Patty Griffin: Live From the Artists Den (2007)

Great Perfromance but Mediocre Mastering

A co-worker turned me onto Patty a brief time ago and since then I can't get enough of her. She is truely an exceptional performer. I love this DVD performance but the sound quality of the recording is not the best. Also, in my opinion, Patty excels when she is alone with a guitar or piano. Once again, an exceptional artist tries to throw in some strings and it does not work. Especially since the instruments sometime overwhelm her lovely vocals. In all, if you love Patty you will love this DVD. If you don't love Patty, I would still recommend this because she is such a wonderful performer. Just keep the volume low when the band starts to kick in. October 4, 2008

Amazing concert.

If you've seen Patty live - this will bring you back (although you probably haven't seen her in such a cool venue). If you haven't seen Patty live - this DVD will make you want to. Watch it on the big screen with 5.1 - amazing sound to go with the visuals. Great performances from an eclectic group of musicians. The closest I've felt to being at a live performance while watching my TV. The only odd part is the interviews sound funny (in surround sound, but maybe not recorded as such - I don't know), but the music is gorgeous. May 27, 2008

pure Patty

Patty has really come into her own since finding a new record label. She is neither the Lilith-type of her first album, Living with Ghosts, or the angry young girl from Flaming Red. Beginning with "1000 Kisses," she's found her "voice" (sorry, Hillary) There are great songs on every album and her deliver is confident.

This live performance captures that confidence and, consequently, the wit in her music. My only serious quibble is: this show does not come close to matching the range of songs and the performances of her backing band from the tour featuring this same material and band. She has one of the seminal keyboard players, Ian McLagan, playing with her and her guitarist had a great sense of the appropriate sound for her songs. But she does not let either of those performers show their chops (sorry about the cliche) as she did during her touring show. As a result the show on this dvd never really opens up. It is a nice souvenir for those who already love Patty, but it does not offer those less familiar meaningful insight as to what she is capable of.

Many of Patty's songs serve other performers well. The Dixie Chicks did great work with "Top of the World" and "Truth No. 2" (the second song was part of the unreleased Silver Bells album; here's hoping Patty finally releases it.) But the vulnerability and fragility that Patty brings to "Top of the World" is cathartic.

I hope she puts out a dvd with a longer show and better use of her backing band. But for now, this is a fine presentation of one of the top singer/songwriters around. February 5, 2008

Must-Have for Patty Fans

Ok, I'm a bit obsessed. I can't get enough of Patty Griffin and this DVD is just irresistible to me. I've purchased other DVDs and NEVER watched them more than once. I've already watched this one three times. Patty has a strong, beautiful and emotive voice. The band is tight, the arrangements creative and fun. Oh... and she's the best singer-songwriter anywhere. I could go on, but I have a feeling I'm preaching to the choir. Buy this DVD! January 23, 2008

Patty Griffin Live From the Artists den

As a huge fan of Patty's since her first album, it's not so easy to get to see her perform. Now i can see her in concert whenever I want. The true talent of any artist is in there live performances and Patty does not let you down. Her voice is better than ever as well as her songwriting. I recommend this to any fan December 3, 2007

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