'A Concert By the Lake'
(Eric Clapton, Mike Rutherford, Ringo Starr, Roger Taylor, et al / Blu ray / NR / 2010 / Eagle Rock)
Overview: This all-star supergroup was brought together to play a charity concert at the historic Wintershall Estate in Surrey in aid of the charity HASTE (Heart And Stroke Trust Endeavour).
Blu ray Verdict: Known as Band du Lac, this stunning supergroup amassed at the historic Wintershall Estate in Surrey, England to play a benefit concert for HASTE – the Heart and Stroke Trust Endeavour.
Directing from the seated safety of his piano, Gary Brooker (Procol Harum) orchestrates this sublime all-star charity concert with a dignified calm. Featuring performances by Eric Clapton, Katie Melua, Roger Taylor, Ringo Starr, and The Drifters, amongst others, songs sung live include: Eric Clapton ("Lay Down Sally," "Cocaine," "Willy and the Hand Jive"), Ringo Starr ("Act Naturally," "Photograph," "With a Little Help from my Friends"), Katie Melua ("Crawling up a Hill," "My Aphrodisiac is You," "The Closet Thing to Crazy"), and 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' featuring Gary Brooker himself.
With the mainstay of this supergroup consisting of the aforementioned Brooker, guitarists Andy Fairweather Low and Mike Rutherford, keyboardist Paul Carrack, and drummer Henry Spinnetti, these so-called guests flowed effortlessly in and out on the night; although it has to be said that Clapton's moments in the spotlight are by far the strongest musical highlights.
If you are looking for extras, well, you'll be left a little sad as there is only a 10 minute interview segment entitled 'The Road to Wintershall.' Documenting the way the show was formulated and had eventually come together, there are no interviews or soundcheck clips.
As for more info on some of the other songs sung on this glorious night, well, we have: 'Tequila', 'Over My Shoulder,' 'How Long' (Paul Carrack), 'Lay My Burden Down' (Andy Fairweather Low), 'Say It's Not True,' 'Those Were The Days,' 'I Want To Break Free' (Roger Taylor),' 'Under The Boardwalk,' 'Stand By Me' (The Drifters), and finally any and all on 'I Can't Dance.' This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
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