****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
To be clear this is a 2 CD, BlueRay DVD set.I’ve always had an affinity for rock and orchestra concerts, particularly progressive rock. This set does not let down. The sound at times is massive as on “Shadow of the Hierophant” while most of the orchestral performance is nuanced and frequency delicate as on “Blood On The Rooftops”.The band is strong as usual. Steve Hackett always gets talented players. Much of the material is Genesis songs and they are done with respect while allowing some room in the arrangement. The keyboard and drum work are exceptional. I really liked Phil Collins drumming but the drumming here is not cloning Phil’s work while still bringing a muscular style.The thing I keep thinking is entertaining. The video performance aids in this sensation. They are having fun onstage. The orchestra adds a new dimension to all the tracks. Honestly, my reason for buying this set was for the Genesis songs which I always thought would take on a new dimension - which they do - but surprisingly it is Hackett’s solo material that gets a major boost, likely because he is more confident expanding his material rather than risking it with the Genesis tunes.Criticism:The video has a lot of fast cuts. I argue that this kind of music does not benefit from this editing style but that seems to be the current trend in concert videos.Being a guitarist it has become a bad habit that Steve uses the tremolo bar way too much. Similarly the sustainer system. It is mildly distracting to me. That could be my bias but with a guitarist of Hackett’s stature it seems like a bad habit rather than playing decision. Still, this is minor.Positives:This concert is freakin dynamic and very enjoyable.Everyone in the band has great moments to show their chops and make excellent use of these moments.The orchestra is integrated into the sound. Like an instrument they are used when necessary. Brass may be prevalent and later on strings. Obviously there are many times when the entire orchestra plays but the arrangements truly fit with the rock elements.I listened to the stereo mix. I have yet to hear the 5:1 mix - actually I didn’t bother to check if there was a 5:1 although I’d be surprised if there wasn’t one. The sound quality is excellent throughout the various media although I have not tried the DVD.This set offers new takes on tried and true material.
