Hi All.
I have a serious problem with this DVD, and it's this. There is no-one on this list or anywhere else on this planet who would be normally be urging musicians to play real tron every time if they had the resources to do so.
However, I have to say that having played Steve Hackett's new live DVD to death over the last couple of days, the idea that you can't faithfully re-create the spine tingling sound that we have all come to know and love using samples has been laid to rest once and for all. This is absolutely superb in every way. I would defy anyone here to listen to the audio only and not be convinced that you're not listening to the real deal.
Having spoken to him during this tour, I know just how much the guy loves the tron as much as we do, and whilst I don't know what samples are being used (nor do I care) it seems that every effort has been put into the quality (warts and all) of the results. In fact the only thing that gives the game away is the overly long sustain Roger King is able to achieve without the old spider technique some of us have managed to develop over the years.
Consider this..(I never thought I'd ever say something like this)..When we heard the instrument for the first time, what really attracted us? Was it the sound? Or what was being used to create the sound? One would inevitably follow the other, but for me it was simply what was causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stick up..the sound. I knew nothing about the mechanics of the thing. Tape replay systems were a bit of a mystery to tell the truth. Don't get me wrong I love my little white box as much as anyone, and seldom have I heard "recreations" work until now.
What this technology does is to enable artists and sound engineers to be confident enough to put the sound where I like it...Up in the mix! At least they know that when it's there it will arrive clear of pops and hums, and in tune!
Tron Highlights on this disc..."Fly on a Windshield" "Ace of Wands""Clocks""Spectral Mornings""Every Day"...Oh yes.."that" solo from "the Firth of Fifth"
Go Buy, close your eyes and enjoy a fab concert in widescreen and Dolby Digital/DTS
Andy K
By the way, welcome the wacky world of mellotrons and their mad owners Gia!