Satriani Proves He’s Still Got Plenty Of “Momentum” On New LP

Courtesy: Epic Records/RED Distribution

Joe Satriani’s latest release, Unstoppable Momentum is the famed guitarist’s best release since his 2006 album, Super Colossal.  This new record is the album that fans have waited for since the release of Super Colossal.  It is just as bombastic as Super Colossal and more at some points.  It’s also just as gentle as SC, too at different points.  Perhaps a big reason for the success of this record is the Satch opted for a different backing group than he typically uses on his records.  Many of Satriani’s past records were recorded with Jeff Campitelli on drums and Allen Whitman on bass.  This time out, Satch opted instead to have drummer Vinnie Colaiuta man the kit and Chris Chaney add the low end on bass.  Another change to the lineup that could have created such a difference on this record from his other works was the inclusion of Mike Frasier behind the glass once again.  The two are quite familiar with one another, having worked together on no less than six of Satch’s previous records, including his most recent album, Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards (2010) and Super Colossal.  He also helped with the creation of both of Chickenfoot’s current releases on which Joe played guitar.  That familiarity and friendship between the pair—and the inclusion of new musicians–obviously played a role in the record’s sound as it has proven to be not just his best record since Super Colossal, but one of his finest records to date.

Right from the opening number of Unstoppable Momentum, long-time fans of Satriani’s work know they are in for quite a ride.  The album opens fittingly with its title track.  Simply listening to the song, one can’t help but hear that perhaps Satriani is making a statement early on that even fourteen albums in, he still has a lot left to offer audiences.  He still has that “unstoppable momentum.”  The song’s seeming ABA structure starts off easy before really kicking things up in the middle section.  Joe shows without a doubt that he’s still got plenty left in the tank with his “solos” in this section while drummer Vinnie Colaiuta gives an added intensity with his musicianship behind the kit.  He proves to be just as solid as [Jeff] Campitelli, if not more so.  His ability to handle polyrhythmic patters without missing a single beat is impressive to say the least, both here and throughout the record.  This is just one example of what makes this such a solid record.

Another good example of what makes Unstoppable Momentum a success is the almost Beatles-esque, ‘I’ll Put a Stone on Your Cabin.’  The song’s “A” sections have something of a Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club influence.  Somehow, Satriani and his band mates manage to tie in a sound that is quite the counterpoint to this vibe, making the song into a piece unlike anything that Satriani has ever recorded throughout his career.  It is one of those songs that simply must be heard to be appreciated and understood.      

There is at least one more example of what makes this new record one that fans will enjoy.  And it is the album’s absolutely shortest, but most touching piece.  That song is the one minute and forty-three minute long, ‘I’ll Put a Stone on Your Cairn.’  For those that don’t know, one of the traditional uses of a cairn is as a monument to one who has passed on.  Its use roots all the way back to prehistoric Eurasia.  So placing a stone on one’s cairn would be an act of tribute and remembrance to the deceased.  Keeping all of this in mind, the gentle, dulcet tones of this short opus are sure to create thoughts in the minds of listeners of perhaps those that they have lost.  It offers some of the album’s deepest emotions and is sure to generate among listeners some of the deepest emotions, as well.  Without a doubt, this song may end up being a favorite for fans, even as short as it is.  And it is just one more among so many that listeners will enjoy throughout the course of the album’s eleven total tracks.  The album is available now in stores and online.  It can be ordered online via Joe’s website, http://www.satriani.com, where he has links to iTunes, Amazon, and through his own website.  Fans can also order the new album and all sorts of Joe Satriani gear through his official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/joesatriani.  Fans can keep up with the latest tour updates and news from Joe on his Facebook page, too.

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Recess Monkey Returns With More Fun On New LP

Courtesy: Recess Monkey/Waldmania Publicity

Recess Monkey is back!  This kid friendly Seattle, WA based trio of teachers has released yet another album that both kids and adults will enjoy.  Its mix of sounds and equally fun and funny songs are sure to get younger listeners moving and parents tapping their feet.  One part Jack Johnson and one part Presidents of the United States, the band’s new album is a good introduction to the band for any first time listeners.  This time out, the band—Drew Holloway (guitar, vocals), Jack Forman (bass, keys), and Korum Bischoff (drums)—presents audiences with fifteen tracks of seaworthy silliness and some more serious subjects handled in a wonderfully family friendly fashion.  Having listened through this whole record, it stands out as one of the year’s best children’s albums.

Deep Sea Diver, the newest album from Recess Monkey, opens with the silly song, ‘Tambourine Submarine.’  While it may not be entirely intentional, this song is sure to conjure up instant comparisons to The Beatles’ famed ‘Yellow Submarine’ as well as certain compositions by Jack Johnson with its poppy grooves.  Younger listeners likely won’t get the references.  But the silly lyrics combined with the up-tempo music make together, for a solid opener to this album.  Holloway and his band mates sing on this song, “Hear the jingle jangle beat/That gets the big propeller spinning around/The periscope’s up.  We’re looking for a crew/Could it be you/To dance around to the sound/Down, down, down we’ll go/To move and shake/And make some waves/On the ocean floor below.”  It’s just a fun, happy song that will, as the lyrics note, get young listeners to dance around and have a fun time.  Those same young listeners will have just as much throughout the course of the album’s tracks, including what is sure to be a hit with both parents and kids alike in ‘The Deep End.’

‘The Deep End’ is a fun, beachy tune about a family trip to the pool.  Though its tropical vibe mixed with the topic of swimming is sure to invoke images more of a family beach trip than to the pool.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though.  Considering this combination of sound and images, one could close one’s eyes and see images of a pool with palm trees rising around as the sun shines overhead.  This is one of those songs that simply shout music video.  Parents will especially appreciate ‘The Deep End’ because of its horn section.  The backing horn section plays a rhythm that sounds oddly like a certain 80s tune titled, ‘I’m Walking on Sunshine.’  Keeping this in mind, this song is another hit both for kids and parents.  Kids will enjoy the tropical rhythms and the lyrical expression of a child’s excitement over going swimming on his or her own early on.  Parents will enjoy it for the tropical rhythms and for the nostalgia generated by the horns.  And of course, as fun as this song is, it’s a wonderful candidate for a music video.  All of this combined proves even more what makes Deep Sea Diver such an enjoyable album.

Deep Sea Diver boasts loads of fun, beachy and summer themed songs throughout the course of its fifteen songs.  For all the fun songs included in the album, Recess Monkey also touches on more serious issues without being too serious in a handful of songs.  One of the most notable of those songs is ‘Shrimp.’  This funky song touches on the ever growing epidemic of bullying in our country through the concept of kids picking on other kids for their height. This may seem a trivial issue.  But for children it is a very serious topic.  In an age when words really can hurt, kids need to be able to express themselves.  And they need encouragement from adults that it’s okay to be who and how they are.  Enter, ‘Shrimp.’  This song offers that reassurance in a fun fashion that even parents will appreciate.  Hollway and company do a little “rap” session here, writing, “Don’t look in the mirror/And wish you grew/Gotta love everything you see about you/Instead of staying home/Crying boo hoo/Start thinkin’ ‘ bout the things/Only you can do.”  This verse alone exemplifies everything that children need from adults.  It is that encouragement.  From here Holloway goes on to describe the things that smaller people can do such as: not worrying about hitting one’s head on the trees in the forest, or on a funnier note, not having to eat much to be full and thus being able to get to dessert quicker.  Now, who wouldn’t love that?!  Who doesn’t love dessert?  Exactly!  There’s also mention of smaller individuals being able to get into tighter spaces that taller people wouldn’t stand a chance of getting into and so much more.  In short, this whole song is all the inspiration that young people need even if only in this one area.  And what starts as a tiny bulb can grow into a giant tree.  Confused yet?  Simply put this one song could be the seed to having great confidence later, no matter what bullies may try to do to knock one down.  So kudos are in order in the biggest way, to Recess Monkey for including this song on the band’s new album.  It’s one more of so many songs that parents and kids will love to listen to again and again when the album drops on Tuesday, June 18^th. 

While families await the release of this enjoyable album, they can also check out the guys live.  A handful of performances around Washington state have been posted to the band’s main website, http://www.recessmonkey.com.  The first of those dates is a duo show with Jack and Drew at the Everett Family Fun Fair next Saturday, May 4^th at 1pm.  Fans can check out the full list of performances and all the latest Recess Monkey tour dates and news on the band’s website as well as the band’s official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/recessmonkeytown and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/recess_monkey.  And to download the band’s music—including its upcoming release—fans can get to it via iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/recess-monkey/id434955671.   

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Beatallica Celebrate Abbey Load Release With Special FB Chat Sessions

Courtesy: Oglio Entertainment Group

Members of Beatallica will hold a very special live chat tomorrow, Tuesday, April 16^th.  The chat will be held on the band’s official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/Beatallica.  It will be held alongside the release of the band’s third full length studio release, Abbey Load.  Kliff McBurtney will chat with fans from 1:00pm/12pm CT  – 2:00pm/1pm CT.  Jaymz Lennfield will chat with fans from 7:00pm/6pm CT – 8:00pm/7pm CT. 

Fans will have the chance to ask both band members a variety of questions, including where the record was produced, how the band chose songs for the record, how each song came to life and more.  Kliff McBurtney will offer fans the chance to discuss more in-depth concepts such as tablature.  More information on tomorrow’s special chat and more is available online at http://www.facebook.com/Beatallica.  Fans can order Abbey Load now online via Amazon at www.amazon.com/Abbey-Load-Beatallica/dp/B00BD4K142/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365340477&sr=8-1&keywords=beatallica+abbey+load    

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Beatallica’s Abbey Load 2013′s Most Intriguing Record

Courtesy: Oglio Entertainment Group

Beatles cover band Beatallica officially has crafted in Abbey Load what is the most intriguing record of 2013.  The band’s latest collection of Beatles cover songs is one of those albums for which there is no grey area.  It is an album that listeners will either love or hate.  The question is who will love it and who will hate it.  That’s left up to the listener.  The album—which largely covers The Beatles’ Abbey Road–opens with a cover of ‘Come Together.’  It’s amped up, needless to say.  But there’s a certain something about it which makes it a rather interesting take on the classic.  Perhaps what makes this cover so interesting is that while it is a cover, it does stay at least somewhat true to the original, if only slightly.  One can only wonder considering this, what Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr would think if they were to hear this cover, or if they have heard it. 

Another high point of this rather peculiar album comes in the band’s cover of ‘Please Please Me.’ While this song isn’t on Abbey Road, the band’s cover is pretty interesting.  For the most part, it covers the song pretty closely.  Fans of Metallica’s album, Load will recognize elements of the band’s song, ‘King Nothing’ mixed in.  The mixture of the amped up Metallica cover with the more poppy Beatles cover makes this one of those songs that simply has to be heard in order to be believed.  Regardless of which band one supports, it actually is a pretty interesting mix of sounds and makes for a song that the more open minded audiences on both side might surprisingly find equally interesting and worth checking out.

For all the raucous, up-tempo covers of the Beatles’ classics offered on this record, it does actually have quite an interesting softer moment.  That moment comes in the form of guitarist Jaymz Lennfield’s cover of ‘Blackbird.’  Even though it is one of the record’s few softer moments, it has still been given its own identity.  Unlike The Beatles’ original, Lennfield has taken the song and tuned it down and put it in a minor chord.  The vocals from the original song are also noticeably absent on this cover. Considering the original song’s history, the cover may even lead to discussions of a comparison to A Perfect Circle’s cover of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.’  APC did something much the same with that song with much the same result.  It definitely is one more piece that audiences of both The Beatles and Metallica will want to check out on this album.  Of course, there are plenty more songs for fans of both bands to listen to and discuss.  But that will be left up to them to decide how they feel about this collection of double covers that will be released April 16^th.  It will be released via the Oglio Entertainment Group.  The band currently has no tour dates listed.  But fans can keep up with all the latest tour announcements and news on the band official website, http://www.beatallica.org, via Facebook at, http://www.facebook.com/Beatallica, through MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/beatallica and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/beatallica.

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Live Kisses Another Gem From McCartney

Courtesy: mpL/Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision

Former Beatle and veteran musician Sir Paul McCartney has proven once more on his new release, Live Kisses, why he is still one of the music industry’s most respected names.  This live in-studio performance presents McCartney from Capitol Studios as he recorded the tracks for his most recent release, Kisses on the Bottom.  The recording session was recorded on February 9^th of this year.  A lot went into making Live Kisses the enjoyable in-studio performance that it was and will be for any McCartney and Beatles fan this holiday season and well into the New Year.

Live Kisses takes audiences not so much behind the scenes of the recording of Kisses from the Bottom but into the recording process as it happened.  Watching the recording process at work is just as entertaining as listening to the finished product.  The whole mood of the “performance” is set through simple factors such as lighting, the use of older style microphones, and even recording pieces of the session in black and white.  That alone really helps to elevate the nostalgic vibe of the classic standards included in the record as each is being recorded.  If that isn’t enough, the very setting of the recording room at the legendary Capitol Records adds even more to the throwback feeling of the music.  Especially those who have any knowledge of the history behind Capitol Records will appreciate the session being filmed at the company’s headquarters.  There is even a note about the space in which the recording session took place in the booklet that accompanies this recording  Along with the session’s other factors, they all come together to make a performance that will create a strong sense of nostalgia in any listener’s mind.

The setting and general effect went a long way toward making this performance something very special.  They were just part of the overall enjoyment of Live Kisses though.  While enjoying the songs performed in this session, audiences are also presented with images of his own childhood as he sings, ‘Home (When Shadows Fall).  The combination of the two adds a truly emotional moment to McCartney’s performance here.  Famed jazz musician Diana Krall’s inclusion on the piano on this song makes it that much more of a joy to experience. 

Speaking of Mrs. Krall, both she and her husband Elvis Costello play a role throughout the recording session presented on this Blu-ray disc.  Costello shares with viewers both an introduction to the performance and a transcript of the conversation between himself and McCartney in the accompanying “book” in which the disc comes.  There’s even a joke shared between the two veteran musicians about the inclusion of Krall in the performance.  Of course, the comments regarding her are nothing but positive.  Audiences can find out for themselves what the pair discuss, and can also experience this amazing performance when they pick up this brand new Blu-ray release in store or online.  Live Kisses can be ordered direct online via Eagle Rock Entertainments, website, http://www.eagle-rock.com/product/EVB334289/Live+Kisses and at McCartney’s own official website, http://store.paulmccartney.com/livekisses/usd.php. 

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Frampton Not Just Alive But Rocking On New Live BD

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision

Music legend Peter Frampton created what is one of the most talked about live albums in modern music history in Frampton Comes Alive in 1976.  Thirty-six years after the release of that landmark live release, the guitarist has shown that old dogs can indeed learn new tricks.  For that matter, he also shows that he’s got plenty of new tricks to teach his audiences on the new live release, FCA!35 Tour: An Evening With Peter Frampton.

FCA!35 Tour: An Evening With Peter Frampton was filmed during the band’s 2011/2012 tour celebrating the thirty-fifth anniversary of the album’s release.  It was filmed at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee and at New York’s iconic Beacon Theater.  The two shows come together for a performance that’s just as enjoyable and impressive as Frampton’s original live release.  The first half of the show features Peter and company performing that album in its entirety and in order.  Audiences will be amazed at how strong classic standards such as ‘Doobie Wah’, ‘Baby I Love Your Way’ and ‘Do You Feel Like We Do.’  And just as impressive is the band’s cover of the Rolling Stones’ ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash.’  Being that the Stones are now celebrating their 50^th anniversary together, it was likely just coincidence that Frampton decided on this cover.  But the timing of having this cover is pretty interesting.  It goes without saying that Peter and company paid proper honor both to the song and the Stones with his take on the song.

The band’s cover of ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ isn’t the only cover included in this standout collection of performances.  There’s also an incredible cover of Ida Cox’s blues standard, ‘Four Day Creep.’  Frampton shares vocal duties here with band mates Rob Arthur (keyboards) and Adam Lester (guitars).  All three do an impressive job in their turn, too, sounding like seasoned blues vocalists.  Peter even shows that while he has definitely gotten older over the years, he can still smoke the strings.  That is for certain.  Viewers’ jaws will drop seeing the control he has over his instrument. 

Just as interesting as the cover of ‘Four Day Creep’ is the band’s cover of Soundgarden’s (yes that Soundgarden) ‘Black Hole Sun.’ This cover is a full on instrumental cover.  There are no vocals here, although the original has vocals.  Frampton’s take on this grunge classic is original to say the least.  His band mates show they’re just as praiseworthy as Frampton on this cover.  That’s especially the case with drummer Dan Wojciechowski.  His performance would make Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron proud.   Add in some rather interesting visuals on the video screens behind the band, and audiences get what is definitely one of the standout performances in this new release.  Yes it seems minor, but even the visuals play a role in the performance.  The visual here is a large mass of what is perhaps a sun like object exploding.  As it explodes, it changes color and shape throughout the song.  It’s a rather subliminal visual.  But it works to help add that extra something to the song.

The band’s covers of ‘Black Hole Sun’ and ‘Four Day Creep’ mixed with the performances of its own original works goes a long way toward showing the band’s versatility.  It proves that not just Frampton himself, but the entire band still has some new tricks.  So much more could be noted of the songs included in this collection.  But that would take far too long as one should also note the video and audio quality of the performances included here.  The picture and sound are both crystal clear.  And those with Blu-ray players and HD TV’s will especially see just how clear the picture is.  Combine that with expert camera work and the equally expert performance from the band, and home viewers get yet another outstanding live release from Eagle Rock Entertainment.

FCA!35 Tour: An Evening With Peter Frampton is available now in stores and online.  It can be ordered direct via Eagle Rock’s website at http://www.eaglerockent.com.  And for all the latest from Peter Frampton, fans can check out his website, http://www.frampton.com or “Like” him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PeterFrampton.  Fans can also get the latest news and more from Peter on his Myspace page, http://www.myspace.com/peterframpton. 

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New Eagle Rock DVD, Blu-Ray Presents The Life Of One Of Music’s Greatest Producers

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision

Andy Wallace.  Rick Rubin.  Bob Rock.  To most people, names such as these mean very little to most music lovers.  The names in question are those of some of the music industry’s most well known and respected producers.  Just as the director is the head of a movie, the producer is the head of a popular record’s creation.  Wallace, Rubin, and Rock are just three of a slew of other very famed names behind the boards.  Every generation has had its share of famed producers.  One of the most famous to this day is one George Martin.  Don’t know who he is?  Then a journey back in time in the brand new DVD, “Produced by George Martin” will introduce audiences…or rather re-introduce….them to a man who is perhaps one of the greatest producers ever.

George Martin is known largely for his work with one of rock music’s greatest bands ever.  The band in question is none other than The Beatles.  In the new DVD and blu-ray, audiences get a glimpse into how Martin rose from an impoverished youth to become an employee of Parlophone Records, and eventually the label’s head.  In between, he shares stories of his time serving in the military.  Under Martin’s leadership, Parlophone Records became one of Great Britain’s leading labels during the 1960’s.  And that was by and large due to having signed not only The Beatles, but also the lies of Peter Sellers (of the Pink Panther movie franchise) and Millicent Martin. 

One part documentary and one part video bio, “Produced by George Martin” tells Martin’s story through his own words and those of former Beatles, Ringo Starr and Sir Paul McCartney.  The presentation spends an expansive amount of time on Martin’s relationship with The Beatles early in the band’s career.  One of the funnier moments in Martin’s discussions with Ringo and Paul was that while he liked the band, he didn’t like the band’s original drummer.  Unknown to him though, while he was looking to get a session drummer to replace the band’s original drummer, the band had already replaced him with Ringo.  His wife is along for the ride, too for many of the stories, laughing and joking with him all the while.  As a matter of fact, the entire piece starts off by telling how George and his wife, Judy, met.  It’s set against the music of one of Britain’s greatest pop singers, Matt Monro.

For anyone who is an avid Beatles fan, or wants to even learn about one of the music industry’s most famed producers, “Produced by George Martin” is one of those pieces that’s worth the watch.  The actual presentation included on the DVD and blu-ray runs just short of an hour and a half.  However, there is nearly an hour’s worth of extra material that fans will love.  It should be noted though, that there is some brief language and nudity.  So some moments may not be suitable for some younger viewers.  That aside, it is still an interesting piece of music history for any fan of classic rock or music in general.

“Produced by George Martin” is available in stores and online now.  It can be ordered direct via Eagle Rock Entertainment’s website, http://www.eagle-rock.com. 

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The Greatest Matt Monro shows why Matt Monro is one of The Greatest

Courtesy: EMI

Matt Monro is one of the greatest singers in the history of both jazz and popular mainstream music.  It’s been just over two decades since the world lost this vocal giant.  But thanks to work from his daughter, Michele, and the people at EMI, Monro’s legions of fans worldwide get to experience many of his greatest songs thanks to the 2010 release of “The Greatest Matt Monro.”

“The Greatest Matt Monro” is a fitting title for this recent compilation.  There are many people out there who know of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and so many other vocal legends.  But there are just as many who don’t know about Matt Monro.  This compilation could change all of that.  It includes many of his own pieces, as well as covers of other greats such as ‘Fly Me to The Moon (In Other Words)’ and ‘Yesterday’ among others.  Most audiences know ‘Fly Me to The Moon (In Other Words)’ thanks to Frank Sinatra.  But Monro’s rendition of the hit gives it a whole different life.  It’s a much smoother take on the song.  And his take on ‘Yesterday’ is just as powerful as the original.

This compilation also has more than enough songs to make for plenty of memorable moments for couples and happy couples to be.  From ‘Let There Be Love’ to ‘When I Fall in Love’, to ‘The Nearness of You’, there is plenty of material for a romantic moment any time of the year.  And the control that Monro had over his voice shows through in every song.  He was able to capture every little nuance of every song.  That ability to voice so much emotion so beautifully makes this compilation an absolute must have for any true jazz fan.  It’s just as beautiful an introduction for those who are unfamiliar with the work of a man who is at least one of the Greatest–if not THE Greatest–vocalists of all time.

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The Love We Make makes for a great documentary

Music, it’s said, is the universal language.  It’s been said that it has the power to unite people of every background from every corner of the world.  In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, that adage never proved truer than with the Concert for New York.  And in Paul McCartney’s recently released dvd, The Love We Make, audiences get a glimpse into everything that led up to the concert.  Needless to say, The Love We Make is not a concert dvd.  It’s a documentary.  And anyone who is left dry-eyed by the end of this work is either not human, or simply has no emotion.

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Love We Make is how it portrays McCartney.  Generally in music documentaries, audiences just see the artists as artists.  But with this documentary, audiences see another side of McCartney.  They see Paul McCartney the person equally balanced with Paul McCartney the artist.  It shows how much performing for the people of New York meant for him, in the wake of that tragic day.  He tells the story during the documentary that his decision to headline the concert was influenced by his father.  He explains that his father was a firefighter in WWII, and seeing what happened on September 11th reminded him of how important it was to honor those men and women who give of themselves every day.

McCartney’s story about his father has a lasting impact throughout the documentary.  Audiences get to see his human side as he signs autographs for people, and talks to them about what had happened.  What it serves to do is show that while yes, he’s a celebrity, he’s still a normal average person.  He’s someone who wanted to help, even if it means having to appear on Howard Stern.  Speaking of Stern, his reaction to Stern’s showing at the concert only added to his humanity.  Along with seeing his humanity, viewers see someone who is a true musician.  Again, yes he’s a celebraity.  But the documentary shows him as someone who is more about the music and the people than about the celebrity status.  It makes the 94-minute run time seem to pass by without effort from either the director or audience.

It’s been just over ten years since what is now considered this generation’s Pearl Harbor.  Since that time, some people have forgotten the sense of togetherness and community that was felt across the country at that concert.  People from every walk of life came together for a singular reason, and a single night to honor those men and women who lost their lives on one of this nation’s darkest days.  But thanks to The Love We Make, hopefully those who might have forgotten that feeling will remember it anew after watching this outstanding film.