Customer Reviews

Last Waltz

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

 

 

This disc is a great way to visit the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame without ever leaving your house. The number of artists who performed at The Band's farewell concert that later were inducted into the Hall of Fame is staggering. Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Ronnie Hawkins, and Bob Dylan, among others, all provide performances that are burned into my memory more than 20 years after I first saw the movie. It was my first introduction to Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield and Dr. John. I went out the very next day and bought the album.

But it's The Band, both collectively and individually, that make this a must have addition to any music collection. They sound (and on the video, look)like they're having a great time. Robbie Robertson jams with Clapton and sings lead vocal on "Out Of The Blue"; Levon Helm and Richard Manuel turn in classic singing performances; Garth Hudson shows his versatility on the organ, sax and accordian. But for my money, it's Rick Danko that steals the show. His singing on "Stage Fright" and "It Makes No Difference" is astonishing; these are still the best version of both songs I've ever heard.

The video is great for seeing the performers and for the off stage interviews. But the cd is essential for capturing the true magic of one of the best concerts ever.

..... Namely Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and the late Rick Danko and Richard Manuel. They are, without a doubt, stars that shone brightly from the day "Music From Big Pink" was released until Thanksgiving night, 1976, when "The Last Waltz" was recorded and The Band, at least in its original form, ceased to exist.

And speaking of stars - the cast of characters who showed up that night to, in the words of Robertson, "help us take it home," is a veritable Who's Who of Rock and Roll. (See reviewer "Reed"s mention of the parallel between the performers here and the inductees of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame).

The Band members are in fine form, seemingly ready to tackle the road for another 16 years. They play off one another beautifully on standards such as "Stagefright," "The Shape I'm In," "It Makes No Difference,", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," and "Ophelia." Robertson seems to be playing otherworldly guitar licks. Danko is in fine form - his vocals are among the highlights of the show and his bass playing is extraordinary. Manuel is as solid as ever on keyboards, while Garth Hudson just seems to play with effortless brilliance. Helm's raw vocal style is a sheer delight, while he holds the rhythm section together with his superb drumming.

This show could not possibly have been an easy undertaking, with the diverse styles of the guest artists, not to mention their egos. It was rumored that Bob Dylan had to talk Van Morrison into walking onstage after Van the Man had decided he didn't feel like singing that night. For the most part, however, The Band sounds as though they had been playing backup for all of these people for years.

Highlights of the live performance are almost too many to mention. The rousing "Who Do You Love," by Ronnie Hawkins, former mentor to the Band members, is tremendous. Morrison's "Caravan" is almost a show unto itself. Eric Clapton nearly forgets to finish "Further On Up The Road" after Robertson stuns him with a searing guitar lick. Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy" has the Band whipped into a frenzy of admiration. Bob Dylan's medley (After all, he IS Bob Dylan - why shouldn't he play more songs than the others?) of "Forever Young / I Don't Believe You / Baby Let Me Follow you Down" has Robertson and Danko scrambling to pick up Dylan's chord changes. The result is great free-for-all jam.

The Band is to be commended for giving proper nods to many of their musical influences. Doctor John's "Such A Night" is a treat, while the two Neils, Young and Diamond, turn in stellar performances, as do Paul Butterfield and Bobby Charles. Ringo Starr and Ronnie Wood are there to help out with the finale, Dylan's "I Shall Be Released." Among the live performers, only Joni Mitchell seems oddly out of place. Her uninspired "Coyote" just doesn't fit. In addition, she manages to detract from Young's "Helpless" with an annoying tag vocal. No doubt a talented and well - respected artist, Mitchell's sound simply doesn't mesh with those of the other performers.

If the live performances weren't enough, this disc also provides a spectacular studio version of "The Weight," with The Staples adding a gospel feel to the classic song. Also, Emmylou Harris adds a nice country touch with "Evangeline," with Danko and Helm serving up great harmony vocals. The new songs Roberston wrote for this recording are also excellent, especially "Out Of The Blue," on which he uncharacteristically sings lead and turns in a fine vocal performance.

"The Last Waltz" is a one of a kind recording, with one of the top five bands ever assembled playing at their peak, not to mention playing backup to a couple handfuls of rock legends.

Every serious music lover should own this recording, as well as the video. They capture a moment in time not soon to be rivaled. Perhaps Doctor John said it best - "Such a night."

Before you read further, I would like to make a bold statement many would agree with. Robbie Robertson undermined the philosophy that The Band had established with his entire attitude towards this concert. These were five men who each considered themselves equals amongst eachother and Robertson decided he would simply end the group's sixteen years with a film none of the others were interested in pursuing. Not only that, Robbie had Martin Scorcese film him almost exclusively, both on stage and during interviews. Notice how rare the shots are of Garth Hudson and Richard Manuel, two pieces of The Band just as important as the guitarist. This is all without considering the studio overdubs present on the album. With the exception of Levon Helm, each musician's performance was enhanced during the production of both the film and the album. The special moments are present however: arguably the finest live version of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy", Van Morrison's "Caravan", and The Staples joining in for "The Weight" (studio). What makes this 4-stars however, is what is missing: a spectacular version of "Wheel's On Fire", a stunning cover of "Acadian Driftwood" (a difficult song to perform live), Muddy Waters' "Caledonia", and most glaringly, "Don't Do It", the group's final live song with the original five members. Each of these can be heard on "The Complete Last Waltz", a historically valuable (if not in sound quality) bootleg that was released about five years ago. I hope that I have enlightened some of you as to the content and history of this concert. Rick and Richard, your music will live forever in our ears. Rest in peace.

Having just heard about Rick Danko's death, I had to go back and listen to this CD package (and watch the video as well). It brings me back to the first time I saw the movie, during one of those midnight movie sneak-outs in high school in the 70s. Those instances inevitably involved fervent heavy petting in the balcony with little or no attention given to the flick. When I went to see the "Last Waltz", it was much the same (more a tribute to hormonal imperative than any lack of quality on the screen and through the speakers)until Rick sang "It Makes No Difference." I had never heard the song before, and at the time didn't even distinguish Rick from the other guys in the band, but--my god--that voice, that song, that painfully naked delivery! This guy meant it! He had the oddest voice, and seemed to have to go through great contortions to spit the words out while playing the bass, but the risks he took and the conviction he embodied sold it completely. I had to stop what I was doing (as important as it was) and give full attention to this guy who looked like the only thing he could bear less than being on stage was NOT being on stage singing this song. You can probably count the singers who really mean it on both hands (and maybe have a finger or two left over), and you better believe it that Rick is on that short list. I saw him in the early 90s at the Cactus Cafe in Austin, and he was older, fatter, not all that coherent between songs, but the voice and conviction were still there. There is little real passion left in the world, and music is mostly product, and I feel real sad that Rick is gone. Adios, dude.

Like THE LAST WALTZ! The Band succeeded in pulling off not only the greatest live performance of all time, but also proceeded to play songs of their own that actually outdid their original studio performances! Wow! Wait until you get this CD around your ears through your headphones! Listen closely to rocked-up versions of "Stagefright", "Up on Cripple Creek" (could that be played any heavier?), "It Makes No Difference", and "Mystery Train" (they drive old Dixie down pretty good, too). Robertson is the best guitarist ever (yes, I'm remembering Pete Ham and Eric Clapton). Simply unbeatable, because you'll be helpless without this package! Great music-where have you gone?

Having seen the performance, I can truly say that The Band is one of the greatest groups of all time. Aside from The Band, Bob Dylan stands out as a great addition to the concert, along with Van Morrison, decked out in a purple sequined outfit. Bob rocks along with Forever Young & Baby Let Me Follow you Down. The concert closes with a great I Shall Be Released, which all the musicians contributed to. This concert stands out as one of the best musical gatherings in a great while and should be listened to or watched, many times over.

This quote from the Band is featured in the liner notes, who would give up touring after this sendoff (except for occasional reunions). The Band plays some of their biggest hits here- like "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" (as sung by Levon Helm), the jaunty "Up On Cripple Creek" (which opens this set), the passionate "Stage Fright" (as sung by the late Rick Danko), the soulful "The Shape I'm In" (as sung by the late Richard Manuel), and "The Weight" (which has been featured in TV commercials and films like "Easy Rider" and "The Big Chill"). They are joined by Bob Dylan ("I Shall Be Released" and "Forever Young"), Joni Mitchell ("Coyote"), Eric Clapton (it's a treat to hear him play "Further On Up The Road"), Neil Young ("Helpless"), Neil Diamond, Van Morrison (who sings an impressive rendition of "Caravan"), Ringo Starr, Paul Butterfield, and Muddy Waters (whose classic "Mannish Boy", incidentally, almost didn't make it on the film version of this concert). All original Band members are featured here- Danko, Helm, Manuel, Robbie Robertson, and Garth Hudson. If you like music from the folk-rock or blues-rock eras, you'll love The Last Waltz.

Of course, the music for this concert CD rates a "5", but with the remastered version out, this version (pre-2002) is shown to be very limited in its fidelity. I own this and just heard the remastered version (2003, 2-CD set) and I am blown away by the high quality of the remastered Last Waltz. If you love The Band and The Last Waltz concert, the difference in sound quality of the remastered CD is worth the expenditure.

Quite simply The Band were one of the greatest Rock N Roll bands ever. This is a recording of their farewell concert in 1976 (at least in the classic line-up with Robbie Robertson on guitar). The Bands music on its own would merit purchase of this disc. They run through a 'best of' set, that as a concert would be hard to beat.

Add to this the guest list, and you have one of the best rock concerts of all time. Van Morrison in his hey day belting out 'Caravan'. Joni Mitchell singing 'Coyote'. Dylan with Robbie Robertson burning incendiary guitar licks behind him. Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Dr John, Eric Clapton... The list goes on and on.

A few extra numbers were recorded after the concert and these are included on the CD as well. The best of which is a magnificent version of 'The Weight' featuring The Staples singers. If you haven't heard Mavis Staples, and you like gospel influenced music this takes what was already a great song to a new level.

The same year this was recorded Punk came on the scene and changed music for ever. But it doesn't matter whether you were brought up on Elvis Presley, The Sex Pistols, Nirvana or Coldplay, this music is as essential now as it was 31 years ago.

I loved the movie, The Last Waltz, and had to get the CD that goes with it. Of course, it's wonderful, just like the movie! So much talent in one place! I skated through the 70s listening to other types of music, so I missed out on a lot of what was going on with these artists. But it's never too late, in my opinion. I'm very happy to have this historic concert in my collection!