"I had the Redwoods concert on audiotape from many years ago. I'm not an especially big Kenny Loggins fan, but I bought it for some reason and wound up playing it a lot. It started to wear out, so I bought the DVD, and it is frankly better than the audio version -- there are songs left out of album, and this a show worth actually seeing because of how much is going on. One remarkable thing you notice about this concert is that (with the exception of some slide guitar playing) the instrumentation is entirely acoustic -- no electronic keyboards, solid-body bass or guitars. Details like the vibraphone playing and African percussion stand out when you can actually see the concert. And it's a treat to be able to see Howard Levy (harmonica), who is worth tracking down no matter what record he's playing on. The only drawback are a couple hoaky Q&A sessions with the audience, but they're short. And for some strange reason Loggins looks like he's about to cry during the first half of the show. But it's a hell of a sound when they get all these great musicians on stage. For a show that was not recorded with a DVD in mind, it makes for a very good one."
Definitely worth risking
Lyn | Australia | 02/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like many others I only knew Kenny from Footloose, Danger Zone and an energetic performance on 'Live Aid'. Doing some DVD exploration I decided to risk a concert. It was one of those happy finds.
This is a really good concert and I liked the setting under the redwoods. He began strongly with 'Conviction of the Heart' which I really liked and it went from there.
He has a strong presence and a lot of heart and enthusiasm. Great upbeat rock type numbers and some gentler stuff too - often sung with guests who complemented him well.
His sharing of personal philosophy that other reviewers have referred to only happened, and then very briefly, about twice and was no distraction or discomfort for me.
Footloose is there but not Danger Zone. He had recently been compiling an album of children's songs that parents could comfortably sit through and included 'House at Pooh Corner' from it.
The audience is a family one sitting on rugs under the trees. There is a lovely cameo when a little girl in the audience is seen dancing unselfconsciously: singing all the words as if she knew them intimately.
This is a good concert if you like adult contemporary rock or country ballads (though the emphasis isnt really that way majorly), if you are a former hippie or Earth lover, or just if you have heart and enjoy solid entertainment."
One for genuine music lovers
Brian Hatton | 09/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first Kenny Loggins CD I bought was the one from this concert, on a recommendation from a lounge act I heard in Singapore 8 years ago!Subsequently, this was the very first DVD in my collection (that now numbers 500+) and the only thing any fan could be disappointed with is the non-inclusion of Celebrate Me Home and Angry Eyes, both of which are marvellous renditions on the CD. I won't complain too much about that though, because the inclusion of Forever on the DVD goes some way to making up for that!Having said that, now I can see the performers, I realise the CD has been mixed with some musicians on the wrong side of the stage so that's something to get used to at first!!!I'm buying a 2nd copy of the DVD now, because I've damaged the original disc carrying it half way round the world on holiday (yes, it's definitely a desert island disc of mine) so I guess that says I can't live without it.The quality of the songwriting and musical performances is superb, but what non-fans won't know is how good Kenny's singing voice is. His range is broad and he sings with such power, soul and conviction, you just know he's feeling every lyric. He's also much under rated as a guitarist himself, being very accomplished at picking out some rather nifty tunes.It's so hard amongst the high quality tracks to pick favourites, but if I had to, they would be Now and Then and Leap of Faith, the first because it has minimalist backing and shows what a great voice Kenny has and the second because of the way the (quite large) band works so well together with a huge range of instruments being used.I find the video quality pretty good for something shot on video and originally intended for VHS release and my home theatre is normally pretty revealing of 2nd rate transfers. As for the soundtracks, the 5.1 has some slightly artificial depth, but it certainly isn't intrusive and it's just about favourite over the stereo.If you like good music, interesting lyrics and a lively performance, don't hesitate, just buy this disc - you won't be disappointed!"
Loggins hasn,t lost a thing.
Brian Hatton | 08/01/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Kenny Loggins once again proves out of sight isn,t nesessarily out of mind.Its been a few years since his exceptional talent has graced a live stage on a national level,but he,s still posesses all the chops,the emotional connection and the subtle vocal ornamentation, that has endeared him to us through the years. Outside-from the redwoods, is a lush live recording captured in a grove near Santa Cruz,that has all the magic of your first outdoor concert.Recorded in Dolby Digital 5.1 mix the sound quality has a presence and sound image that takes you that special evening. His choice of side men (and women) compliments the standards, and new material well, the tribe of musicians is more a rainbow coilition on percussion (I counted six) harp player (he,s a monster,) one Chris Ramiriz,an extrordinary, percussive standard guitar player,and not to slight any of the artists by exclusion, many fine performers with audio cameos. The sound quality and audio separation were excellent but as this is my first purchase of a DVD that is to be expected. Know that Mr. Loggins is an extremely political person and expect a bit of his perspective in the video. Rent it first if you must, but for all fans of anything Kenny Loggins ever has done, don,t miss this performance."
