Patti Smith Live at Montreux 2005
Patti Smith
Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment
Released: November 13, 2012
Reviewed: December 2, 2012
 

Patti Smith was one of the key artists in the breakthrough of New York City punk rock. The 1975 debut album Horses was a landmark release, from her unique vocals and lyrics, to the strikingly androgynous cover art, shot by photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Horses was a huge influence on the whole New Wave genre, and paved the way for 11 additional albums, as well as several published poetry collections.

Smith’s distinctive blend of rock, punk and poetry combined with her uncompromising style has ensured that she has remained a credible artist throughout her career, and continues to influence artists to this day.

Smith’s vibrant live performance – a fervent inter-mingle of visual artistry, musical exploration, spoken word, and Rock ‘N’ Roll – is beautifully captured on Live At Montreux 2005 (where she also wears the exact outfit from the Horses album) via DTS Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1, and Dolby Digital Stereo. This Montreux concert was filmed in the midst of her 2005 tour in support of the 2004 album Trampin’. This is the first ever live video release by Patti Smith and includes classic tracks such as Because The Night, Dancing Barefoot, People Have The Power, Redondo Beach, 25th Floor, and many more. In addition, Smith also serenades the legacy of Bob Dylan, with a performance of Like A Rolling Stone.

Along with Patti Smith on vocals, guitar and clarinet, the band line-up includes original Patti Smith Group members Lenny Kaye (guitar & vocals) and Jay Dee Daugherty (drums), Tom Verlaine of Television on guitars and long standing band member Tony Shanahan on bass, keyboards and vocals.

“There’s something magical about seeing Montreux on our tour itinerary,” says Lenny Kaye. “Along with a sense of achievement in becoming part of its grand tradition, there’s an awareness of the many Those who have played here over the years, the tribute that must be paid, the higher level of artistic exploration and audience sophistication that enhances the possibilities for taking a performance one step further. We partake of a sense of communal belonging within the mandala that is human musical expression.”

Patti Smith fans will want to be sure to include this rare DVD performance in their personal video collection as well as pick up an extra copy for that Smith fan on their gift list.