Gilmour, David - In Concert

Year of Release: 2002
Label: Capitol
Catalog Number: 92960
Format: DVD
Total Time: 130:00:00

David Gilmour's guitar playing is as a defining element of Pink Floyd as the songs themselves. Imagine tracks like "One Of These Days", "Comfortably Numb", without his melodic lyrical guitar. That's right, you can't! Many often forget that Gilmour also co-wrote many of the most popular Floyd songs, and add in his pleasant vocal style, it shows his overall importance to the total package that was Pink Floyd.

This DVD, recorded at Robert Wyatts meltdown concert of 2002, Gilmour treats us to Floyd classics, played mostly on acoustic guitar (with a backing band on most songs). As powerful as songs like "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" are with the layers of synthesizers and effects used on their studio versions, this shows that the songs were built upon solid foundations. A track like "Wish You Were Here" showed its acoustic beginnings in its final mix on record. Gilmour also drags out two Syd Barrett songs ("Terrapin" & "Dominoes") and a terrific song by Richard Thompson "Dimming Of The Day."

The most spectacular performance on the disc comes from the wonderful backing vocalists. This is a powerful group of singers, and they are just a pleasure to listen to. They shine on "High Hopes" among other tracks, and on the bonus footage you get to see them working out vocal arrangements in Gilmour's living room. Two versions of "Comfortably Numb" are basically the same, but one features Robert Wyatt and his distinctly English vocal style, and the other uses Bob Geldof. Richard Wright comes out to play "Breakthrough" with Gilmour, and his song is treated to a soaring guitar solo from Dave.

Gilmour's seemingly easy going personality adds to the shows warm and intimate feel. He seems the complete opposite of his former bandleader's introverted and angst-ridden ways. But, those dynamics are probably what made Pink Floyd the great band they were. Make sure to check out the bonus features, which has Gilmour playing a wonderful bluesy guitar along with Jools Holland and vocalist Mica Paris on "I Put A Spell On You."

Tracklisting:
Shine on You Crazy Diamond Parts 1-5 / Terrapin / Fat Old Sun / Coming Back to Life / High Hopes / Je Crois Entendre Encore / Smile / Wish You Were Here / Comfortably Numb / Dimming of the Day / Shine on You Crazy Diamond Parts 6-8 / A Great Day For Freedom / Hushabye Mountain / Dominoes / Breakthrough / Comfortably Numb / Extras: Additional Footage - Home Movie - David at home and in the studio / Spare Digits - Six guitar solos focusing on David's fingers / Text/Photo Galleries: Additional Text - Lyric Sheets

Musicians:
David Gilmour - guitar

Discography:
David Gilmour (1978)
About Face (1984)
On An Island (2006)

In Concert (2002) (DVD)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: February 1st 2003
Reviewer: Eric Porter

Artist website:
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Language: english