Truly a test to the man's awesome talent
591078
This is a great cd. You can't go wrong with this purchase. He tears it up. Too much talent displayed on this project.
2753293
Excellent! For once, a genius who was a decent human being!
4902446
He's well on his way.  Great music , you can feel the emotion in his music, he has that type of voice.
2995025
Martin is just a very special talent and a wonderful human being. This and all his albums will be an uplifting spiritual experience. Martin and Dennis Cahill (a mega talented guitarist,)will elevate you. This cd is a breath of fresh air. Lou Baldino from Burning Bridget Cleary.
4564232
Great music from a greatly skilled musical artist.
3656508
You have to respect Dweezil's heartfelt motivation to mount a tour profiling the music of his father.  Dweezil states he took two years off just to learn the pieces and I believe it.  To state that Frank Zappa's material is difficult to perform is an understatement.  Frank's bands all required the most talented of musicians, each of whom had enormous respect for his farsighted compositional talent and brilliant musicianship.

What we have here is Dweezil's approach to a Zappa-inspired evening of music.  The music is outstanding and so are the performances.  Many of the pieces are metered a little slower than Zappa performed them during his day, but keep in mind the complexity of the music.  During Zappa's tours his musicians lived and breathed the music and Zappa would often push the envelope to stretch their abilities.  As Zappa's tours progressed and his musicians became more proficient with the material, the tempos would accelerate.  Dweezil chose to approach some of these pieces at a slower tempo and it's only speculation as to whether this was a stylistic decision or a decision based out of necessity to ensure a clean performance.

One thing I really respect while watching these performances is how Dweezil lets the music speak for itself.  He doesn't get into physical or facial grinding while performing.  He stands and plays, just as his father did.  Most of the time, even when he's shredding, his face and stance are relaxed.  He practices economy of motion while playing; he moves what's necessary only when necessary.  I respect this.

The two guest performers during the latter part of the performance are former Zappa alumni, guitarist Steve Vai and drummer Terry Bozzio, both of whom are prodigious masters at their instrument.  Both musicians provide fabulous performances and are allowed time to show off their talents, but this DVD is really about the music.  The DVD doesn't focus too much on Steve's playing, although he takes a number of outstanding solos.  Terry is provided a lengthy drum solo towards the end of the performance and the encore culminates in a trading of licks between Dweezil and Steve and eventually other band members.

What makes this DVD really stand out is it's not a DVD only Zappa fans can appreciate.  My wife came over from China two years ago and has never heard of Frank Zappa or seen any of the musicians on the DVD.  She sat with me for two hours carefully watching every song, asking questions about the musicians and the music, and this provided a great opportunity for me to teach her about this brilliant genius named Frank Zappa who gave such a wide-ranging gift to the world through his music.  At the end of the DVD she said to me, "Whaaa!  I like this man... His music very good!"

I think this is what Dweezil hoped to achieve--to preserve Frank's music and memory for future generations to discover and enjoy.  Dweezil expresses this sentiment to the crowd through tears of respect and joy.  You can see the love and respect he has for his father.

It really goes to show, while Frank may no longer be with us, his music really does live on.  Dweezil's homage on this DVD is a testiment that that.
4800799
AH does it again!  What an amazing talent! His music is true to who he is, god-fearing man, husband, father. Can't stop playing!  Thanks for keeping old school, live instrumentation alive!
3588770
I bought this dvd on Saturday 20, and couldn't stop playing later!  although you are not his fan, I think you may be change your mind if you see his performance in this dvd!  He's a real artist that can sings and dances. I love everything about him, I love every songs but my favorite is 'Cry me a river' because in this song he seems mysterious man that looks calm and hot at the same time!  I love emotion of song and his acting, so I was impressed and cried. I never loved any singers like him before. I think he's cute and has talent. Like a fan from USA said, 'I can't imagine music without him'.  I'm really glad with his success, I love him and he will on my heart forever....
3896762
This young man from Holden WV has tremendous talent.  I watched him all thru America's Got Talent in 2011.  He won that competition.  I have friends in Logan Co. WV who know him personally and he really is the nice humble person you saw on that talent show.  He has a tremendous stage presence.
1044211
Even though I don't like the guy but I'll watch anyhing he does cause of his tremendous talent. He hits it out of the park with this one
2616837
He's got so much texture to his voice...amazing talent! He's sot such an old soul vibe to his voice...love his sound!
4779639
You will love this man's immense talents; should you get the opportunity to see him live as I did, DO IT! (Ticket prices are OUTRAGIOUS however!)
3953690
I was drawn to Shawn's music last year with his release of "Simply Nothing". His testimony is awesome and his lyrics are genuine and to the point. His style of music is very unique (acoustic w/ r&b undertones) and easy to listen to.

This live album showcases his true talent. There are a few new songs on this album and a few songs from Simply Nothing are omitted although all the really good ones are here (Take My Hand, Gravity, etc.)

If you like "Simply Nothing", you'll want to get this album to hear him outside of the studio setting. He is truly a unique new talent.
29926
OMIGOD! he outdid himself....if THATS possible...I want to go to see him LIVE....would loved to have been there for that show. His parents must be so proud. I said in an earlier rating that he is among the BEST, one of the TOP performers of all time. I look forward to more good things from him.
886368
Carreras is just brilliant. This was recorded at a time that he might be developing cancer but he did not know yet. His performance is just astonishing! :)
4355379
Terrific acoustic versions of some of his best songs (career-spanning) - the man is pure talent, as anyone who has seen him live can attest.  A very worthy addition to his catalog.
2901466
I have always thought Yehudi Menuhin was a true Renaissance` s man. He must have cultivated the friendship as a Greek Gods gift. According the vast amount of different players and conductors all along three quarters of century, nothing seems to contradict it.

His musical interests were signed for this previous sense of sincere conveyance and desires to accomplish new horizons and establish with the listener an immediate rapport. You may feel in this introspective and dainty piano chamber works, the sublime accuracy  of a superior artist in progress.

It was not mere casualty his multiple collaborations were abundantly fruitful not only for both players, but the musical universe in general.

These pieces are played with such enraptured inspiration and absolute conviction, that hardly you will be able to get in the actual market any other recording that is even close in what resemblance, character or sheer approach

Gratifying and rewarding recordings to keep in mind.