Greatest Hits Live[DVD]

Boz Scaggs would likely be pleased if he read all the glowing reviews of Boz Scaggs-Greatest Hits Live. Unamimity in praise is not something one usually sees when reading reviews of something so frequently reviewed as this DVD. I feel compelled to point out that of all the books/CDs/DVDs I've reviewed to this date that have generated many other reviews, that this is the first time that reviews have been not only all positive for whatever reason, but all five star plus! Mr Scaggs, take a bow!I own most of Boz Scaggs work in one form or another but I never gave a DVD a thought until I stumbled upon samples of this work featured on the CD/DVD set Fade Into Light. I liked what I saw and heard there and so ordered this without hesitation.I won't go over the technical aspects or the names of all the musicians, other reviewers have already done that. What I will say is that on first viewing I was floored! Greatest Hits Live is simply spectacular.Unlike some of the reviewers who kind of leave the impression that they think Scaggs' career began with Top 40 radio hits (i.e. Lowdown), I think that his best work both preceded and followed his radio-friendly or "disco" period. Most of the songs here are from that period, but most of the best of the DVD is from the periods I mentioned. Not many remember that Scaggs got AM radio play on a couple of songs from Moments and a couple of others before Lowdown lifted him from a cult figure to an international star.If you are one of those who dislike Scaggs' period of mass popularity, put those feelings aside and give this DVD a chance. Scaggs proves himself not only to be one of the coolest, most urbane and sophisticated balladeers in the business, but also a master of blue-eyed soul and a wicked guitarist in the bargain. And his entire band is first-rate.My favorites here include: a dazzling rendition of Lowdown that opens the concert and sets a high standard for musicianship here; the late period horn-driven blues of It All Went Down The Drain; the haunting romance of Harbor Lights; the plaintive Ask Me 'Bout Nothin' But the Blues; the rousing Georgia; and We're All Alone, the stellar romantic ballad that closes the show. But the best is saved for last and should blow you away the way it did the audience.Lido Shuffle seemed to energize an already rapturous crowd and set the stage for the two best songs of the set in which Scaggs and his band cut loose and showed what they are really capable of. I own a lot of excellent concert DVDs, but I can't think of a point on any of them where I am glued to the screen in awe at the musicianship as I am when I am watching and listening to Runnin' Blues and Loan Me A Dime. The keyboard wizardry on both songs is a wonder to behold and the guitar on Loan Me A Dime has you forgetting all about Duane Allman for the moment. Those two songs alone are worth the price of the DVD.Don't miss the extras either. I really enjoy the second, jazzier version of Harbor Lights as much as the one in the concert.Obviously, this review is a strong recommendation. So get your own copy as soon as possible. If you are even a lukewarm Boz Scaggs fan, this DVD will make you listen to and appreciate him in a new way. It sure did the trick for me!

Many of our friends are enthusiastic misic fans, and we are fortunate to have a high end home theater to enjoy movies and concerts. When we get together for a concert video, it is always good to have a "safe" title to show, one that is of the highest quality in both video and audio performance. This performance is always among the very best, and is truly appreciated by everyone. And, it and can be enjoyed many times due to the amazing musicians, excelllent song selections, and quality of presentation. If you are a dedicated fan, or just haven't listened to Boz in a while, you and feel confident in buying this disc.

Review by Gary Callaway.I've always liked Boz Scaggs radio play music, but wasn't a real serious fan. Well, this DVD has absolutely changed all of that!I can't get enough of this concert. Every aspect of this DVD, visually and musically, blows my mind, with it's craftsmanship and understated style. It opens with the coolest rendition of the mega hit "Lowdown", and you think, where can it go from here? Well, let me tell ya', that was just the warmup. Pour yourself a good glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy the show.Boz Scaggs is one of those artists who has worked hard at his craft over the years, and has managed to gather together some staggering talent for this night. I'd never fully appreciated his rich, signature voice, his skill as a singer, or the quality of his songs and musical compositions, and it's been such a treat to discover a new favorite.The band is top tier, and the perfect filming and editing put me right there to watch these pros at work. This show is tight and properly rehearsed, but with room for rock, jazz, and blues improvisation as the evening moves along. Some of the solos and grooves that are being laid down are jaw dropping. And I'll admit to some heavy infatuation with the lovely backup singers, Barbara Wilson and Monet'. They are magic together, especially on "Jojo" and "Breakdown Dead Ahead". And if you don't shed a tear at their harmonies at the close of "Look What You've Done To Me", you have no soul. There are ten people up on that stage, and that potential is used to the fullest.I was also unaware of what an accomplished blues singer and guitar player Boz is. It seems like the blues may be his true calling. His version of Fenton Robinson's, "Somebody Loan Me A Dime", is beyond words.Boz Scaggs' stage persona is low key, relaxed, and very cool, like the experienced old dog that he is. He leads the band with subtle gestures, and accepts applause with humility. He's a likeable soul, as are all of the band members, and they are all obviously enjoying "this special night".Looking forward to sharing this with friends some evening. Should be a hit.

If a persons soul was a physical thing and you could open it up to see what is inside, it would probably look something like this video.This DVD is brilliantly filmed, has wonderful DTS sound and an absolute ton of soul.