Webb Wilder

Webb Wilder isn't prolific (1996 to 2005 without an album), but he found a new spurt of energy in the mid-'00s. Perhaps to capitalize on that, his record company decided to release this career summation DVD concert, recorded in Birmingham, AL with his tight touring band. But despite everyone's best intentions, it never takes off and ultimately doesn't portray the typically sweaty rock & roll experience that Wilder and his band churn up during an average gig. Part of the problem is the sterile surroundings he's working in here. The set is over-lit, the lights remain static throughout, and instead of the natural flow of a live show, each song blacks out after it's over. This results in a chopped up, uneven, even stilted performance that doesn't naturally evolve, as the best concerts do. Add a practically unseen and unheard audience and it seems like Wilder is rehearsing for a show instead of putting one on. That same, rather antiseptic feel extends to the CD, also included in this package. The track list is rearranged on the audio portion, but there remains a palpable lack of spark to the music. Even Wilder's studio albums more effectively capture his jaunty combination of rock, surf, country, and garage, so it's particularly frustrating that this live performance seems so stiff. The singer's booming voice sounds great, his band is in the pocket, and the set mixes better known material such as "Human Cannonball" and "One Taste of the Bait" with more obscure offerings. But, as professional as it is, little jumps out and grabs the listener. That is certainly not the case when Wilder plays live in a packed club with the spirits flowing and no cameras to catch the action. Instead of just capturing the band on a good night, the manufactured setting drains the life out of what is a usually a rugged, journeyman group who normally interacts with loose-limbed exuberance. A short segment of interviews, including a few glimpses of the rarely seen R.S. Field who is responsible for writing much of Wilder's material, is a nice extra, as are a batch of still photos documenting Wilder's career. But the main attraction just doesn't connect, leaving this languishing in the "nice try" bin. ~ Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide