Paul Rodgers & Friends | Live at Montreux 1994

Tweet

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

Singer and songwriter Paul Rodgers has been a voice for rock ‘n’ roll for four decades. Fronting influential bands, such as Free, Bad Company, The Firm and Queen, Rodgers’ voice is imbedded into our culture and carried on the airwaves of FM radio, lending us a soundtrack to our daily lives. In ’93, Rodgers released Muddy Water Blues, an album that paid homage to the blues and featured artists who also shared his passion for the blues. A tour in support of the album soon came to fruition, with Rodgers being joined on stage with an all-star lineup of musicians.

In July 1994, the tour rolled into Switzerland for the Montreux Jazz Festival. With his entourage of musicians that included many special guests, Rodgers performed songs from Muddy Water Blues and classic cuts from Bad Company and Free. The concert was captured on film and now has been released on the DVD and Bluray formats for fans to enjoy for many years to come.

Rodgers’ all-star band for the tour and the Montreux concert included Neal Schon, Jason Bonham, Ian Hatton and Jason Smithson. The staged also was graced with appearances from Brian May, Steve Lukather, Eddie Kirkland, Sherman Robertson, Luther Allison, Robert Lucas and Kenny Neal. The performances of a varied set of songs from Rodgers’ catalog of music provides insight into the singer’s influences. The strength of the performance starts with Rodgers’ strong vocal prowess and continues with the heavy hitters that fill out the touring band.

Paul Rogers & Friends Live at Montreux 1994 is a nostalgic trip back in time. The music recorded on the DVD is nostalgic for that year, but it also shows that the hits born in the ‘70s are just as relevant now as they were then. Rodgers and company were all a little older and a little wiser, performing to a level that highlighted their skills as musicians. The DVD version lacks any special features, which is a shame because it’s always nice to hear interviews and stories from the time period that the concert was recorded.

Genre: Classic Rock

Line-up:
Paul Rodgers (vocals, guitar)
Neal Schon (guitar)
Jason Bonham (drums)
Ian Hatton (guitar)
John Smithson (bass)

With guest appearances from:
Brian May (Queen)
Steve Lukather (Toto)
Eddie Kirkland
Sherman Robertson
Luther Allison
Robert Lucas
Kenny Neal

Track Listing:
1. Travelling Man
2. Wishing Well
3. Louisiana Blues
4. Fire and Water
5. Muddy Water Blues
6. Good Morning Little School Girl
7. I’m Ready
8. Little Bit of Love
9. Mr. Big
10. Feel Like Makin’ Love
11. Let Me Love You Baby
12. The Hunter
13. Can’t Get Enough (Of Your Love)
14. All Right Now
15. Crossroads
16. Hoochie Coochie Man

Label: Eagle Rock

Hardrock Haven rating: n/a