Holland pop, or the Dutch Woodstock, a three day musical fiesta held in August 1970 comes alive once more on this enlightening CD/DVD package. The footage itself may seem a bit fuzzy, still it must be remembered that this was 1970, with declining weed and LSD consumer market accompanying the hippie culture towards its final bow. While the camerawork remains debatable, it’s the music that raises the bar significantly.
The casting is incredible. Amidst all the excitement it’s the all-star lineup that grabs your nuts. With names like The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane and T-Rex granting the event additional credibility, it’s the cavalry on the flanks that spawns real excitement. Standouts include the Roger Chapman fronted legendary progressive folk rock combo Family. Their appearance with “Drowned in Wine” is brief but memorable. Hearing this again brings a rush of much deserved but rarely realized recognition. Al Stewart’s “Zero She Flies” produces a fair share of authentic acoustic folk beauty, while the boastful extravagance of Dr John’s “Mardi Gras Day” remains a thing of wonder best understood in joint passing circles.
Pink Floyd are another collection highlight, lighting up “Set the Controls For the Hearth Of the Sun” with some searing psychedelia. The performance falling short of the band’s soon to emerge crown jewels, nevertheless this is scintillating stuff that will delight hard line fans. And the list goes on. Santana offers an inspired tease with “Gumbo” and Canned Heat add considerable weight to “The World Is a Tango” and the band’s take on the poignant “So Sad” is nothing less than mesmerizing.
The filming quality does leave much to be desired, still this a piece of history, and a significant one for that matter. Definitely worth cherishing.
7 out of 10 A review copy of this album was provided by the record label Gonzo Multimedia http://www.therocktologist.com/various-artists---dutch-woodstock-the.html
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO
|
No comments:
Post a Comment