Koch Records has announced the release yesterday (11/11), of Charlie Daniels And Friends Live From Nashville concert video.
The DVD, Preachin’, Prayin’, Singin’, features the likes of Mac Wiseman, Earl, Gary and Randy Scruggs, Del, Ronnie and Rob McCoury as well as Sharon, Cheryl and Buck White as guests. It features songs from Daniels’ Grammy nominated bluegrass gospel release, Songs From The Longleaf Pines, sung at a 2005 concert in the Ford Theater, at The Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum.
Most of the songs are Gospel ones, the exceptions are Salty Dog Blues, 1952 Vincent Black Lightning and Uncle Pen. However, the set is kicked off with a rendition of Walking In Jerusalem, with Mac Wiseman assisting Daniels and The Whites providing background vocals.
The atmosphere in the auditorium is very relaxed and informal, to such an extent that the audience is soon clapping along to the music, as on I’ve Found A Hiding Place. I’m Working On A Building and The Old Crossroads are given a heavy blues treatment with Daniels’ raspy voice bringing an additional edge to both of those songs. Contrastingly, The Old Account and What Would You Give are low-key duets with Mac Wiseman.
For a break from the performances Daniels is shown with US troops in Iraq from where he had just returned and he offers a prayer to all the US forces wherever they may be.
Mid set the Scruggs family ‚Äì Earl, Randy and Gary ‚Äì join Daniels, initially for Salty Dog Blues, although they stay around for the remainder of the show. Salty Dog Blues and the closing number, an instrumental version of I’ll Fly Away allowed for extended instrumental breaks such as banjo and guitar breaks from Earl and Gary Scruggs, respectively.
There is a mistake in the sequencing of the songs on the accompanying leaflet, which lists Uncle Pen after 1952 Vincent Black Lightning when it is in fact the other way round. On the latter Del McCoury sings solo while on the former he is aided by Daniels.
The support band consists of Ronnie and Rob McCoury, Jason Carter, Andy Hall, Tim May and Mike Bub, all top professionals with choice of notes and sympathetic back up being just two of the strengths that are apparent here.
Background vocals are supplied by Sharon, Cheryl and Buck White and Cyndi Wheeler.
In addition to the performance footage, Preachin’, Prayin’, Singin’ features commentary and behind-the-scenes footage of Daniels as he reflects on the early days of The Charlie Daniels Band, playing with The Earl Scruggs Review and the music of close friend, Mac Wiseman.
Other features include interviews and behind-the-scenes conversations with Daniels, Scruggs, Wiseman and others who were an integral part of the evening’s entertainment.
The main part of the film is shown in mono-chrome with a sepia tinge with only the beginning, end and interludes in full colour. The variations don’t detract from the enjoyment of the film.
Daniels will host an in-store event at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Store in celebration of this DVD release on November 19 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
