Bruce Springsteen with the Sessions Band: Live in Dublin

Somehow, that drawled, scraggy voice just lends itself and is transformed by mixing Irish ceilidh music and blues grass plus the really fantastic Sessions Band. You won't see or hear a better brass/horn section (well, I haven't!). Add fiddles galore, beautiful female vocals, pipes, slide guitars and assorted 'stuff' and you've got a wondrous mixture, which in its more heated moments, veers gloriously into free-for-all Dixie jazz!

It then goes onto Doo-Wop and gospel vocal styles plus some really natty boogie-woogie tinkling on the ivories. One's right foot soon needs a rest from tapping and so the left takes over... After 90 minutes, when most Live DVDs are ending, this one is just getting into the REAL swing of things...

But, there's also the easy-going and receptive Dublin crowd who chirp in tunefully and enthusiastically on the choruses, that make this one long and glorious Irish pub back-room romp, the sort where you feel that you know everybody and want to go home with them afterwards! If you've experienced such (as I have, in Cork) you'll know what I mean!

The sound quality is superb, as is the filming but it is the colourful and infectious music and its making that REALLY make you feel you are there. This is more party than gig and the good cheer keeps one buoyant for hours after (watch just before bed-time, you'll sleep well - and very pleasantly!).

Other reviewers may know the music better and, as my title infers, I actually rather dislike Springsteen in his usual guise - and I can't quite recall how I actually came to even contemplate buying this DVD, but am really glad I did - Sure, to be sure!

Bruce Springsteen & The Sessions Band: Live in Dublin (2007)

*** (out of 4)

Highly energetic concerts was recorded over three days at The Pointe Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. This was my first time hearing Bruce with The Sessions Band as I passed on the original CD for no better reason than just wanting him with The E Street Band (which we're getting a new CD next month). I was pleasantly surprised to see how much I enjoyed this show, which mixed Hillbilly Rock with Country, Jazz and even Religious music. Springsteen does some of his older tunes including the opener "Atlantic City", "Further On Up the Road" "Blinded By the Light" and "If I Should Fall Behind". These all comes off very well with their new mixes but "If I Should Fall Behind" was the real standout. The new songs include "Jesse James", "Oh Mary Don't You Weep" and various others, all of which came off terrific. I must say that this impressed me enough to go out and buy the CD, although I'm not sure how casual Springsteen fans will feel. I think if anyone enjoys an old time show then this should be up your alley.