Steve Howe’s Remedy Live (2011)

Steve Howe’s Remedy Live (2011)
Performers: Steve Howe – guitar, vocals; Ray Fenwick – guitar; Virgil Howe – keyboards; Derrick Taylor – bass; Dylan Howe – drums
Director: Robert Garofolo
Studio: Classic Pictures/MVD Visual MVD5252D [10/25/2011]
Video: 1.77:1 for 16:9, Color
Audio: English 5.1Dolby Digital, 5.1 DTS, Dolby 2.0
Length: 131 minutes
Rating: ***1/2
Steve Howe was an integral part of the successful ‘70s progressive rock band, Yes. Known for a symphonic style of rock music, the band soared to popularity after the release of The Yes Album and Fragile. Yes recorded their material in numerous fragmented movements, with accessible, quirky results. The versatile guitarist played an assortment of instruments for the band and left to pursue a solo career.
Howe demonstrates his acuity as a bandleader in the concert DVD, Steve Howe’s Remedy Live, recorded in 2004. Fronting a five piece band (including his two sons), he offers a variety of songs and styles. The opening song is a lush synthesizer backing of an electric rock and roll premise. Howe moves to a flat electric slide to change the texture. A harder rock edge and eighties groove accents inhabit “Sensitive Chaos”. The band switches genres again on the swing rockabilly opus “Country Viper”. Drummer Dylan Howe kicks the tune off with a nice brush riff. The compositions complement Howe’s playing ability, but do not have the vitality of Yes albums.
Howe resurrects some vintage Yes on “Excerpts From The Edge”. His singing is not strong and underlines the importance of a strong lead vocalist in the rock format.  But fans will appreciate the finale, a rendition of the eclectic “Wurm”. The crescendo-laden intensity is a salute to the energy of progressive rock.
The “Bonus” acoustic set (with seven cuts) may be the most incisive of the performances. Howe’s exceptional talent is evident on these tracks. The intimate camera shots will please guitar aficionados. Minute details of fret and strumming technique are captured with warmth and clarity. “Excerpts From The Ancient” showcases the classical guitar ambiance and intricacy. Whether it’s the rootsy appeal of “Intersection Blues” or the buoyant expressiveness of “Clap”, Howe’s nimble touch is appealing. A separate feature, Tour Story gives some behind the scenes glimpses of the Remedy tour. The sound quality (including 5.1 Digital Dolby, 5.1DTS, and Dolby Stereo Sound) is excellent.
TrackList: Small Acts Of Human Kindness; Sensitive Chaos; Country Viper; Diary Of A Man Who Vanished; Across The Cobblestone; America/Southern Solo; The Nature Of The Sea; Where I Belong; Pennants; Excerpts From Closer To The edge; So Bad; Lost Symphony; While Rome Is Burning; Raga/My White Bicycle; Wurm; Bonus Material: Excerpt From The Ancient; J’S Theme; Mood For A Day; Second Initial; To Be Over; Intersection Blues; Clap
–Robbie Gerson