance to find out - several times. You're never allowed to concentrate on Taylor and enjoy all the nuances of his performance, instead your eye is constantly being pulled in different directions. This producer / director team is the same one that brought us the Eagles - Hell Freezes Over concert DVD and I have to say they did a better job on that one simply by slowing everything down. ( Watch both and you recognize the camera angles and shots - it's put together using the same formula) If you're looking for something that's an intimate James Taylor performance you won't find it on this DVD. More likely you'll feel like you've just watched the MTV Video Awards. More isn't always better. I hope they re-edit this DVD one of these days.

Should you buy it? Yes, if your a JT fan it truly is a fantastic sounding DVD of a wonderful concert. If you can get past some of the visual things it's not bad to look at. Or do what I ended up doing - turning up the stereo and turning off the television. I think I'll look for that HBO special he did....

Some stats... One 3 minute song - 46 separate shots. Average shot length 3.9 seconds. 15 shots are from moving cameras. In 27 of them you can't see James Taylor's face. Only in 19 shots (41%) can you see him singing.

As a longtime JT fan I was thrilled to find this great concert, which I first saw on PBS, on DVD. The sound and picture are great, but of course the best thing about this DVD is the artist himself. JT gives us a fresh take on many of his hits, treats us to some of the more obscure songs that only die-hard fans will recognize, and includes some of the songs from the beautiful "Hourglass" CD. (Also highly recommended!) The band and backup singers are the best and James is in great voice and great spirits.

The bonus stuff is a nice surprise -- an interview with JT, and 2 vidoes -- "Copperline" and "Enough to Be on Your Way" (heartbreakingly gorgeous!)

If you like James Taylor your money will be well spent on this DVD. It's a bargain at any price. I know I'll watch it over and over for years to come.

Okay - you've got a new DVD system, with surround sound.

Okay - you like music - especially music that shows off your new system.

Okay - hit the buy this now button and wait five days for the absolutely BEST musical concert DVD on the market today.

James Taylor sings all his hits in crystal clear Dolby Digital 5.1, and the audio engineering on this DVD is SUPERB. If you want to show off a system's surround capabilities - this IS the DVD to do so.

It makes you feel like you're sitting in the fourth row, center for this Beacon Theater concert, and everything is working perfectly. The artist, his backup singers, the band, and the audience all participating like this was THE concert of their lives.

And I bet you'll find yourself standing up and applauding your television screen when Track 11 - Shower the People - is finished. James Taylor allows legendary backup singer Arnold McCuller to shine with his overlay during the last third of the song, and the crowd goes absolutely WILD at the talent of this man who has made a career of singing behind the scenes.

Is this DVD worth spending under $20 on?

Absolutely. You'll watch it again and again....and AGAIN!

I had The Doors, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and James Taylors DVD's in my hands and had to make a choice - which one to buy? I was getting tired of listening to The Moody Blues, Hall of Fame DVD (buy this one it is a masterpiece!) and needed something fresh to listen to on my new Sony HOme Theater System. James Taylor- Live at the Beacon was my choice, a wise choice indeed. The audio is near perfect, you can hear every snap of James' acoustic guitar and his voice was pleasant and strong in the mix. Using DTS, I could not hear much output from the rear speakers but it still sounded fantastic from the Center/Fronts. If you like James Taylor you will satisfied with this great sounding and looking DVD.

...It would probably sound like this. "James Taylor Live at The Beacon Theatre": This DVD is a true delight. Over twenty classic songs delivered by a voice that has never sounded so good. The atmosphere is incredible, and only a true musician like James Taylor can create this kind of ambience, derived from his songs and stories alike. One gets the feeling that many of his "ex-hippie" fans are part of the audience, as strong and as loyal as ever, which really adds to the pleasure. Unlike most, there is absolutely nothing pretentious about James Taylor and his show. This is as real as it gets, and James Taylors hearty personality shines through continuously. It's an evening of story through song that is endlessly captivating. "Mexico" and surprises such as a superb version of "Everyday". As an eighteen year old, Im proud to realise that its from showmen like this and the musicians that accompany, that I can hear and see timeless music with value and heart. Sadly, I had to take away one star because "Carolina In My Mind" and "Sweet Baby James" are two songs that are shamefully absent from this title - why?

I never, I repeat never tire of James Taylor's voice. There's nothing that soothes the nerves like the mellifluous tones from this master. As you can tell, I really love James Taylor's music and have been a fan for years. I recently attended a concert of his and it was great.

Concerning this disc, the songs are performed to perfection with super audio and video quality. You really get the sense you're there in the audience. His backup singers are superb. There's even one number where one backup singer steals the show!

Lyric captioning is provided so you can sing along to his songs. I wish all music DVDs had on-screen lyrics. My wife and I love to sing along with our favorite performances. Surprisingly, this feature is missing from many music DVD titles.

If you are a James Taylor fan in the slightest, you'll want this disc in your collection.

After reading the reviews about "Live at the Beacon" I assumed that I was missing the better show, having already purchased "Pullover". WRONG! Pullover is superior in all respects; presentation, sound, and picture. Made me question just what those "Beacon" fanatics were listening to and looking at. JT was much, much more relaxed in Pullover and as another reviewer said "He was definitely having more fun." I sat through the whole Pullover concert (enjoying every minute...) but found myself using the "skip" button while viewing Beacon. You just need to purchase Pullover....you won't be missing anything by passing on "Beacon".

If you're reading this, you're obviously a James Taylor fan. Simply stated, you will enjoy this concert immensely. I was interested by the review below complaining about the MTV short camera bursts and the lack of long shots of JT. While that's true, I didn't find it bothersome in the least. At a concert, I like to look around at the various singers and musicians, and this approach fits that style: maybe it was intentional? The selection of songs was great, the collection of JT veteran musicians and singers outstanding, and the whole night at the Beacon was magic. The only disappointment was the first song, "You Can Close Your Eyes," which was great but too short. Taylor's brief comments show a good sense of humor, and he shows that he is human when a "young heckler in training" seems to get under his skin. The sound is remarkable, and this is a concert DVD you will listen to often. This concert, along with "Hell Freezes Over" and John Fogarty's "Premonition" DVD are the best I've seen and heard. Buy and enjoy!

I read someone's review (cant't remember who)who didn't give this performance such high marks. Therefore Saturday night when I watched James Taylor Live at the Beacon Theater I didn't expect much. I was by myself, in a fair mood, and had the sound going through my stereo speakers. I've personally seen James Taylor in concert over 50 times and I have to admit, that this was one of the all time best performances I've seen from him. I guess the critic who gave this a bad review has no idea how hard that was to pull off. To plan to record a concert like that - one shot - and for everyone, not only JT, to execute to perfection. I thought it was great. I especially loved Line em Up, Mexico, Don't Let Me Be Tonight(my personal all time favorite), Wandering, You've Got a Friend, Fire and Rain (with just JT on guitar and a someone on the chello), How Sweet It Is (nice short version), Me and My Guitar, and Daddy's All Gone. I flat out loved it! In fact I listened to it again the next night. It was well worth my $20 bucks. But then again, I'm a big James Taylor fan.

Mark Brewer Minneapolis, MN

One critic wrote of James Taylor's "Hourglass" album ".....if heaven has a soundtrack, this is it!"

Well, the same could be said of this video/DVD. Considering that JT had recently completed a European tour with a much smaller band (no backing singers etc.)and had tragically lost the services of drummer Carlos Vega, the quality of this concert is amazing. Taylor's choice of songs mean that there is something for everyone, from the old favourites like "Fire and Rain" (with a wonderful cello introduction) through modern classics like "Copperline" to "Line 'em up" from the aforesaid "Hourglass".

It has come to be expected from James Taylor concerts that the standard of musicianship will be of the highest and this concert is up to that standard. Special mention must go to Steve Jordan on drums who must have had the minimum of rehearsal time after the death of Carlos Vega.

There never seems to be a dull moment at a JT concert and, although edited for TV coverage, this vides/DVD provides the viewer with a taste of the atmosphere and of JT's humour. Enjoy it!!