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Music Video Distributors presents

Edgar Winter & Rick Derringer in Concert (1990)

"Somebody say 'keep on rockin'?"- Rick Derringer

Stars: Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer
Other Stars: C.P. Roth, Charlie Torres, Kevin Hupp
Director: unknown

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for (no objectionable material)
Run Time: 00h:57m:09s
Release Date: 2002-10-15
Genre: rock

Style
Grade
Substance
Grade
Image Transfer
Grade
Audio Transfer
Grade
Extras
Grade
C CB-B+ C-

 

DVD Review

Edgar Winter, composer of Frankenstein, and Rick Derringer, composer of Rock 'n' Roll Hootchie Koo are a natural pair. Both have a background in blues-rock and have enjoyed prolific careers composing and producing a wide range of musical styles. Watching Edgar Winter & Rick Derringer in Concert, a 1990 performance recorded for the popular German television show, Ohne Filter, I saw proof of a soulful connection between the two performers, both of them sharing many of the same weaknesses as they do strengths.

The duo, along with their three band members, performs a collection of rock and roll classics in true heavy metal fashion. The bass player, Charlie Torres, in particular, acted as if he just came off the Poison world tour, flipping his waist length hair back and forth and twirling like a drunken ballerina. As this concert was recorded near the end of the 1980s metal heyday, I suppose the band has somewhat of an excuse for this kind of behavior, though excuses do not make it any more tolerable to watch.

Musically, the performance teeters on the edge of mediocre and below average. The backup vocals especially suffer from poor intonation, nearly causing me to cover my ears on several occasions. Edgar Winter sings lead vocals on most songs, and while he does exhibit decent control and range, his propensity towards a screaming falsetto is purely cringe inducing. When not doing his best Kip Winger impersonation, Winter expertly plays saxophone and keyboards, proving where his true talents lie. Rick Derringer, a very precise and proficient guitar player, is the most interesting member to behold. In addition to his inspirational guitar playing, his lead vocals are stronger and much more tolerable than Winter's. Though, as impressed as I was with Derringer's soloing abilities, when it comes time for his unaccompanied guitar solo, he merely plays a jumbled cacophony of arpeggiated scales and right-handed finger tapping. Busting out every guitar lick and trick in the book may look impressive, but musically, it's pure drivel.

Included in the repertoire are rock and roll oldies such as the Winter-penned Free Ride, and the 1960s classic Hang On Sloopy, written by Derringer when he was playing with The McCoys. Each of the numbers are mildly entertaining, yet musically flat. When they finally perform Rock 'n' Roll Hootchie Koo near the end of the night, it is painfully obvious how poorly the song has aged. Frankenstein is undoubtedly the most impressive number of the night for many reasons, but mainly because there is no singing. This lengthy rendition of the progressive rock opus is the one moment that truly highlights the impressive musicianship and talents of each band member. Other than Frankenstein, I found little of value in this concert.

Rating for Style: C
Rating for Substance: C

 

Image Transfer

 One
Aspect Ratio1.33:1 - Full Frame
Original Aspect Ratioyes
Anamorphicno


Image Transfer Review: The 1.33:1 full-frame image is suitable. Colors appear natural, though somewhat bland in comparison to more vibrant transfers. The most significant problem is what appears to be a great deal of compression, which causes the picture to look hazy and pixelated at times. Though mediocre, the picture is pleasing and will not distract from the enjoyment of the concert.

Image Transfer Grade: B-
 

Audio Transfer

 LanguageRemote Access
Dolby Digital
5.1
Englishyes
PCMEnglishyes


Audio Transfer Review: The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is strong, though somewhat boomy and lacking in fidelity. At volumes near reference level, the audio tends to break up and sound a tad strident. When brought down to a more comfortable level, the audio is sonically pleasing. The surrounds are moderately active with crowd noise and the echoes of the music. Each instrument has a clear and robust presence, while the vocals are clean and distinct, spreading evenly across the front soundstage.

Also included is a PCM stereo mix. While fidelity is purer than that on the 5.1 track, the PCM mix is somewhat dull in comparison. However, those who have quality analog hookups from their players to their receivers may want to explore this option.

Audio Transfer Grade: B+ 

Disc Extras

Static menu
Scene Access with 8 cues and remote access
Music/Song Access with 8 cues and remote access
Subtitles/Captions in English, French, Italian, Portuguese
Cast and Crew Biographies
2 Featurette(s)
Packaging: Amaray
Picture Disc
1 Disc
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: dual

Extra Extras:
  1. Interview with the Producer
  2. Sound Tuning
Extras Review: A modest collection of extras is offered, none of which prove to be very noteworthy. First, and most informative, is the Edgar Winter & Rick Derringer biography. This comprehensive text is an interesting read, offering great insight into the musicians' impressive careers.

Next, is another text-based feature that alphabetically lists the many entertainers that have appeared on the Ohne Filter television show since its inception in 1983.

The five-minute interview with Michael Au, producer of the Ohne Filter show, is mildly entertaining. I enjoyed Au's candid answers to these questions, though it appears as if the interviewer is struggling.

Also included is a three-minute section called Sound Tuning. This brief tutorial initially begins as an interesting lesson in the art of the recording process, but quickly turns into a shameless advertisement for various cable products.

Extras Grade: C-
 

Final Comments

Edgar Winter & Rick Derringer in Concert is not a very worthwhile experience. While their talents are obvious, this performance is one that I would expect to see from a local garage band playing at an obscure bar. There were moments when I actually felt embarrassed for several of the band members, and that's never a good sign. Even the audience looks mostly drunk and only halfway interested in this lackluster performance.

Brian Calhoun 2003-02-13