Concert for George

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• Concert For George Brazil Import

Free Music Notes for Concert for George

Free Music Review: Beautiful Tribute For A Beautiful Guy
Hit: 5 Stars

I was brought into this world around the time of 33 & 1/3, so watching & listening to "Concert For George" wasn't, for me, like taking a stroll down nostalgia lane. I feel really fortunate that I was able to discover the Beatles & George's solo work a bit independently of any trend or fashion. And what a discovery!

There is no one more qualified than Eric Clapton in spearheading this event. Obviously he & George were great friends, and Clapton's understanding & love for Harrison's music is utterly apparent. Eric gives us gorgeous renditions of "If I Needed Someone," "Beware Of Darkness," and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Clapton's anguished solo on the latter is breathtaking.

For me the biggest surprise and delight of the show was the performance of Joe Brown. I had never heard him perform before, and I was blown away by his idiosyncratic voice & dignified renditions of George's songs. Of all the musicians present that evening, Joe Brown's musical approach on these songs most closely resembled George's. His version of "Here Comes The Sun" follows the original closely, yet still retains an appealing freshness. "That's The Way It Goes" was the most adventurous choice of the show set-list (it wasn't a hit or a Beatles song), but Brown's mandolin textures & soft voice fit this Gone Troppo classic perfectly. This song, along with Browns' moving rendition of "I'll See You In My Dreams", are in my opinion the highlights of the night, and both brought tears to my eyes.

Another moving highlight was the performance of Billy Preston. Preston gives us an incredible "Isn't It A Pity," and a soulful rendition of "My Sweet Lord." Gary Brooker gives a rowdy rendition of "Old Brown Shoe," and the Sam Brown & Jools Holland performance of "Horse To Water" is powerful. Incidentally, this performance is not included on the CD; nor are the Monty Python songs. Michael Palin gives a HILARIOUS "tribute" (which is in the same vein as the "Oh Lord, You Are So Absolutely Huge" prayer in "The Meaning Of Life") that I'm sure would have brought a broad smile to George's face.

Anoushka Shankar's rendition of "The Inner Light" is incredible. Her virtuosity is apparent on "Your Eyes," and the Ravi Shankar composition is brilliant, of course. "Arpan" captures the essence, in my opinion, of George's spiritual searching and eventual contentment. This piece is both imposing and playful.

Ringo's contributions are excellent, and they show the flip side of George's image as a serious mystic. "Photograph" is immaculate pop, and "Honey Don't" is of the country/rockabilly tradition that both George & Ringo loved.

Jeff Lynne & Tom Petty were obvious choices for the concert; sadly, their performances are the weakest of the evening. I have never really cared for Jeff Lynne's voice, and he sounds particularly strained on "Wah Wah". His vocals are much better on "The Inner Light" and "Give Me Love," but I feel that his voice really isn't suited for these songs. Lynne's crooning of the Roy Orbison parts on "Handle With Care" is excellent. Tom Petty's rendition of "Taxman" seems a little uninspired, and Mr. Petty's singing on "Handle With Care" is not-that-great. His version of "I Need You" is superb, though. Don't get me wrong, I'm really glad that they were there & they are both obviously capable musicians. I just think that maybe they had an off-night.

Which brings us to Paul McCartney. He gives a great performance of "All Things Must Pass," which is ironic since he & Lennon deemed it unworthy to be on a Beatles' record. McCartney & Clapton deliver a beautiful version of "Something," and "For You Blue" is excellent. It must be said though that McCartney seems to have a compulsive need to always be the center of attention. His interrupting Joe Brown to make a joke was irritating, and perhaps in a weird way fitting, since McCartney apparently got under George's skin quite a bit. Tellingly, McCartney's interruption isn't included on the CD.

This CD/DVD set is a fantastic tribute, and whatever minor flaws that may exist are completely irrelevant in comparison to the powerful performances given by artists that all loved George Harrison & his great music.

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