Customer Reviews

Live From the Record Plant

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First, to Mario Toni in Zagreb: "Oasis" is a Dave Valentin song, originally from his album "Jungle Dreams." It is out of print, but follow eBay or other places to get used stuff.

For Balonkuada5, the "GRP Super Live in Concert" was taped in Japan in 1987. As for "Live in Session", well, sit back, I got a little story to tell. On August 14, 1985, a concert of GRP artists was held in the big room at the Record Plant. It was recorded for both audio and video release. The lineup was Dave Grusin (keyboards), Lee Ritenour (guitar), Dianne Schuur (vocals), Dave Valentin (flute), and Ivan Lins (keyboards, vocals). The backing band consisted of Larry Williams (keyboards, sax), Abraham Laboriel (bass), and Carlos Vega (drums). A special guest, Phil Perry, was brought in to sing on Lee Ritenour's "Countdown."

This single concert was released to the public in several variations - none of them complete. There was a CD called "GRP Live in Session" and a video called "GRP Live in Session", with identical covers but different tracks. Then there was a LaserDisc/VHS release called "GRP All-Stars Live from the Record Plant" with yet another combination of tracks. That's the DVD you're looking at now. There is also a release called "Dave Grusin & Lee Ritenour Live at the Record Plant"; it appears to consist of the performances not on the "All Stars Live" release (although, its title notwithstanding, it features Lins and Schuur spotlights). Confused yet?

I've been hoping for years that there would be a single release of the entire show, end to end and in original sequence, but I've stopped holding my breath. The rights to both audio and video are scattered and long since left the domain of the esteemed Mr Grusin. But still, if you get the two DVD's I mentioned, you probably have everything there is to have, which is a rare combination of talent, inspired performances, and exquisite sound & video quality.

Carlos Vega, Abraham Laboriel, Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Phil Perry... what more can one say about such a talented and powerful team like that? If you still haven't listened to Lee Ritenour's "Collection" CD Album, you'll probably say to yourself "Okay, no big surprise" but if you take a better look at it, you'll notice that both percussion and drums are played at the same time by Carlos Vegas (In the song "Early A.M. Attitude"). So incredible! And in Ritenour's Album, the person responsible for the percussion is the wonderful "Paulinho da Costa". What a major responsability for Mr. Vega! And he pulled it off big time! And I'm not gonna say anything about Mr. Perry in the final song "Countdown". He's one of the best male singers in the world, and I'm not just saying that. You know what? Just see it for yourself!

This DVD is a must for any fan of these two modern jazz giants. Although I must admit that the video is a bit dated in appearance (just check the Miami Vice-style clothes and hair), it is truly a joy to watch. Rit and Dave deliver the goods as usual, and their choice of backup musicians only lends another positive aspect to the performances. Ivan Lins is enthralling with his performance of "Harlequin", while his beautiful voice hypnotizes the listener on "The Island". Great to see the late Carlos Vega on drums as well.

What can I say? These guys are the cream of the crop. The flute performance by Dave Valentin is worth the price alone. I sat in awe watching some of my favorite musicians treat the crowd to a spectacular show. The only complaint I have is that its too short. There was alot of music played at this concert but for some reason they chose not to include it all.

If you like smooth jazz maybe you'll like this DVD. I have a cd of the GRP All-Stars Big Band and those guys really smoke! This is a very lame, very smooth, very boring performance, an example of good musicians playing extremely dull music. I've heard them do better.

This is an excellent live recording. While Lee Ritenour is an incredible guitarist, playing with Dave Grusin makes him even more impressive. I would highly recommend this disk to anyone that enjoys Lee's work. You won't be dissapointed.

Very nice concert, with good sound and good transfer to DVD. I especially appreciated the participation of the Brazilian singer Ivan Lins. If you like Brazilian Music (as I do), there is another DVD from Lee Ritenour called Lee Ritenour & Friends #1 & 2 (1991) with the participation of Joao Bosco.

I remember first seeing and hearing this music when I was in Music college. The quality if the recordings was, at the time, unequalled in instrumental music.

My bandmatess and I even learned 'Rio Funk', and played it regularly. It is great to watch Carlos Vega play the drums again, and to see just how bad the hair and clothes were in the mid-80's (Lee Ritenour has a pastel outfit on that would have made Miami Vice think twice) If you want to watch a superb "live-in studio" recording with some master players, this will not disappoint!!

... and they couldn't even bring themselves to spice up the audio. This one's a rip off, and only excused by the class of the musicians involved. Just because we have a digital medium doesn't justify to transfer everything without touching it from VHS to DVD and then asking a premium price. Not worth more than $10, I'd say ...

This is one of the finest live recordings ever! It's also great to see the late Carlos Vega playing. Remember, it's recorded almost 18 years ago! Never done before ...