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MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Part concert, part history lesson, part summit meeting, and all blues, Lightning in a Bottle puts a bright spotlight on this quintessential American music. There are some heavy hitters at work here, both behind the camera (Martin Scorsese executive produced, while the film was directed by Antoine Fuqua of Training Day and King Arthur) and especially in front of it, with a superb house band and a mind-boggling array of musicians (including B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Solomon Burke, Keb' Mo', Macy Gray, the Neville Brothers, Robert Cray, and John Fogerty, to name but a few) performing at New York's Radio City Music Hall in February, 2003. The idea was to trace the music from its beginnings; thus we get an African song (by Angelique Kidjo), some early gospel blues (the great Mavis Staples), acoustic Delta blues, and so on, right up to blues-drenched electric rock and even some rap (a riveting version of Howlin' Wolf's "Killing Floor" by Chuck D.). Virtually all of the immortals who defined the blues (Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and even Jimi Hendrix, whose fiery style is re-enacted by Buddy Guy) enter the picture, either through vintage film clips or new performances of their songs. One might wish for more insight into the influence of the blues on jazz (Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit," sung here by India.Arie, is a fine song, but it's not a blues tune) or country, but overall, Lightning in a Bottle is an edifying and, most important, highly entertaining portrait of the music and its heritage. --Sam Graham
Lightning in a Bottle Reviews:
Struck By Lightning & Lovin' It! 
2009-11-30 - I have been known by those close to me to be more than a little verbose. However, I recognize words are often inadequate to express ones strongest feelings. This CD is a case in point. It is indeed a lesson in the understanding and the appreciation of that most unpretentious genre of music---the Blues. Blues aficionados will love it and neophytes will be educated by it. If you are a member of either group, you will not regret purchasing this item.
Lighting in a Bottle 
2009-10-15 - I saw most of this DVD on my satellite TV some time last year and thought it was a good live performance by talented blues musicians so decided to buy the double CD and live DVD but for some reason play the CD more saving the best for last with BB King Sweet Sixteen four and a half out of five .
One of the best concert presentations ever!! 
2009-06-20 - If you like blues music, this one is not to be missed. A very well organized concert with a lot of historical pictures and old videos thrown in for representation of some of the artists no longer with us. Lot's of commentary and testimonials from current artists on how they got started and tributes to the ones who inspired them. Really a great presentation.
BB King & Friends 
2009-05-22 - One of the best blues collections ever. BB and Buddy are at the top of their game
Lightning in a Bottle 
2009-01-08 - Very fast and prompt service from the providing company. Excellent for the holiday rush. Recommend this to others. Thank you.