Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Shine a Light

The Rolling Stones have played on the soundtrack of many of Martin Scorsese's classic films, and the authoritative bands' music has clearly been an instrumental part of the director's adult life. In this 2006, two night concert held at Manhattan's Beacon Theatre, these monumental figures of the last half century of film and music collaborated for the first time (well technically Ron Wood appeared in The Last Waltz) in a rigorous (the introductory staging shots are very telling), high energy show. In their mid-60s at the time, the group doesn't sound particularly sharp, but Mick Jagger still moves with a sinuous virtuosity and Keith Richards, Wood, and Charlie Watts all still emit the exuberance of performing. They also receive a nice boost from guest performers Jack White, Christina Aguilera, and especially Buddy Guy and interspersed excerpts from vintage interviews are also a highlight.