Bugs Henderson and the Shuffle Kings
Live At The Granada
Boss Multimedia DVD
Fans of Bugs Henderson, rejoice. With the release of the
Bugs Henderson and the Shuffle Kings Live At The Granada you can take your hero home and
spend countless hours rewinding, pausing and attempting to duplicate Henderson's
licks.
Good luck with that. This isn't just any guitar
slinger. This is Bugs Henderson. The DVD is like the man himself - unpretentious
- from the raw and gritty filming to the between song patter from Bugs. Lots of close
ups of fingers on the fretboard, and enough sweeping stage shots to showcase the whole
band. A real guitar legend, doing what he does best - being himself.
It all starts with a shot of the Granada's neon
1940's style marquee heralding the double bill that night - Doyle Bramhall and
Bugs Henderson. Then you're immediately onstage with the band as they get ready to
start the night.
After many legendary incarnations over the years, this
version of the Shuffle Kings is comprised of some amazing talent: Keith Jones on bass,
Linda Waring on drums, Tommy Young on the Hammond and Kirby Kelley on lap steel and slide
guitars. Only a guitarist as confident and skilled as Bugs would be brave enough to put a
phenomenal talent such as Kelley on stage with him, but the two play together in a
seamless, comfortable style - never clashing, always complimenting each other.
There are12 songs in the concert footage and in true Bugs style, many are extended
versions. "Rock Me Baby" clocks in at 11:13, trumped mid-DVD by 13:42 of
"Tom's Trip To Texas".
Bugs is in great form on guitar, and delivers the song
lyrics like a renegade cowboy telling stories by the campfire under a starry Texas sky.
But here, the big gun has 6 strings, and those stars are stagelights.
It's easy to get sucked in watching the mesmerizing fluidity of such accomplished
musicians, so I tested the quality of the sound by putting it on a second time with my
back to it, and just listening. And, I'm happy to report the sound quality is
excellent. It's a pleasure to watch and to listen to.
In addition to the concert, there are three 'Extras': The encore for the evening
"Highway 61 Revisited", Bugs with David Grissom and the Paul Reed Smith Band
onstage at the PRS 20th Anniversary Show in Anaheim, CA in 2005, and my favorite, Bugs
along with Bouncin'; Bobby Chitwood and Rockin' Ron Thompson performing
"Ain't Your Daddy's Business". Chitwood is, well, incredible
doesn't even start to describe him, Ron's locked right in with him in a rock
solid groove, and Bugs is blazing away barefoot and wearing the shortest shorts I've
ever seen on a man. (Nice legs, Bugs!) Late 70's? Early 80's? Wish it told us
where and when. A great bonus cut!
All in all a great night of live blues caught for our viewing pleasure on tape. Lucky us.
Happy viewing!
- Blue Lisa -
Southwest Blues DVD Review - September 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews - available at our store
