Making Tracks
The Yardbirds
Label: MVD Entertainment Group
Released: December 11, 2012
Reviewed: December 16, 2012

An integral part of the 60’s British Blues Boom, legendary rock pioneers The Yardbirds took standard 12-bar blues, doubled the tempo, kicked up the amps, and carved out the mold for modern hard rock. Introducing some of the world’s greatest guitarists – Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck – the band crafted such classic hits as “Train Kept Rollin’” (no, Aerosmith fans, Tyler & Perry weren’t the first ones to record that tune), and “For Your Love.” Now, on the cusp of the band’s 50th Anniversary, the latest incarnation of The Yardbirds have released Making Tracks, a 2DVD tour set that will definitely bring back many fond memories as well as make us further appreciate just what a tremendous impact this legendary band had on the rock and roll landscape.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member/drummer/composer Jim McCarty states “The DVD Making Tracks was great fun to make, and I think it really shows how young and old musicians can work together in a spirit of harmony and energy, giving credence to a great repertoire.”

Shot at multiple concert dates over the course of the past two years, Making Tracks, produced and directed by Bruce Macomber, McCarty and Yardbirds guitarist Ben King for Reel Time Productions, features 32 track audio recordings and was filmed using six HD cameras.

Disc 1 contains 17 songs, including new material. Some of the footage was captured at B.B. King's in NYC, which Guitar World Magazine called the  "best concert of the year." Disc 2 features "Glimpses," a tour documentary, extra interviews with the band, 2 songs by The Jim McCarty Band (which are real treats in and of themselves), as well as additional music by The Yardbirds.

The Yardbirds re-united in 1995, a couple of years after their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Original members McCarty and Chris Dreja put together a new line-up, introducing a fresh generation of dynamic musicians. Guitarist King has been with the band since 2005 and lead singer Andy Mitchell and bassist Dave Smale have been onboard since 2009. This line-up is doing a phenomenal job in continuing the band’s legacy of extraordinary musicianship.

Not only will fans of The Yardbirds want to have this 2-DVD collection as part of their personal video library, so will musicologists, rock history buffs, and your all-around classic rock fans.  So, why not order a couple of extra copies to give as gifts?