Ringo Starr - Ah, there's a name which brings back memories. Not all good mind you, but memories non the less. He was the Beatle that the others allowed one song per album. Listen to his singing on this and you'll realize just how kind the other three were. Fortunately, however, this DVD of his All Starr Band is not about Ringo's singing, it's about how much influence one moderately talented drummer can exert over some of the best musicians in the world.

    Take, for instance, bass players. The 3 best rock bass players alive today are Jack Bruce, John Entwistle and Chris Squires. Ringo snared (if you'll excuse the pun) the first two - Asking for dueling basses with Entwistle and Squires would be too overwhelming.

Simon Kirke plays on drums (Ringo always seems to have two backup drummers) and belts out "All Right Now"

Gary Booker plays an immaculate version of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and sounds better than he did over 30 years ago. There's also Felix Cavaliere trying his hardest to sing "Groovin" Alas the years haven't been as kind to his voice. Ringo also rings in (if you'll excuse yet another pun) Dr.John, Levon Helm, Joe Walsh, Todd Rundgren, Randy Bachman (boy, has he still got it) and Peter Frampton.

The absolute highlight of this DVD and the best reason to buy it, is the old Cream song Sunshine of your Love. Jack Bruce sings and plays as well (if not better) than any previous version I have heard - most people still think Cream was an Eric Clapton benefit whereas Jack Bruce wrote and sung most of the tracks. The lead guitar here is played by Peter Frampton and although his phrasing may not be as sparing as Eric Clapton's he is more exciting to watch and listen to - an absolute spine tingler!

Audio options are DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo. The mix is excellent and the surround effects subtle so as not to intrude or overwhelm. LFE is relatively clean but a little lay back, vocals are crisp and give a sense of "being there". Picture quality is good given the constraints of stage lighting. Running time is 93 minutes and don't ask me about the Extra's as I generally don't go there.

All in all, not a "Must Have" but a pleasant musical interlude which one can visit many times and for nostalgia buffs like me portions can be compelling.

Audio 4 out of 5

Video 3.5 out of 5

Content 3 out of 5