Comments:
Upon the tragic death of drummer Jackson Spires in 2005 and the return
of Dave Hlubek to his band Molly Hatchet, the well pretty much seemed
to dry up for the Southern Rock Allstars ‘project.’ To the
surprise of many, the DVD has been released by the melodic rock label
MTM Music.
Featured
are a range of concert outtakes spanning over a decade. From 1992
up until the band’s end in 2003 is covered in an edited and pasted
form. Unfortunately the DVD, like the band’s CD releases, makes
clear that the band lacks the quality and fine touch of mighty Southern
rock acts like Blackfoot, (Hlubek’s own) Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd
Skynyrd and other classic names in the vein. Above doubt is the musical
expertise and craftsmanship of the members of the Allstars, all packed
with a long career of experience to draw from. This point surely justifies
the release of this DVD, and the thrown in bunch of unknown tracks
even make it worthwhile for die hard fans! It is however during those
moments that vocalist Jay Johnson seems unable to lay down a solid
performance. Something which can be masked in studio on the regular
CD outputs, but onstage it proves to be the downfall for the band.
It’s hard to judge whether it is his rusty performance, which
is rather static as well, in combination with bringing the lyrics/melodylines
to live, or it is just a lack of talent performing.
Just
listen to the Blackfoot classics “Morning Dew” and the wonderful
“Run and Hide” which are musically nearly perfect, but the
vocal performance is far below average. The contradiction of quality
is high, but gets even worse when Hatchet’s Jimmy Farrar jumps
onstage for a jam. The man’s powerful and energetic vocal performance
truly makes Johnson look pale.
It
is also the one thing that makes the DVD a worthwhile experience after
all; the guest parts by Farrar (now a regular member) and Duane Roland
(both Molly Hatchet), Greg T. Walker and Charlie Hargrett of Blackfoot
fame and Skynyrd’s Mike Estes. These additions musically lift
the band’s performance.
The
fact that all is shot with regular camera’s in small clubs throughout
the US makes it an intimate and up close experience. Unfortunately
due to this, the sound isn’t all to well and downgrades the overall
feeling of this personal documentatio.
The
bonus features like the interview section and the photo collage at
the end of the DVD paying tribute to Jakson Spires (R.I.P.) are brought
with finesse. The sections brought to us by the band members themselves
filming during the tours and life on the road give a good insight
on life in a Southern Rock band like Allstars, as well as it puts
a smile on the face of music lovers. It is true at heart and very
emotional at times, funy and gripping.
For
fans of the genre, this is a welcome insight in the music scene, as
it is a great tribute to Spires brought to life by his band fellow
members and friends. Musicians and music lovers will probably also
find some treats and exposure of the world of rock music, but it is
likely that this is to little to make up for the average sound and
camera captures in regards to its price. One wants value for his money
...
www.mtmmusic.com
HRH
Rating: 6.8/10
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