The Legend Lives On – A Tribute To Bill Monroe
Picture: C+
Sound: B- Extras: B- Concert: B
Bill Monroe was a founder of Bluegrass music, a
combination of Blues and Country that has endured for many decades. Now, long after his death, many of the most
respected names in all the aforementioned genres assembled for an extensive
concert and The Legend Lives On – A Tribute To Bill Monroe brings
together the likes of Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Charlie Daniels, Bill Monroe
and many more in a one-time event that does justice to a music giant.
The long concert is over two DVDs and runs about 110
minutes. The performances are sincere
and show great love and skill for both the music and material, something you
can tell even if this is not your kind of music. There is a rich heritage and legacy to celebrate, honored in a
way that has impact. This DVD set in
part is meant to raise funds for a memorial to Monroe; one we can all agree is
long overdue.
The 1.33 X 1 image was shot on professional video and
looks fine, while the Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is not bad, though not spectacular
in its mixing. It does work well enough
for the music, but don’t expect too much in sonics and you’ll be fine. The performances are impressive. Extras include interview sections on each
disc that last about 25 minutes a piece and a brief intro by producer/director
Robert Swope. All that makes this one
of the more formidable Country DVD releases to date.
- Nicholas Sheffo
