I just picked it up and watched it Friday evening. I had low expectations because I have not been real excited about a lot of Neil's output and the last several years. ( sorry Neil, I repent )
I tend to pick up about any DVD recorded at the Ryman. ( with the exception of any "hat" acts ).
So, I was kind of expecting it to be a ho hum wading through the new material which takes up the major early portion of the show. I was pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed the material and the filming is superb, subtle and tastefully presented. The spritual aspect of the Ryman experince is preserved and respected.
They never show the audience which I found myself being curious to see as I understand there were quite a few celebs present but this show wasn't about them. A friend of mine got in and sat right behind Meryl Streep who turned and complimented his T-shirt of choice for the evening which proclaimed "Sex, Drug & Flatt & Scruggs".
Spoiler:
Neil reveals that the acoustic he is playing was purchased 30 some years ago from Tut Taylor and that it previously belonged to Hank Williams. In his estimation the last time the guitar appeared on the Ryman stage was with Hank in 1951. Hank Jr. owned it for a time and traded it for some guns. Can you belive that ?
The band is right on the money and is lush and full with occasional strings and Jubilee singers. The Memphis horns fill some space on occasion.
Neil plays banjo on one tune with Emmylou on rhythm and vocals.
Neil's wife Pegi is on board singing backup and playing guitar here and there and you can tell by the interaction that all is well between those two. It's very touching.
Considering they had 10 days to rehearse and preform this entire album for the very first time in public, not to mention getting ready to make the film, this an excellent, flawless document.
It was interesting also that Neil had no songs written when he called his band together to make this record.He would write one at night and they would work it out the next day.
My only regret is that my brother-in-law, who works at the Ryman, was not allowed to work or attend the filming. He would have been a gret additon to some of the sidebar interviews.
If your skeptical about this video, don't be.
