Search - Hope Radio (Full Col) on DVD

A Rare Look At Ronnie Earl

Perry Celestino | Tahmoor, NSW Australia | 11/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Ronnie Earl's first DVD. He is a fantastic example of post-modern Blues Guitar. His playing is understated and soulful but his phrasing is really exemplary. I have been playing this DVD for about two weeks to write a review of it and I must say that is really grows on you. Ronnie decided that, in the early 1990s, he would stop playing with a singer and play the blues in the true Earl Hooker style-where he got his name "Earl" from. As a guitar player I feel that this was a bold move. The instrumental selection on this DVD is mostly slow blues with some pop, jazz and gospel overtones, but if you are a player it is fantastic. You can clearly see Ronnie's technique and easily even see what key it's in (D,G,B A mostly)



If you are a Blues fan you may be put off a bit by Ronnie's laid back style and the interview at the end. I would assume that anyone who buys this DVD knows about Earl, his history, medical problems and background. However, most people should not be disappointed. Ronnie plays straight ahead blues and it sounds great in 5.1 sound! Material on him is so scarce, this is a treat to have in one's collection. This DVD will also supplement the "Hot Licks" DVD of a few years ago and you can even easily play along with this DVD.



This set list is interesting and mostly slow blues. If you are a player you know that slow blues is the hardest to play and the best indication of a player's ability. Earl does a few different slow tunes in this set and lives up to his image as a great blues guitarist. The two best tunes to me are "Bobby's Bop" with its great 13th and 9th Jazz chords, solos and groove. "Blues For Otis Rush" is really good and we can see Earl injecting Rush's licks with his own interpretations. Well done! This is the top tune in the set.



The bonus features include Earl doing two acoustic numbers and discussing his life and problems with the head of his record company. Very brave and honest. This DVD is a must have for blues fans and those who play electric blues guitar. If you don't know Ronnie Earl keep in mind that this is an instrumental set with no vocals, but the music is superb. It is good that we have a document of a modern blues legend that has not been on the scene for a number years. This set is very well produced and the sound is excellent.



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EXCELLENT SHOW

Ronnie Cowlishaw Sr. | AUBURN WASHINGTON | 11/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just received this one in the mail a few days ago, I was not surprised by Mr. Earl's quality and song selection. I was blown away by this show, it is just what I would have expected his playing is second to none. If I could rate this show above 5 stars I would, he is so polished just amazing. It is great to finally see him in person, there is a lot of close up shots of him. And also a lot of close ups of his fingers on the fret board, a nice plus to see how he does it. I have been a fan of his for quite a few years, so this is really a treat to me."

Great to see Ronnie again

Christopher J. Pellerito | 12/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ronnie Earl's 1990s albums Language of the Soul, Blues Guitar Virtuoso Live in Europe, Grateful Heart: Blues and Ballads and The Colour of Love are essential purchases for any blues fan. Since that phenomenal creative streak, Ronnie has been slowed down by medical and mental health problems and is no longer able to tour, but this DVD proves that Ronnie still has chops, taste and tone in spades. Even if he never really catches fire here like he did on the amazing Blues Guitar Virtuoso live document, it's still great to see this blues master playing his gospel-inflected slow-burn style. His band is top-notch and the audio is excellent. As an added bonus, guitar players will appreciate the "up close and personal" camera work that lets you see exactly what chords he's playing."

Blues Great Ronnie Earl Live in your living room!

Bob Hegarty | Danvers, MA USA | 12/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The next best thing to seeing Ronnie Earl live is to watch the Hope Radio DVD. Filmed in the studio with a live audience, Hope Radio, captures the passion and soul of Ronnie Earl upclose and personal. If you have listened to the Hope Radio CD, this DVD is a must for your collection."