Johnny Cash At Town Hall Party 1958-1959

Customer Reviews:

A great gift to all who loved the man.......2007-01-21

To really get an artist's personality, sometimes you need to see them live. I don't know if that's true with Johnny but I know it sure doesn't hurt. This is a very young Johnny with Luther and Marshal. Three friends, lots of fans, and a set of songs that you'll probably recognize from his few albums that were out at that time. Yes, there are several repeat performances but nothing really overshadows the fact that you get to see this piece of music history. It doesn't take any of the shine off it is what I'm saying. Complete with some teasing onstage banter and a one or two minute bout of outright goofyness as Johnny imitates an anonymous singer...if you can't figure out that it's Elvis he's impersonating...than you don't know Elvis and you were born in a cave. This is not a rock and roll show by any means. It's perfect and original country concert and what a collectors item. A real treasure. Glad I got a hold of a copy. No problems with audio or visual quality. For the time period, having to turn the volume up a little extra is not an issue [for me atleast]. Enjoy.

A MUST OWN for Johnny Cash Fans.......2006-08-22

I'm probably one of the youngest Johnny Cash fans I know....I'm only 31. I've read several books of his, and seen many of his performances. The sound and video quality on this dvd are less than perfect, but it is VINTAGE Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two from the early years. BEST I've seen....really puts accross the style and demeanor that got them to the top.

Even with the less than perfect video and audio (restored pretty good though considering the age of the footage), ANY Johnny Cash fan will rock to the tunes....and it almost feels as if you're there back in the 50's! Highly reccommended!

Johnny Cash At Town Hall Party 1958-1959.......2006-07-01

The only reason I don't give 5 stars to this DVD is because of the quality of the sound and video. They are both good enough to allow thorough enjoyment of the DVD, but they aren't as good as is customarily expected in today's market. Having said that, if you are a long-time Cash fan, I guarantee you will enjoy watching this DVD. The experience of watching these young Johnny Cash performances rates 5 stars. Don't buy it for the quality, buy it for the fun of being entertained by Johnny. I don't know of anywhere else that a significant performance of a young JC is available like it is here. It's fun to watch. As another reviewer mentioned, it is also interesting to see the growth in young Cash as an entertainer that occurred from 1958 to 1959.
I was hesitant to buy this DVD because of different reviewers' comments on the sound and video quality. But I did buy it and I am glad I did. I enjoyed it so much I bought another copy and gave it to my Dad for his 80th birthday. So, if you're a long-time Cash fan like I am, I recommend you buy two: one for yourself and one for the person who turned you on to Johnny Cash so long ago. You'll both be glad you did.

What more could you want!?!?.......2006-05-01

I am a long time Johnny Cash fan, and a big time music collector (especially in the area of concert footage). I owned Johnny Cash! The Man, His World, His Music (along with other JC DVDs); And loved it, but I wanted some younger concert footage of Johnny. I knew it existed from seeing clips of it on documentaries and the Hurt video (the clip where he is singing Walk the Line and looks at the camera and winks...yeah its on here!). I stumbled upon and immediately had to buy it (thank goodness for one click purchasing). Here is my review of the DVD: When I first put this in I was hesitant about the quality, it was naturally black an white, and the camera moved around like a bad home video (this was less obvious after the beginning). But after the first song none of this mattered, both shows are an amazing and rare document of a young Johnny Cash adapting to the trappings of rock star fame. I agree with another review on here that, if you are a Johnny Cash fan and do not own this...wait no longer! I would give this 10 stars if I could. The second show is the stronger one (which isnt to take away from the first at all), Johnny is confident, has great stage presence...and man oh man, the performance of Big River is off the charts! We see alot of Johnnys trademark yells (whoooo), and the ever classic lifting the guitar up high to the mic. I cant say enough good things about this DVD. The sound quality is great, the picture can be daunting at first but like I said, you wont even think about it once he gets into the second song. Any fan of music would not regret making this a part of their collection.

Johnny Cash straight out of Compton.......2006-02-28

This DVD contains two excellent shows at Town Hall in Compton, California. One is from 1958 and the other is in 1959. It's interesting to see the difference that a year on the road can do to a band. In 1958 Johnny looks fresh and new and is full of wise cracks. The songs are excellent and the Tennessee Two are amazing. In 1959 Johnny is a lot more confident but looks a little tired and drained. Nonetheless, it is still an amazing show that I wish I could of experienced. The picture quality is what you can expect from the era but I feel it just adds to the essence of the experience. These two film clips are priceless and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for some old school Johnny Cash at his best.

Average customer rating:

Eddie Cochran Live In Los Angeles
A Great Talent

Eddie Cochran - At Town Hall Party
Starring: Eddie Cochran
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00007J4V5
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Customer Reviews:

Eddie Cochran Live In Los Angeles.......2007-02-18

First, I must be honest. This DVD is expensive and the performance is not very long (maybe 30 minutes). However, if you want to answer for yourself the question of what the true king of the rockabilly cats was like in concert (sorry Elvis, you never wrote a song), this is the only DVD that will do it. An interesting note is that this Town Hall Party show occured on the actual day of Buddy Holly's funeral. Cochran had performed on the same bill with Buddy Holly and the Crickets and was reported to have spent some quality time with Holly, so you can't help but wonder what his thoughts were on that day. There is no mention of Buddy Holly at all, so that question isn't answered. As for Eddie's performance, Cochran comes off as incredibly mature, well spoken and professional. It's very hard to believe he is in his early twenties. The words that best describe Cochran are "smooth, polished and confident" without being cocky. You almost feel that he would be more at home in Vegas performing for adults than he would for teenagers. If you've seen the Gene Vincent performances on Town Hall Party you will wonder how Gene and Eddie could have performed so often on the same shows in England. Cochran's voice and stage presence are so much more professional than Vincent's that they really aren't well matched. Vincent seemed like an amateur in comparison to Cochran. The one disappointment here is that Cochran doesn't play many leads on the guitar. In fact, he lets his back up band rock out more than he does (saxophone lead on a Cochran song!). Cochran's recordings show that he was a talented and original lead guitar player in the studio, but I get the feeling that he wasn't confident enough to pull it off on stage at this point (or the sound equipment might not have been good enough in those days to do it). If you want to see the young man that inspired Brian Setzer (and the Gretsch guitar that launched a 1,000 Rockabilly cats) this is the only DVD that will satisfy your soul. It's 5 times the footage ever shot of Buddy Holly. Go Cat Go!

A Great Talent.......2003-02-03

The Town Hall Party TV Shows 1959'

Introduction (Jay Stewart)/Instrumental (Dick D'Agostin & The Swingers) /Introduction (Dick D'Agostin)/C'mon Everybody/Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/Don't Blame It On Me/Summertime Blues/Interview (Johnny Bond)/Introduction (Jay Stewart)/Night Walk (Dick D'Agostin & The Swingers) /Introduction (Dick D'Agostin)/School Day/ Be Honest with Me/Money Honey/C'mon Everybody
Approximate Viewing Time: 30 Minutes

Well after over a few years in the making, to use movie speak, the long promised footage of Eddie Cochran backed by Dick D'Agostin & The Swingers recorded live at The Town Hall Party on 07 February 1959 is finally available for all to savour, drool over, enjoy and perhaps regret that Eddie is no longer with us to realise the esteem in which he is held. I am aware of many hurdles that have been placed in the way of Rockstar/Bear Family Records in trying to release this video and our thanks has to go to all concerned that we are able to hold the finished product in our grubby mitts.

The footage is in monochrome but that only adds to the atmosphere that oozes from the screen, for sure this is the real thing. Genuine fifties live rock `n' roll from one of it's leading exponents ably backed by Connie `Guybo' Smith and Dick D'Agostin & The Swingers. The show is split into two shows, both initially introduced by a cool looking Jay Stewart and on each occasion this is followed by an instrumental from Dick D'Agostin & The Swingers. The first has no known title but the second is the tight raspy sax lead menacing `Night Walk'.

For the first show, after a brief welcome from Dick D'Agostin, Eddie Comes on an launches into the classic `C'mon Everybody' complete with the aforementioned D'Agostin pounding away at the piano which certainly enhances the performance. This is followed by a meaningful reading of the ballad `Have I Told You lately That I Love You'. Next up is a powerful rendition of Fats Domino's `Don't Blame It One Me' complete with growling vocals. Eddie breathes life into this song, simply an outstanding performance. The first set closes out with a rockin' treatment of the teens call to arms `Summertime Blues'.

At the mid-way point, there is a back stage interview between Eddie and Johnny Bond together with Dick D'Agostin and one of the Swingers. Nothing too starling in this but they do talk about Jimmy Rodgers and others. Bond unfortunately comes across as somewhat `squareish' and radiates an image of a country singer who as late as 1959 could not really come to grips with this new fangled rock `n' roll music. This is all the more surprising from the guy who went on to record and hit with `Hot Rod Lincoln'.

However it was soon back to rockin' and, after a muffled start, the sound and sight of a sparkling work out by Eddie on Chuck Berry's `School Days' is evident. This is followed by another ballad, this time Gene Autry's `Be Honest With Me' complete with a tasty sax break from D'Agostin. It is then time for a raunchy and bluesy treatment of `Money Honey' before closing out with a reprise of `C'mon Everybody' which at the time was Eddie's current release.

This material is historically important in rock `n' roll history but, above all, it is oh so enjoyable.

Customer Reviews:

Marty's charisma shines through.......2006-07-30

Marty Robbins was a delight on stage as he was on record. He just had a wonderful charisma about him. Thanks to Bear Family for unearthing this unique viewing of Marty singing many of his fifties hits. Also great to see the Glaser Brothers who were then supporting Marty at the time. Not sure about the Joe Hudgins appearance though it was good for a laugh. Sometimes the picture and sound quality isn't that great but what the heck it's just great to see and hear Marty singing 'live.'
Any fan of Mr Teardrop will love this d.v.d.

marty robbins.......2006-03-01

exellent given the age of recording but its marty in good form that makes this almost top marks

Average customer rating:

A must-buy for Merle Travis fans

Merle Travis At Town Hall Party
Starring: Merle Travis
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000BH2TEW
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Description

No one revolutionized country guitar playing like Merle Travis. He gave his name to an entire style of playing...or picking. He influenced Chet Atkins, and just about every rockabilly guitarist on the planet. There is very little video of Merle Travis in his prime, so Bear Family is very proud to present one of the geniuses of the guitar at the peak of his skills. Guitarists will be able to look at his fingers and try to figure out the deceptive simplicity of his style. Everyone else can just enjoy some relaxed, lyrical, and easy-on-the-ear country music. These 25 performances are a dazzling mixture of songs that Travis learned growing up in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, together with his hits, and even a tune, Main Street Breakdown, by his disciple, Chet Atkins. Very few artists truly revolutionized their music, but Merle Travis did! Country guitar playing would never be the same after Travis, and when young country guitarists turned Travis picking into rock 'n'! roll, they invented rockabilly guitar. Scotty Moore, Cliff Gallup, James Burton, and others were all disciples of Merle Travis. After Merle, it would never be the same!

Customer Reviews:

A must-buy for Merle Travis fans.......2006-05-06

Lots of great thumbpickin' and fun tunes by Merle Travis on the Town Hall Party country show. Joe Maphis picks on his double-neck and even fiddles some, too. Lots of big, fancy archtop guitars, western suits, if you like cowboy this DVD will do you well. The b/w kinescope vibe is totally retro!

cheers,
Drew

Average customer rating:

Buyers beware
Historic
Rock Away From THIS Baby

Gene Vincent At Town Hall Party
Starring: Gene Vincent
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00007J4V6
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Customer Reviews:

Buyers beware.......2005-11-28

I found this DVD during a trip abroad, and - considering the very limited number of music DVDs with 50s rockers such as Gene Vincent - I was more than happy about it. Until I played it, that is. To call the sound & picture quality horrible is an understatement. (Unfortunately, the description of the primitive recording technology used is written on the INSIDE cover, and is thus hidden until you unwrap the DVD, and then it is too late.) Anyway, it has been sitting on my shelf for about a year now, and will probably remain there without ever seeing the inside of my DVD player again. I hope I can save some other would-be buyers from a similar disappointment.

Historic.......2004-04-02

This DVD contains historical clips. Don't expect technicolor images like in The Girl Can't Help It and you won't be disappointed. Considering the small amount of Gene Vincent clips that are available this DVD is a valuable asset for a fan of classic Rockabilly.

If you wan't some MTV like videoclips of a 50's rocker you better stay away from it.

Rock Away From THIS Baby.......2004-03-04

I like Gene, not one of my faves, but he had a great style ("Race with the Devil," "Cat Man," "Be Bop A Lula," "Day The World Turned Blue," etc. But even hardcore fans will strain to find the gold in some of these grainy, blurred takes. Some of the perfomances leave something to be desired as well. For the price, I felt burnt. Check out The Screaming End on CD and read the bio Race With The Devil while grooving to the tunes...

Average customer rating:

More than satisfied
Infectious!
Collins Kids
Hefty price for a tiny piece of pop culture

The Collins Kids At Town Hall Party
Starring: The Collins Kids
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

ASIN: B00008Y4I5
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Customer Reviews:

More than satisfied.......2007-07-31

Being a kid from the 50s the quality was just what I remembered television was "back in those days". Sure did bring back memories and would highly suggest the "Town Hall Party" DVDs if you want to take a time travel trip.

Infectious!.......2006-11-01

Admittedly, Rockabilly isn't for everyone, but even non-fans of the genre will find themselves hard-pressed to dislike the crazed dance-steps and guitar-licks of the flea-like Larry, and the beyond-her-years, provocative vocals of his sweet sister Lorrie.

Believe me, The Collins Kids are AMAZING -- they're cute little bundles of joy, sheer energy, electric fun, fun, fun. Whether you are watching old TV clips or simply listening to their infectious music, you can't help but notice that Lorrie and Larry have an indefinable *something* that makes you grin from ear-to-ear.

C'mon, everybody, snap your fingers and tap your feet! Check-out The Collins Kids and see for yourself!

Rockin' on T.V.

Introducing Larry and Lorrie

Rockin'est

At Town Hall Party, Vol. 2

At Town Hall Party, Vol. 3

Collins Kids .......2006-02-25

This DVD is GREAT if you like good, 1950's rockabilly music.
Growing up, we used to sit in front of our 17-inch Black-and White TV set, and marvel at Larry and Lorrie Collins. If you like vintage rockabilly, this is a MUST-HAVE!!

Hefty price for a tiny piece of pop culture.......2005-09-27

Who were the Collins kids? They were a brother and sister duo who had fifteen minutes of fame back in 1957-58 when they started appearing on live tv doing covers of the new, fresh-out-of-the nursery music called rock and roll. The brother could slash away some pretty hot rock chords on guitar with feeling - he deserves some credit for instinctually understanding the new music and being able to play it convincingly at such a young age. His stage personnae was a bit annoying - a little too much grinning and "gee whiz!!" for my tastes. Think of Beaver Cleaver on speed doing an imitation of the Big Bopper. The sister was pretty and had the better vocals of the duo. Are they worth rediscovering? I don't think so. They never hit the charts. Their own compositions were merely competent. It was a novelty act rather than an act that really mattered to rock music. This is interesting if you are curious about early television kinescopes. A warning: the audio and video quality is poor. This is watchable but those used to the home theatre experience will find these difficult to watch. At one hour, thirty dollars seems like an excessive price. Hard core early rock fans will probably grab this one. But it is like charging a mint for an early American bandstand episode.

Town Hall Party: October 11, 1958 & August 22, 1959

Average customer rating:

Town Hall Party: October 11, 1958 & August 22, 1959
Starring: Various Artists
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0007R8EOU
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Average customer rating:

At Town Hall Party, Vol. 2
Starring: The Collins Kids
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Collins Kids At Town Hall Party

ASIN: B0002JD4L6
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Town Hall Party: Halloween at Town Hall Party

Average customer rating:

Town Hall Party: Halloween at Town Hall Party
Starring: Halloween at Town Hall Party
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Average customer rating:

At Town Hall Party
Starring: Joe Maphis
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music

Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000CDHJMW
Release Date: 2006-01-17

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