One of many female singer-songwriters whose career took off during the mid-1990's, Sheryl Crow has consistently remained a solid recording artist and concert draw over the past 17 years. A rootsy performer in the Tom Petty/Stevie Nicks vein, she overcame the many controversies associated with her debut, 1993's Tuesday Night Music Club, to become a mainstay on the Billboard charts.
Recorded live in 2004 for WTTW Chicago's Soundstage, Sheryl Crow Live features the former Michael Jackson backup singer delivering a surprisingly mid-tempo set that only achieves real lift-off right in the middle.
Image Entertainment Presents Sheryl Crow Live, Recorded for WTTW's Soundstage
Conjuring a mellower vibe right from the first tune ("My Favorite Mistake"), Crow and her 4-piece band keep things fairly relaxed for most of the set. The performances are crisp and professional, but one wishes Crow would kick out the jams. But, just when you're expecting the Cali-soaked mellow vibe to extend for the entire show, she lets loose for a 4-song set featuring her first smash "All I Wanna Do," then following it up with "Soak Up the Sun," "Everyday is a Winding Road" and a roaring cover of Nick Lowe's "(What's so Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding."
Unlike some singer-songwriters (Jewel, for instance) who have trouble translating their sound through the grit and grind of a backing group, Crow is comfortable with the full band format. Whether playing a Guild bass, a couple of Gibson acoustics, a Fender Telecaster or a piano, Crow's playing is always strong in the mix. She also gives plenty of space for lead guitarist Peter Stroud to lay down some tasty licks on both slide and electric guitar.
Her set also features a few covers, from the David Baerwald-penned "Leaving Las Vegas" and aforementioned Nick Lowe cover (Crow gets in a few choice comments about the Iraq War) to Cat Stevens' "The First Cut is the Deepest."
While Crow may be more comfortable with a backing band, Jewel has the edge in onstage banter. Sheryl Crow is less relaxed onstage and her in-between song comments feel rehearsed.
Sheryl Crow Live DVD Extras
Sheryl and the band perform the rarely-unleashed ("We never do this one," she says in the intro) tune "Members Only."
Sheryl Crow Live a Satisfying Performance
While Crow is more a solid than spectacular performer, this DVD should satisfy longtime fans and more casual listeners will get something out of it as well. Sheryl Crow Live gets a 3.5/5.
Dominic von Riedemann - Dominic is the Animated Film Feature Writer, and winner of 11 Suite 101 Editors' Choice Awards.
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