The Incredible String Band

The venerable group is captured in all its magical mirth on this very well-taped show from September 27, 2003, at the Lowry in the United Kingdom. Fans will adore the attention to detail of the camera work, side shots and up-close facials that are augmented by superior audio, the dual keyboards bringing out the material at its quirky best. It's the superb work of Dave Meehan producing and directing, truly a genius in need of an Academy Award for capturing so much important music with authority and care. The dozen and a half or so selections (actually more with the medley) are flawless but have a touch of humanity -- the Incredible String Band are the antithesis of homogenized computer music, despite their sublime proficiency. The interpretive method employed by the group is captured, either when the camera eye focuses on one member, a Clive Palmer engaging in a banjo solo 22 minutes into the concert, or when multiple bandmembers share the frame, a subdued "Empty Pocket Blues" featuring the fiddle and Mike Heron's guitar merging in a duo performance. The DVD has a set list that allows for each song to be played separately, a text biography, and a very good Jet Martin interview with Heron and Palmer that explains the reunion and the material covered. A class act with a quality crew capturing the moment makes for a DVD that is very easy to critique -- essential for Incredible String Band fans and worthwhile for people unfamiliar with these artists who want to immerse themselves in fantastic and timeless music. This one lends itself to repeated spins and should help expand the fan base of this iconic ensemble. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music Guide