Customer Reviews

The Marshall Tucker Band - Live From the Garden State 1981

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

 

 

I attended this concert at the Garden State Art Center (now the PNC Bank Art Center), in Holmdel, New Jersey, back in August, 1981. And for most of the kids I went with it was our first concert.

The music:
What I always liked about the Marshall Tucker Band is that it set itself apart from other southern rockers with it's own unmistakable sound (flute and sax), and unique style that blended country and rock with jazz. Here the band performs their classics "Heard it in a Love Song", "Fire on the Mountain", "Can't You See", and "Searchin' for a Rainbow". You'll see from this concert that Southern rock fans reach pretty far north. And what made this concert particularly poignant was that it was at a pivotal time for the band. It took place only a year after the death of original member Tommy Caldwell.

DVD production:
The video and sound quality is surprising good for being shelved nearly 25 years. The direction and editing are also good compared to other concert videos I've seen even today. Here, you get to see faces clearly, close-up instrumental work, the audience, backstage, etc. The disk includes a film on the band's history, featuring comments by Charlie Daniels . . . worth the DVD alone.

It was fortunate MTV was around to capture MTB at a time when most concerts were not recorded. Now the video age brings it back again. If The Marshall Tucker Band recalls good times, you'd be glad to include this concert into your music DVD collection. For me, viewing this DVD was like replaying one of my best concert memories.

Tony

I could only give this 4 stars due to the some of the sound quality. In a number of places Doug Gray's voice tends to fade. Not so much for his backing away from the mike, but some technical difficulties that rose it's ugly head occasionally. Don't get me wrong. Doug's voice is in fine form and it shines %99.9 in this concert. If your familiar with Marshall Tucker, you'll know they are not visually entertaining. I mean their music is what entertains the crowd. The band just plays it well. I've seen Marshall Tucker many times when they were climbing up to their zenith. And this concert is captures them perfectly. With as many times as I have seen them I never knew Toy played lead with his thumb, but then again I was never this close.

And as for the selection of songs, I couldn't be happier. I love the "Dedicated" Album. There is not one song on here I would have removed. While I have had the live version of "Ramblin" engrained in my brain, yea, I would have liked to see the bass solo here. Still no complaints.

Video wise... Hey, it's 1981. Were probably lucky they caught it on film. So it does have a somewhat dated look. Some of editing has a little to be desired. Some camera movement too, but these are real nitpicky arguements (Nothing like the horrid first Lynyrd Skynrd concert mess). The concert is focus's on the band, as it should and not a lot of audience images.

If your a Tucker fan, you most likely will enjoy the hell out of this concert. Pick it up, sit back and enjoy the

This is classic Tucker at it's best.If you are a Tucker fan
please buy this!!It will not dissappoint.

I've often wondered what had happened to this film. I was fortunate enough to see it back when MTV aired it and it caught the true vitality and fire of Southern Rock at it's zenith. Nothing against the "present" version of MTB, but when the original members (minus Tommy Caldwell, God rest his soul) kicked it into high gear, there was not a band in the world who could touch them. With the later passing of guitarist Toy Caldwell, an era ended.
Get this DVD...throw it in the player...and maybe you'll understand why Southern Rock still lives today. You won't be sorry !!

I was in the front row for this show and I bugged the people at MTV for years to get a copy of it. One of the best southern rock shows you'll ever see by one of the best southern rock bands ever!!

I just purchased the Live from the Garden State disc, and let me tell you. I am so glad I didn't listen to the memphis guy saying that it was of poor quality. The sound is excellent (barring a few mistakes by the guy at the board with Doug's mike)and the Video is really good. Now granted it was shot on Video so it's not going to look as pristine as "the Last Waltz", but I had no problem with how it looked what so ever. I totally dug hearing songs performed Live that I haven't seen them perform ("rumors are raging"). I had to just laugh, kind of like in Lynard Skynard's triumphant movie "Freebird", there are Rebel Flags being waved. I mean they are in Jersey!! Still an uber-cool movie for all Tucker fans. Now if I can just find "Long Hard Ride" on video too!

LIVE FROM THE GARDEN STATE, 1981 is a wonderful DVD of the Marshall Tucker
Band's first big tour without bassist Tommy Caldwell, who had died in a car accident the year before. Despite his absence, Franklin Wilkie does an exceptional job filling his space, and the rest of the band is in top form. There are so many good songs that I can't pick out highlights. This DVD is essential for any rock & roll fan.

This dvd sounds better than the recorded music.I'm an Australian who's previously never heard of this band but after hearing this band on Dvd it's a diversified sound.Fire on the Mountain is worth the whole price.The mixture of jazz and blues cannot be matched.Toy Caldwell's guitar playing is brilliant.The Lead singer Gray is simply sensational.Buy ,buy,buy
Crossy

This dvd is really one of my favorites.I watched this dvd so many times I lost count.Toy Caldwell was no doubt one of the greatest unspoken of guitarists of my day anyway.Not only does his lead work kick but but the harmony background fills and pretty pretty licks are something you just don't hear much.
Doug gray's vocals are always hot along with everybody else in the band.If you only buy 1 southern rock dvd this is the one.

I live in Europe and I love the southern music.Along with the ABB,Lyn.Skyn and the Outlaws,MTB is a great band.After so many years I can see a live-concert.It is not like Hell Freezes Over,but it is a spontanious concert.The film is an alltime document.Every MTB-fan should buy this.Get it while you can.
I also recommend the Toy Caldwell cd:Can,t you see,on King Biscuit Flour Hour.And thanx to Amazon for superfast s/h.
Jacques,
Netherlands