Search - Jonathan Butler :: Live in South Africa (Bonus Dvd) (Spec) (Dig)

SmoothJazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 11/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just didn't think it was possible to like this guy more... I love Jonathan Butler's music, I'm inspired by his heart and I'm moved by his spirit. He's truly connected. Jonathan's LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA release is bigger and bolder than I believe I've ever heard from this live wire. His voice has matured to a stunning rich tone that rivals the masters (Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross). This special double disc release features a CD and DVD. The CD offers 14 tracks, many JB favorites including the early and classic stuff like "Sarah Sarah," "Song For Elizabeth," (his tribute to his mother) and "Do You Love Me." The high quality DVD brings the songs to life in concert highlights in addition to extremely well produced documentary footage. You'll see where Jonathan grew up, made his claim to fame, meet some of his brothers and sisters and his mom. A touching segment on the DVD is a meeting at the Robbens Island Museum with Ahmed Kathrada, the anti-apartheid activist sentenced to life imprisonment along with Nelson Mandela. Mr. Kathrada credits Jonathan's music as an inspiration during his many years on Robbens Island. The packaging of this dual disc is quite bright and colorful, cleverly featuring the postage stamps of South Africa. The multimedia release indeed brings this extraordinary personality, performer and composer a little closer yet. As Mandela himself has said, "There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to see the ways in which you yourself have changed.""

Jonathan at his BEST!!!

G. Bates | Rockford, IL USA | 11/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was a week late buying my copy of this 2 disc set. Disc 1 are tracks from the LIVE recording of this project. Jonathan's primary touring band for 2007 traveled with him to South Africa to record and he also included his youngest child, daughter Jodie. I have seen JB live many times and the 14 tracks is a great representation of a live show. For me highlights include superhits Sarah, Sarah, Do You Love Me?, This Is Love, & I'm On My Knees.



The 2nd disc has a number of great video segments. Highlights include a visit to the museum where Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were imprisoned, Butler returning to where he was born and raised, Butler visiting the club where he was 'discovered' and finally, segments of his live shows in South Africa including a live performance of his hit "Falling In Love With Jesus" (orginally recorded on Kirk Whalum's Gospel According to Jazz - Chapter 2CD/DVD project(s).



Frankly, if you are a fan of Jonathan Butler...this is a MUST OWN. It is the best $15 I have spent on music for all of 2007!!!!"

A DVD/CD Set Not to Be Missed!

M. Greenawalt | Austin, TX United States | 11/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Afrika to Sarah Sarah, Jonathan again gives us his best at this live performance in Johannesburg, South Africa......a voice so arresting that one's heart and soul are touched over and over with familar Jonathan songs that move you spiritually and at times close to tears. The DVD of this concert with documentary footage offers a further glimpse into the remarkable and difficult upbringing that Jonathan endured living in Cape Town, South Africa during Apartheid. How can one not love and connect with a performer that shares so much of himself to his audience in a way that makes us all more aware as neighbors, brothers, and sisters? Thank you JB for blessing us with this story and raising the bar on your music even higher! The Live in South Africa CD/DVD set is a certain gift on my list to everyone this Christmas!



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