Music Review: A Concert by the Lake (Blu-ray, Eagle Rock)

A concert presented in Blu-ray format featuring Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Roger Taylor (Queen) and Mike Rutherford (Genesis) may sound like a sure thing. And to be sure, there is plenty on this new release to enjoy, especially for fans of the artists involved. But as is also typical of this kind of multi-artist event, there are some weak spots to be sure. Filmed in Surrey, England in 2005, this concert featured “Band du Lac” (French for “Bank of the Lake”) assembled by Procol Harum singer Gary Brooker in an event benefitting the Heart and Stroke Trust Endeavour (HASTE). Judging by the attire of the audience, tickets were pricey—you've never seen so many tuxes and elegant dresses in one place. Musically, the show is generally loose. Clearly the main goal here was to have a fun night playing some cool songs, rather than to make music history. And fun they had, kicking off with a lively version of “Tequila” (I half-expected to see Pee Wee Herman jump on the stage). Highlights include strong performances by Clapton (“Lay Day Sally”, “Cocaine”), Mike + the Mechanics singer Paul Carrack (who does an excellent take on his 70s hit with Ace, “How Long”) and Taylor, who did a fine job singing up front rather than in his drum stool with Queen. There are some rough spots. Never the finest possessor of the finest voice, Starr has two tones—flat and flatter—in his spirited set. Oh well. I expected more from the big finale, a cover of the Genesis hit “I Can't Dance” anchored by Rutherford's chunky guitar chords, but it's sunk by a surprisingly stiff (and at times pitchy) lead vocal by Brooker. Carrack would've done a much better job on that one, I'll bet. Also, an otherwise fine version of the Procol Harum classic “A Whiter Shade of Pale” (with Carrack doing a nice job on the organ part) is subverted by an out-of-place sax solo. I appreciate trying to do new things with old songs, but some things are just sacred, and some things just sound wrong. Still, all in all, there is plenty to enjoy here, especially for fans of classic British rock. The picture and sound, as you'd expect on Blu-ray, are spectacular, especially in 5.1 surround, and this is overall a good show for a good cause.