Albert Collins & the Icebreakers - In Concert DVD Review
by Kevin Wierzbicki
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Texas blues guitarist Albert Collins passed away in 1993; this show was recorded in Baden-Baden, Germany almost a decade earlier in 1985. Fondly known as the "Ice Man" because of the "cool" tones he coaxed out of his Fender Telecaster, Collins struts through 8 tunes here all the while making intense guitar work seem like child's play. The show starts with the instrumental "Listen Here," a jazzy piece of Chicago blues that would not be out of place as an intro for Jake & Elwood Blues. After taking a minute to solicit a hand for his back-up band, Collins proclaims "This ain't nothin' but the blues" and then sets out to prove it with a languid reading of "If Trouble Was Money." The song may creep along like molasses but when Collins turns the spotlight over to Rob Noll the second guitarist sends sparks flying and proves that he's not there just to play rhythm. Collins did his picking primarily with his thumbnail and index fingernail and close-up shots during the country-fried instrumental "Skatin'" will give aspiring guitarists a little insight into that playing style. The camera work is good throughout---there aren't any theatrics or props to deal with here so the lens men concentrate on getting good shots of Albert singing and everyone else as they solo. Collins, Noll, sax man Abb Locke and guest Southside Johnny all get solo shots during "Brick," a honkin' blues that features the Asbury Jukes' front man on harp. Collins pays tribute to his (also late) friend Guitar Slim with a version of "The Things I Used to Do" before wrapping up the show with "Frosty." The band plays an extended version of their signature tune and Collins walks out into the crowd and gives fans a thrill by playing his hottest licks of the evening right in their faces. This film achieves something all concert movies aim for---it makes you feel like you're right there.
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Albert Collins & the Icebreakers - In Concert DVD
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