Allan Holdsworth and Alan Pasqua Featuring Chad Wackerman and Jimmy Haslip / 2008 MVD / 85 Minutes / http://www.mvdb2b.com /
This DVD features a number of individuals that have been around the rock scene for an incredibly long time. Allan Holdsworth started releasing music in 1969, presenting eirself on an Igginbottom recording; eir solo career began in 1976, with “Velvet Darknessâ€. Alan Pasqua has spent time in both Eddie Money’s and Bob Dylan’s bands (during the latter’s “Bob Dylan at Budokan†and “Street-Legalâ€).
In much the same way, Chad Wackerman spent time with Frank Zappa’s band and has toured with individuals including Steve Vai, Albert Lee, and Colin Hay. Finally, Jimmy Haslip is best known for the creation of the jazz fusion act The Yellowjackets, and has either worked or toured with Chaka Khan, Donald Fagan, and Anita Baker. These four individuals together represent not only one hundred years of experience (or abouts), but a maturity and intensity in compositions that far outstrip anyone else attempting to create this jazzy, funky rock sound. Individuals that are tired of direct transfers from VHS will rejoice in “Allan Holdsworth and Alan Pasqua Featuring Chad Wackerman and Jimmy Haslipâ€, as the concert is filmed in high definition format. The only criticism that I have at all about this DVD is that the set list listing on the back cover of the DVD is a little confusing – while there is a horizontal numbering system in place, a vertical scan of the tracks would have individuals mistitling the tracks that they liked.
This is a minor concern, as everything else about the DVD is strong. The unity that these four individuals have is nothing short of stellar: while each element of the band is creating their own amazing line, the number of linkages between the constituent elements of the band is enough to make for a cohesive sound. The act does not need to pander to simple radio interest: a number of the tracks (especially “The Fifth†and “San Micheleâ€) are incredibly long and represent continued iterations and evolution of a specific kernel, until that point that something perfect is approached. I must admit, I had not heard of these individuals before reviewing this DVD. After “Protocosmos†ended, however, I set out to familiarize myself with the earlier works of all four. If you are a fan of intricate compositions, jazz, funk, or rock music, make sure to pick up this DVD.
Rating: 7.8/10
