John Nepovietz
Only Roy could make the group of musical "superstars" on the stage look like a bunch of side men. He stood head and shoulders above his peers, and they didn't seem to mind being in his shadow in the least. He goes through just about his entire catalog of hits (and what a catalog it is): his voice is as bright and vibrant, and in some cases better, as the day he originally recorded them. Visually, this is what a concert should look like. Simple staging, black and white video, clear as a bell sound, no instruments being lost by bad mixing. The band playing and singing like the pros they are. And Roy Orbison singing better than any man his age had a right to. If you don't have this DVD, go and get it. I can guarantee you this will not be a DVD that you'll play once and put in the back of your collection.
j_stueve
I don't know that I can add much to what has already been written about Black & White Night, but I'll say this. It's the ONLY thing I've ever watched on PBS that motivated me to call in a pledge, and I did it to get the DVD.Watching Roy playing with newer stars who clearly admired his artistry, and seeing old masters like James Butler setting a standard for the youngsters to emulate was truly a moving experience. Knowing that Roy passed not long after this show gave it a bittersweet taste, but on this night he was on top of his game; his voice never sounded better, and he reminded us all of his unique writing and vocals which I've not seen anyone duplicate yet.I've enjoyed listening to the DVD on my stereo system for the music, but watching these people come together in homage to Orbison on the video is the only way to really get the full effect of this wonderful night recorded for posterity. Kids from the 50's and 60's as well as those 30 years younger will enjoy this DVD. It's one of my all-time favorites.
cj909
I own this on DVD, but to this day whenever it shows up on PBS (roughly every 24 hours, where I live, lol!), I am compelled to watch it start to finish.There is a phenomenal array of musicians on stage, all there to play with one of the greatest talents in musical history. It's quite possible that a lot of people think Elvis and Chuck Berry when they think of the start of popular rock and roll music, but Orbison's writing, musicianship (and that voice!) tower over the others of that era. The presence of all the other names doesn't make one think of a 'star studded' VH1/MTV made-for-TV extravaganza, but more a group of able musicians both paying homage and participating in a real musical performance, in concert with each other, not taking star turns even as they step up to play a solo or sing with 'the master'.All the players are fantastic and are thrilled to be there, but Springsteen in particular looks like a little-league 11-year old getting to play ball with Mantle, Ruth, Robinson and Aaron. His awe and exuberance at being there mirrors what anyone has to feel watching this show.(and a P.S. - no audio problems on my disk or on the televised version.)
sunbeam-4
As an amateur musician, I truly appreciate great music, and this was one of the best hours of television I've ever seen. Everyone was great, especially Roy, Bruce and the other guitar players and musicians. I especially liked Jennifer Warnes, K.D., and Bonnie as backup singers.
To sum it up- a truly inspiring hour of music and a tribute to Roy, who passed away way too young. There should be more shows of this caliber- TV would be a better place.
AD
