For many, Frank Zappa is an acquired taste. Few would dispute his genius or the stunning complexity of his compositions and arrangements, but not everyone is up to the demands Zappa places on an audience. If you count yourself among those who scratch their heads listening to a Zappa album, you might find a new appreciation for his work by seeing it performed. Zappa’s acerbic humor and his band’s white-knuckle musicianship are both well served by the visual medium of a concert DVD.
This is another fine effort from Cobham, who continues to turn out quality recordings that have gone largely unnoticed by both critics and consumers. Beginning with Incoming, Cobham toned down his thunderous approach in favor of a more controlled and complimentary style. His compositions also reflected consideration for the development of his fellow bandmates. Focused continues this trend with an overwhelming sense of honesty. Joining him are his former band mate Randy Brecker and fellow collaborator drummer/keyboardist Gary Husband. Most of the tunes here are over seven minutes long and allow each member to fully develop their statements. Brecker is particularly stunning on "Nothing Can Hurt Her Now."
2-CD containing both "Hope street" and "Powerplay" albums. A highly acclaimed drummer than need no introduction in the fusion / jazz world, once behind the drums of MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA.
The Uprising Tour ran in Europe from May 30th to July 13th 1980 with five further dates in the USA in September. It was Bob Marley s last tour before his tragically early death in May 1981 at the age of just 36. The tour was in support of the Uprising album released on June 10th 1980. A few days later on June 13th the live show from Dortmund s Westfalenhalle was filmed for the famous German music TV series Rockpalast and is presented here on DVD and CD for the first time with footage restored to the best possible quality. Bob Marley and the Wailers are on superb form and deliver a set of hit singles and classic album tracks. Marley s energetic, charismatic performance gives no indication that he was already ill with the cancer that would take his life less than a year later.