Dave Specter: Live In Chicago

This Delmark Records DVD from 2008 has a good variety of music in the blues and soul styles. Dave Specter stands out with his instrumentals on four tracks with his Epiphone guitar. Tad Robinson on vocals and harmonica steps forward on three tracks. Jimmy Johnson presents his vocals and guitar on three tracks. And Sharon Lewis sings out on three tracks. The backing band of Harlan Terson on bass, Marty Binder on drums, and Brother John Kattke on keyboards provides a solid platform throughout. Dave Specter's impressive guitar-playing has blues with a touch of jazz to it, as with "Texas Top". I must admit that I'm one that does not see any connection between jazz and blues. So, while I don't like jazz, I can enjoy a blues player that plays "jazzy", if you know what I mean. So much for labels. Tad Robinson brings his heartfelt vocals to the table, but he also holds his own on the blues harp, as on What's Your Angle?". Jimmy Johnson brings his soulful vocals and expressive guitar-playing to the mix, as with "Feel So Bad". Sharon Lewis' vocals are so soulful that the listener will often be overcome with emotion as I am every time I see/hear her take on "Angel", for example. There are many other high spots on this DVD--too many to completely relate here--but just know that overall this is one of the great modern blues DVDs available, in my opinion. We can thank Delmark for going beyond CD recording and getting this material in DVD format. Just sit back, watch, and listen to a great show of music that may very well set the standard for some time to come.

This is a great video! The camera spends much of the show focused on Dave and his guitar. The video, even though it isn't intended to be, is a great instructional tool. I have spent many enjoyable hours watching and learning some of Spector's jazz and blues licks. Hammond players should also check this video out.Tad Robinson is as good a vocalist as I have ever heard.If you like dive bars, discovering talented and hard working but relatively obscure artists, and independent style videos, then this is a gem.

Great video. And I love Sharon Lewis at the end. Sooooo good. Her song "Angle" is sure to get to you.

Great Blues video, amazing guitar!

Great camera work, great guitar playing and great songs. I would recommend getting the CD version as well, its that good.

Excellente prestation de Dave Specter et de ses amis. Le son est très bon, surtout pour un Dvd (non Blu-Ray).