DVD Review: “A Tribute To Les Paul: Live From Universal Studios Hollywood”
Les Paul needs no introduction; his work and his impact
are truly unparalleled. His influence on the music world will forever be felt;
his legacy is everlasting and deserves to be recognized whenever the
opportunity arises. Enter A Tribute To
Les Paul: Live From Universal Studios Hollywood, a star-studded, one-night
tribute to an icon. Filmed live at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on
February 8, 2006, A Tribute To Les Paul: Live
From Universal Studios is an unforgettable night, headlined by a show
stopping rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” by Slash, while smoking a
cigarette, and Edgar Winter. Slash’s mastery of the Gibson Les Paul guitar
takes center stage just over a minute into the track, and Winter is no slouch
thanks to a powerful vocal delivery and silky smooth saxophone interlude. That’s
not the only standout here as Toto’s Steve Lukather brings the six-string heat
on Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing" and Joe Perry and Buddy Guy also
bring the house down. Other highlights include performances by Joe Satriani and
Neal Schon.
Slash, who tells a great story about Paul wiping the
stage with him at a show they once played together at the Roxy, Schon, Robben
Ford, Kenny Aronoff, Lukather, and Winter are among those who pay their respects
to Paul and his contributions to music, but its hearing from the man himself,
Les Paul, taken from his final interviews recorded at his home in Mahwah, New
Jersey, that’s the highlight of the interview portion of the DVD. His Gene
Autry story is just tremendous. Paul even lists some of his favorite guitar
players to watch (sorry, no spoilers).
And on top of all that, the special event was held to
raise funds and awareness for the South Central charity A Place Called Home,
designed to give at-risk youth a safe and secure environment they can thrive
in. What better way to honor a man that has given so much to something we all
love.
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