Written by Susie Salva
Sheryl Crow has just released an inspiring and laid back DVD on Blu-Ray titled, “Miles From Memphis,” on Eagle Rock Entertainment where we find this artist infusing urban and soul sounds in sync with her gentle engaging musical side. Filmed in the Fall of 2010 at the illustrious Pantages Theater at the corner of Hollywood and Vine, Crow comments on the bonus section that she is in awe of this old theater and her encounter with Johnny Cash years back that has influenced her present style of song.
Featuring 18-songs in high definition DTS 5.1 surround sound captures Crow performing the 2-hour stand out show at this pristine art deco Hollywood venue. The DVD captures Crow utilizing her strong with conviction vocals and captures her actually enjoying her performance at ease either behind the piano or strumming her guitar.
Acknowledging that her fans prefer her guitar performances she uses her trained voice as an instrument and settles into some of her more familiar songs in the back end of the disc. This talented singer/songwriter was touring in support of her “100 Miles From Memphis,” album – fronting a powerhouse 9-piece band that swings through the best tracks from the record, and reinvigorates fan favorites with a soulful Memphis flavor and sound. And there’s a little Motown in the mix, too with Crow’s 1994 megahit, “All I Wanna Do,” extended jam on Marvin Gaye’s classic, “Got To Give It Up,” and a joyous rendition of Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.”
The picture and sound quality of this latest release is a delightful and riveting. The backdrop is beautiful with different textures and the band the Thieves are the perfect accompaniment to Crows’ recognizable voice. Realizing that she is one of the older stateswoman in the business for her 17 year career she proves that she still has what it takes to deliver a solid performance. At times the concert drags and stalls but her backing band has the energy to lift the music to another level.
Crow claims that she lived exactly 100 miles from Memphis in Kennett, Missouri and had sought out Doyle Bramhall II and his partner Justin Stanley as producers fresh from producing a killer Clapton record. Using a more organic style of creating music Crow created songs that we a refreshing departure from some of her older style of songs. Crow is credited with saying, “The band is truly a kinetic force and incendiary power behind me. Grooves thickened (with the new band nicked named the Thieves) songs were expanded and jam sections evolved naturally.”
The Pantages theater opened in 1930 and is an art-deco masterpiece. Howard Hughes once owned the venue which hosted the Academy Awards from 1949-1959. This glamorous Hollywood treasure provides a stunning backdrop for Crow and her band the Thieves. “It was a very special night, playing with this incredible band in this wonderful venue and I’m so happy to be able to share it with all my fans around the world,” claims Sheryl Crow. Bonus features include a special behind-the-scenes segment of Crow and her band sound checking two songs “Eye to Eye,” and “Stop,” which were not in the main show. Sheryl Crow has sold in excess of 35 million albums worldwide. For all things Sheryl Crow please go to www.sherylcrow.com.
