Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, this ground-breaking, iconic band is like the phoenix bird rising out from its ashes: a magical thing of beauty and strength, continually renewing itself and proving to be utterly indestructible. A seminal part of the 60's British Blues Boom, this iconic band took the standard 12-bar blues, doubled the tempo, set its amps ablaze with some of the most searing guitar work that the history of rock has ever heard and provided a jump off point for arguably three of rock's greatest guitarists-all within a span of only a few years.
Today, this band is recognized as having set the mold for what came to be known as modern hard rock, and more than a few music critics argue that it wasn't simply the phenomenal, experimental, ever-evolving sound of its various lead guitarists that's responsible. Drummer Jim McCarty is lauded by his fellow drummers, music critics and fans as one of the most innovative, daring, totally original drummers in any genre of music.
Today, Yardbirds drummer Jim McCarty marvels that this band is enjoying its 50th anniversary and still going strong. Says McCarty: "We never thought that we would still be popular for years on. Before the band ever got going, I used to work on the London Stock Exchange; I was one of the London stock brokers. I thought that the Yardbirds was gonna last only a couple of years, and I asked my boss: 'When this all blows over is there a possibility of having my old job back?' I didn't think it was gonna get on much more than a couple of years!"
The 2 disc DVD set The Yardbirds-Making Tracks: On Tour 2010-2012 is an eloquent, exciting testimonial for just how wrong McCarty's assumptions of this band's longevity would prove to be. Released on December 11, 2012 via MVD Entertainment Group (MSRP $19.95) it was shot at multiple concert dates and venues over the course of a two year span, using six HD cameras. Produced and directed by Bruce Macomber, Yardbirds drummer Jim McCarty and Yardbirds guitarist Ben King for Reel Time Productions, it features 32 track audio recordings of crystal clarity that will thrill your ears, and some of its footage was captured at B.B. King's in New York City, which was hailed by Guitar World Magazine as "the best concert of the year."
Disc 1 contains 17 songs, featuring new material, while disc 2 contains 'Glimpses,' a tour documentary, extra interviews with the band, 2 songs by The Jim McCarty Band and additional music by The Yardbirds. It's been ages since I enjoyed a DVD set that's such a comprehensive look at an artist/band. There's something here to satisfy everyone's wants, needs and taste.
Jim McCarty: "The DVD The Yardbirds-Making Tracks was great fun to make, and I think it really shows how young and old musicians can work together in a spirit of harmony and energy, giving credence to a great repertoire." I agree, Jim. Here's to the next 50 years!
Product Details:
Format: Color, Dolby, NTSC
Language: English
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: MVD VISUAL
DVD Release Date: December 11, 2012
Run Time: 127 minutes
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