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I have to come clean and admit that I was one of the dissenting voices who was confounded by the funky almost pop like approach of Jeff Scott Soto's most recent studio effort "Beautiful Mess". So considering that with a new line up in place and no less than seven of the songs from that album making an appearance on "One Night In Madrid", it would be dishonest of me to suggest that I wasn't a little apprehensive about sitting through one hour and forty minutes of JSS live, especially with the closing number being titled "Funky Medley". However after only three songs of the well shot and produced DVD, not only was I thoroughly enjoying what I was watching, I was also completely reappraising JSS's recent output.
The track listing is actually a great cross section of Soto's career with tracks from most of his solo outings as well as a couple of Talisman songs and the now standard cover of Seal's "Crazy" and "Stand Up" from the Rock Star movie soundtrack. The biggest revelations were twofold, firstly was that all the music lifted from "Beautiful Mess" contains far more bight and urgency on stage and become fantastic crowd pleasing tracks. Secondly is the stunning fret work of guitarist Jorge Salan who blazes through all the songs with a deft touch and subtlety often lacking in this genre. However when he is required to step things up and take control of the songs, boy does he deliver! Soto himself is on top of his game and whilst the small stage doesn't allow him to be quite the usual ball of energy that he can be live, his enthusiasm is infectious and vocally he is a strong as ever.
The intimate setting for the show and the excellent camera work and direction give the feel of the DVD having a (probably) bigger budget than it really did and with a superbly paced set and wonderful performances from not just Soto and Salan but the whole band, "One Night In Madrid" is a hugely enjoyable visual and aural experience and one which fittingly moulds all the aspects of JSS's career. Whether it's the sombre, yet beautiful "Gin & Tonic Sky", the funky kick of "21st Century", or Talisman tracks "Colour My XTC" and "Frozen", the full gamut of Soto's versatility is completely convincing and his range of styles are a joy. Other standouts come in the shape of the uncompromising "Hey" and "Crazy", which JSS has made his own, however, in truth you can dip in and out of this DVD at any stage and be totally engrossed. The "Funky Melody" that so worried me before I slipped the disc in the DVD player also turns out to be a triumph with everything from "Play That Funky Music" and "Stayin' Alive" to "Another One Bites The Dust" and "Brick House" being linked together entertainingly and humorously and it's worth watching for the enthusiastic, if somewhat confused looks in the audience!
Extras wise there are a good selection of video clips and "goofballs", which add to the value of the package as well as a touching tribute to Jeff's ex band mate Marcel Jacob which is a welcome addition.
Jeff Scott Soto's career has taken many twists and turns, however "One Night In Madrid" captures the attitude and joy that he brings to all his music and thanks to that and some excellent performances is a DVD that I will watch again and again. |
![Jeff Scott Soto - One Night in Madrid [DVD]](images/jss.jpg)
