Shadows

Ah yes, The Shadows. Not much to say about them really, you probably know as much as me if you're reading this page. Hank, Bruce and Brian finally decided to call it a day in 2004 with a raft of Concerts across Britain. This DVD is of their concert at Cardiff in Wales and epitomises the showmanship and acute timing of this fantastic group. Most of us who grew up in the '50's and 60's picked up a guitar and learned "Apache" - I did and can still play it note for note today. The Shadows were the catalyst for virtually all new bands formed in the early to mid 1960's and beyond.

The Shadows defined the guitar group - Lead, Rhythm, Bass and Drums. They were the first, and many say, the best. Certainly Hank Marvin's minimalist playing goes against the grain of the current crop of string shredders who think that playing 100 notes each second is music (maybe with the exception of Yngwie Malmsteen). Hank, Bruce and Brian are three of the four originals, the bass players in the Shadows are something akin to Spinal Tap's drummers - they don't exactly self combust, but they sure don't last long. For a group that was formed in 1958 as a backing group for Cliff Richards (as the Drifters) they would have to be the longest running (playing) band with original members ever. All the hits are on this DVD, I won't list them as there are 40 of these gems.

Normally, I frown upon a 5.1 mix for what is basically a two dimensional sound stage, but the 5.1 DTS sound on this DVD is far superior to the 2.0 or even 5.1 Dolby mix. Having over 20 Shadows CD's and DVD's in my collection at home, I consider myself to be somewhat knowledgeable in regards to the sonic qualities of the Shadows recordings and without a doubt, this DVD is the definitive sound of The Shadows. The mix is absolutely spot on, and for the first time (that I've seen) Hank didn't use any foot peddles for effects - they we're either pre programmed or the guy on the in-house mixer really knew his stuff.

The music and sound quality of this concert is such that, if you're even vaguely interested in guitar playing, the history of modern music or just plain old music in general you should really buy this DVD. It's worth the admission price for the Final Tour Interview alone - fascinating stuff and an insight to the group that will keep you spellbound (well, I was anyhow) - the snippets of the after show party are a hoot with Brian May (Queen) explaining how Hanks playing still fascinates him and how he can play every Shadows hit. Not a bad wrap from one of the worlds best contemporary guitarists.

Picture quality is good to very good and is the first Shadows DVD I've seen in 16:9 format.
Buy it!