Eagle Rock | 1983 | 120 mins. | NR
The Everly Brothers, Don and Phil, are country influenced rock ‘n roll performers known for steel-string guitar playing and close harmony singing. The Brothers are the most successful U.S. rock and roll duo on the Hot 100. 1957’s “Bye Bye Love,” with its Bo Diddley beat, helped lift the song to number two in 1957. “Bye Bye Love” marked the beginning of string of hit singles that wouldn’t end until 1965. There hits including the following: “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” “Bird Dog,” “(‘Til) I Kissed You,” and “When Will I Be Loved.”
Their star had begun to wane two years before the British Invasion in 1964 — although their appeal remained strong in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and elsewhere. By 1965, the brothers were replaced on the charts by an unmistakable rock ‘n roll beat, courtesy of acts such as The Beatles, who were highly influenced by, The Everly Brothers.
While their U.S. success was fading the duo remained popular in Britain and Canada throughout the sixties, and spent a lot of time there. However, in 1973, the brothers had a nasty breakup and wouldn’t speak for the next ten years, only getting together for their father’s funeral in 1975. While both Don and Phil released various solo projects during that time, neither had the level of success they’d experienced as a duo.
With some nudging from English guitarist Albert Lee, The Everly Brothers got back together for two reunion concerts on September 22nd and 23rd, 1983 at The Royal Albert Hall in London. Albert Lee (who also served as the concert’s musical director), had played for The Crickets and Eric Clapton among others. Here, he gathered pianist Pete Wingfield, and three members of Cliff Richard’s touring group; Graham Jarvis (drums), Mark Griffiths (bass) and Martin Jenner (guitar/pedal steel)
The brothers hadn’t wanted to do any warm up shows prior to The Royal Albert Hall gigs. They wanted their first concerts in a decade to sound genuine and fresh. Mission accomplished. Decked out in tuxedo’s, the brothers never sounded better. From the start, their harmonies are so perfect that it’s difficult to tell who’s singing which part. Just watch them singing, “Let It Be Me,” at the close of the show and you realize perfect harmony has been reached.
Several versions of The Everly Brothers- Reunion Concert: Live at the Royal Albert Hall have been released over the years on various media. However, I believe this is the first time the concert has been released in full. The following tracks are included: 1.) Entrance 2.) Claudette 3.) Walk Right Back 4.) Crying In the Rain 5.) Cathy’s Clown 6.) Love Is Strange 7.) Medley: Take A Message To Mary / Maybe Tomorrow 8.) I Wonder If I Care As Much 9.) When Will I Be Loved 10.) Bird Dog 11.) Be-Bop-A-Lula 12.) Barbara Allen 13.) Put My Little Shoes Away 14.) Long Time Gone 15.) Step It Up And Go 16.) Bye Bye Love 17.) Wake Up Little Susie 18.) Medley: Devoted To You / Ebony Eyes / Love Hurts 19.) ( Til) I Kissed You 20.) All I Have To Do Is Dream 21.) Temptation 22.) Lucille 23.) Let It Be Me.
The brothers, 44 and 46, respectively, at the time, reeled off hit after hit with renewed energy and vigor. It’s no wonder that when he was asked recently the most memorable moment of his career, Phil Everly replied the Albert Hall reunion. The audience was electrified and the brothers were clearly ready to renew a partnership that continues to this day. For any Everly Brothers fan, or for that matter, anyone who enjoys 1950’s music, this would be a great addition to their DVD library.
Presented in 4:3 screen format, the video looks pretty good for something recorded in 1983. While I wouldn’t say the colors are as vibrant as newer recordings, they have avoided any serious fading. There are also no real issues with digital anomalies such as scratches, dirt or debris.
The audio is presented in DTS Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. While the track is commendable, don’t expect this track to overwhelm your home entertainment system. Likely due to the concert’s age, the bass is far from overwhelming and the surround sound isn’t always overly immersive. Despite that, The Everly Brothers sound better than I’ve ever heard them.
This disc also includes a 45-minute documentary, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Odyssey,” which details their extraordinary career; complete with vintage clips and comments from many famous faces.
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