I was wrong. The Concert for George, primarily organized by his long time friend Eric Clapton, provided just the catharsis that his friends and fans needed. The CD was hard for me to listen to the first time as I wanted to hear George singing. Eric said it best in an interview, though, when he explained that at first rehearsals were tough to get through, but the rehearsals and show provided a mechanism of grieving to all his personal friends. That explained it brilliantly: They had time to work through it, while the listener did not. (Who says rock stars can't be truly insightful?) The musicians obviously worked very hard to get this just right and they succeeded brilliantly: this CD beautifully captures their efforts.

There are two CDs in the set, one is the Indian music segment, which was a good commercial decision (although George liked Indian music, and I respect that, I would bet than most of the purchasers of this CD are less enthusiastic about it) and the other is the concert in the original order, minus some material to make it fit on the CD. Ringo was a standout with "Photograph", which is still the best Ringo song, and a song that Ringo and George wrote together, and "Honey Don't", an old Carl Perkins song that George loved. Eric Clapton was wonderful on everything he performed on; I particularly liked his pseudo-duet with Paul on "Something", and with the whole ensemble on "Wah Wah", which had breathtaking percussion, and, of course, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", a song veritably made for him.

Without question though, the greatest performance in the show was by Joe Brown, a major institution in early British rock, but today relatively unknown in the US. Joe's main set started with a hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Here Comes the Sun", and then went to "That's The Way It Goes", a song I have always loved, but never got the acclaim it deserved. Joe also closed the show with the dreamy "I'll See You in My Dreams", and he sang it like he meant it. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the beautiful "Isn't It a Pity" by the multitalented Billy Preston.

There were a couple of weaker performances present, though. None that were overtly bad, but they certainly were not up to the standards of the rest of the show. The primary offenders here were Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, who are normally great, but came across as lifeless and flat. I also found Jeff Lynne's voice to sound a bit tired, especially when he sang a verse of "Wah Wah" and to a lesser degree on "The Inner Light." I (really) hate to say it, but I also found Paul's version of "For You Blue" a bit dull. I think it's interesting that Paul picked a song of George's from "Let It Be", an album where tempers ran high and contentiousness prevailed; perhaps that has clouded my vision a bit on the subject.

For any fan of George's this is a must. I never thought that I could like this CD as much as I do since I knew I would miss hearing George on the songs. After a few listenings, though, I now feel happy when I hear it, and have found it to be a fitting tribute to a great man. While we will always miss you, George, I will always be grateful for this beautiful and befitting tribute.

I'll see you in my dreams.


A Loving Farewell From the Material World   November 20, 2003
 44 out of 46 found this review helpful

From the opening track, Sarve Shaam with its wonderful intonation of bells, sarod and hypnotic voices and Eric Clapton's introduction until its conclusion on the second disc with Joe Brown's wonderful "I'll See You In My Dreams," this set is as wonderful a remembrance any man could hope for from his friends and loved ones.
Olivia makes it clear in the notes that George, the quiet one, was in fact full of life, pursuing his marriage and family with the same intensity and respect that he treated his career, all the while retaining the playfulness that set he and his Liverpool colleagues off from everyone else ever in rock. When you consider that this man is one of the 4 reasons anybody ever wanted to be a rock musician, you might think you were approaching the sacred. In fact, as is clear from his friends, he is someone they went to to play ukeleles with as well as to worship or garden with.
He was a whole man. His music in his Beatles, solo, Travelling Wilbury and final days was always about life led on the ground, in the material world, yet not bound by it. It was Harrison who first saw the difference between Haight Ashbury and enlightnement. It was Harrison who realized his tremendous good fortune could be harnessed to work remarkably good things for less fortunate people. He respected what his craft could accomplish and was a selfless, ego-free spirit who could race cars, produce silly movies and prove loyal to family and friends. He was Everyman who had come into good fortune and knew not to take it for granted.
As to the music herein: it is just GREAT! His mates came to this project with great love and respect for their fallen comrade. Ravi and Anoushka Shankar get the project off and running with a couple of sitar pieces and a terrific rendition of "The Inner Light". One is reminded of the start of THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH, and its tremendous setting of a tone of consideration. Much the same effect is produced here. It anchors you in the spiritual world that Harrison embraced.
The second side essays his pop work. Wilbury buddy Lynne kicks things off with "I Want To Tell You," and the CD rocks from that point on. The emotional centerpiece is Ringo's "Photograph." Tough to listen to that without getting misty. It is absolutely the best Ringo's ever done that. Paul kicks in with a very bright and emotionally uplifting "Something" that comes from the heart, as well as the uke. He returns with Clapton to blisteringly deliver "While My Guitar," nearly as transcendent as "Bangla Desh's" version. Tom Petty is just the right touch, especially on "Handle With Care," handled with Dhani Harrison, as sure a chip off the old bloke as you might get. Dad must have been beaming! Billy Preston ecstatically revels in "My Sweet Lord," then Clapton burns it up again on "Wah Wah," which was a reference to him anyway, before Joe Brown sends it all off lovingly.
The son of a Catholic busdriver and Nurse in Liverpool who often said he was sure he would never have amounted to anything had it not been for The Beatles, obviously took from his parents a sense of finding a spirituality to guide his life. That he touched so many of his colleagues as all of us as always and forever being the genuine article says all there needs to be said about the importance of living in the material world with a sense of faith.


Excellent Honor   January 1, 2004
 29 out of 34 found this review helpful

"Concert for George" is an excellent honor to the career of one of our master musicians. The Indian music on the first CD influenced George greatly. While it may not be quite as accessible as the more popular music on the second disc, it is fitting that it is included here. On the studio tribute "Songs from the Material World" that appeared early in 2003, some of the same songs were also covered as on this disc. My favorite on this disc is Tom Petty's rocking version of Harrison's "Taxman." Where the Rolling Stones' Bill Wyman did a more loping studio version, Petty and the Heartbreakers cut it crisply. Moutain's Leslie West did George's "Old Brown Shoe" with a blistering guitar solo while here Procol Harum's Gary Brooker generates steam with slide guitar. The Kinks' Dave Davies did a great version of "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)" where Jeff Lynne adds some real passion to one of George's most beautiful melodies. Todd Rundgren did a wonderful cookie cutter version of George's excellent "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"; and here Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton make this an excellent moment on "Concert for George." I also greatly enjoyed Ringo's version of "Photograph" with the lyrics taking on an exceptional irony now that George has departed the material world. Harrison's music was incredible for his spiritually enlightening lyrics, amazing lead guitar that seems to weep with emotion, original melodies and great wit. His music will be played for generations; and "Concert for George" is a fitting tribute to this incredible man. Enjoy!


Perfect   November 24, 2003
 22 out of 23 found this review helpful

Someone else mentioned a general aversion to tribute concerts. Beatles fans know there have been some pretty tacky tribute shows for John Lennon over the years. But the Concert for George was a true exception, remarkable for the fact that all the participants were personal friends and collaborators of George.

I saw the movie in theaters and loved every minute of it, and now the complete show is available on dvd. But I'm also very glad it has been released on cd. There isn't a bad performance in the bunch, and they all come from the heart.

My personal favorites: all of disc one's Indian music from Ravi and Anoushka Shankar, McCartney's performances, Billy Preson singing "Isn't it a Pity, Clapton's "Beware of Darkness," and Joe Brown's show-closer "I'll See You In My Dreams."

It would've been great if Bob Dylan had been involved, if only to join in on "Handle With Care." I have to imagine Dylan was invited to perform, but as great as it would've been, his absence is certainly not a detriment to this perfect tribute.


Beautiful Tribute For A Beautiful Guy   January 3, 2004
 19 out of 19 found this review helpful

This tribute to George's music and life is an incredibly poignant reminder of how much Mr. Harrison mattered, and how much he is missed.

I was brought into this world around the time of 33 & 1/3, so watching & listening to "Concert For George" wasn't, for me, like taking a stroll down nostalgia lane. I feel really fortunate that I was able to discover the Beatles & George's solo work a bit independently of any trend or fashion. And what a discovery!

There is no one more qualified than Eric Clapton in spearheading this event. Obviously he & George were great friends, and Clapton's understanding & love for Harrison's music is utterly apparent. Eric gives us gorgeous renditions of "If I Needed Someone," "Beware Of Darkness," and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Clapton's anguished solo on the latter is breathtaking.

For me the biggest surprise and delight of the show was the performance of Joe Brown. I had never heard him perform before, and I was blown away by his idiosyncratic voice & dignified renditions of George's songs. Of all the musicians present that evening, Joe Brown's musical approach on these songs most closely resembled George's. His version of "Here Comes The Sun" follows the original closely, yet still retains an appealing freshness. "That's The Way It Goes" was the most adventurous choice of the show set-list (it wasn't a hit or a Beatles song), but Brown's mandolin textures & soft voice fit this Gone Troppo classic perfectly. This song, along with Browns' moving rendition of "I'll See You In My Dreams", are in my opinion the highlights of the night, and both brought tears to my eyes.

Another moving highlight was the performance of Billy Preston. Preston gives us an incredible "Isn't It A Pity," and a soulful rendition of "My Sweet Lord." Gary Brooker gives a rowdy rendition of "Old Brown Shoe," and the Sam Brown & Jools Holland performance of "Horse To Water" is powerful. Incidentally, this performance is not included on the CD; nor are the Monty Python songs. Michael Palin gives a HILARIOUS "tribute" (which is in the same vein as the "Oh Lord, You Are So Absolutely Huge" prayer in "The Meaning Of Life") that I'm sure would have brought a broad smile to George's face.

Anoushka Shankar's rendition of "The Inner Light" is incredible. Her virtuosity is apparent on "Your Eyes," and the Ravi Shankar composition is brilliant, of course. "Arpan" captures the essence, in my opinion, of George's spiritual searching and eventual contentment. This piece is both imposing and playful.

Ringo's contributions are excellent, and they show the flip side of George's image as a serious mystic. "Photograph" is immaculate pop, and "Honey Don't" is of the country/rockabilly tradition that both George & Ringo loved.

Jeff Lynne & Tom Petty were obvious choices for the concert; sadly, their performances are the weakest of the evening. I have never really cared for Jeff Lynne's voice, and he sounds particularly strained on "Wah Wah". His vocals are much better on "The Inner Light" and "Give Me Love," but I feel that his voice really isn't suited for these songs. Lynne's crooning of the Roy Orbison parts on "Handle With Care" is excellent. Tom Petty's rendition of "Taxman" seems a little uninspired, and Mr. Petty's singing on "Handle With Care" is not-that-great. His version of "I Need You" is superb, though. Don't get me wrong, I'm really glad that they were there & they are both obviously capable musicians. I just think that maybe they had an off-night.

Which brings us to Paul McCartney. He gives a great performance of "All Things Must Pass," which is ironic since he & Lennon deemed it unworthy to be on a Beatles' record. McCartney & Clapton deliver a beautiful version of "Something," and "For You Blue" is excellent. It must be said though that McCartney seems to have a compulsive need to always be the center of attention. His interrupting Joe Brown to make a joke was irritating, and perhaps in a weird way fitting, since McCartney apparently got under George's skin quite a bit. Tellingly, McCartney's interruption isn't included on the CD.

This CD/DVD set is a fantastic tribute, and whatever minor flaws that may exist are completely irrelevant in comparison to the powerful performances given by artists that all loved George Harrison & his great music.