THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH

THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH : George Harrison's next project after his critically acclaimed 3 record mammoth set was yet another 3 record set and like its predecessor, it again scored the Album Of he Year Award. So much for being the quiet Beatle. I saw this movie when it first appeared at the local cinema and I was mesmerised as was anything Beatles at that time. I was a pesky 12 years old then and a 3 record set was way beyond my lunch money. I only managed to get this CD 40 odds years later and long it may have been, the passing years have not dimmed the images that I first have from the movies. It haven't left my memories at all. I remember watching in wonderment at Leon Russell's awesome interpretation of the medley 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' and 'Young Blood' which have been stored in my memories and it only emerged when I played this CD. George was majestic in his white suite and look every inch the rock star as John Lennon. This CD, due to copyright reason was not available in Malaysia so I have to get in in Singapore. I've already have the DVD so i was rather slow in getting this CD but got it I eventually did.

DISC 1

Introduction By George Harrison & Ravi Shankar : George and Ravi Shankar's 's introduction of the Indian musicians and their entourage.

Bangla Dhun ( Shankar ) :  I use to hate this part of the concert. I was just not ready to embrace Indian music but only endure it because of George Harrison but somehow the years must have soften me. Now I am able to enjoy it to a certain extend. It was a low profile kind of instrumental and not a full blown one 'cos this was after all the first major exposure of Indian music to the West. They may not be able to accept it if it's too extreme. I remember this one takes up the whole of side one.

Wah - Wah ( Harrison ) : Not one of my favourite from "All Things Must Pass" but it was a good
choice and very welcome after the long Indian music. Probably woke the audiences up and me too. Sounds better here than on the studio recording too.

My Sweet Lord ( Harrison ) : The first strain of this mega hit was enough to bring in the cheers from the audience. A fine version of this great song though more restrain than on the studio recording.

Awaiting On You All ( Harrison ) : Another stellar version of this track from "All Things Must Pass." This album was the first time I have heard any of George post Beatles songs and incredibly, he managed to do it exactly like it was in the studio.

That's The Way God Planned It ( Preston ) : This was probably the only song I remember from Billy Preston and it sure was a memorable track. Watching him on the video was even more awesome.

It Don't Come Easy ( Starkey ) : Ringo Starr's turn to shine on his most recent first post Beatles hit. Judging from the crowds' reaction, he is doing it right too.

Beware Of Darkness ( Harrison ) : Always love this track. Still send chills down my spine after all these years. Leon Russell joined him on a few verses 'cos he did a great version of this song on his own complete with Indian music backing. Beautiful.

Band Introduction : George introduction of his band and thanking them all.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps ( Harrison ) : This stellar song needs no introduction and George sure did a sure fire version with this.

DISC 2 :

Medley : Jumping Jack Flash ( Jagger / Richards ) / Young Blood ( Leiber / Stoller ) : This was the moment for me throughout the entire concert. Leon Russell was just awesome here and this was the first time I've heard of Leon Russell. His version of 'Young Blood'  here stayed in my mind for years. His rattling off just before 'Young Blood" could just be the prelude to all these rap music that came to be years later.

Here Comes The Sun ( Harrison ) : George reclaimed the show back from Leon Russell with this crowd pleaser that just cannot go wrong. Pete Ham from ill fated Badfinger played acoustic guitar alongside George.

A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall ( Dylan ) : Bob Dylan was recovering from a recent accident and have to be coaxed out of semi retirement by George to participate in this concert and he nearly steal the show too, performing almost as many songs as George. Bob sounded much better than I've heard him in his studio recordings. This is Bob Dylan in top form vocally.

It Takes A Lot To Laugh,' It Takes A Train To Cry ( Dylan ) : Now why can't Bob sings like this all the time. This was the first time I've truly heard Bob Dylan and this was how I like him to be.

Blowin' In The Wind ( Dylan ) : The mother of all protest song. There are many versions of this song but no one sings this song like Bob Dylan I so declare and this version rocks.

Mr. Tambourine Man ( Dylan ) : The fourth song and he is still rocking. This was the song that made me fell in love with Bob Dylan and he did it again here.

Just Like A Woman ( Dylan ) : I heard this song here the first time and boy, I had it in my head ever since. I've heard the studio version since then of course but it was this version that did it for me.

Something ( Harrison ) : George have to reclaim his show yet again with this beautiful Beatles song.

Bangla Desh ( Harrison ) : A heartfelt composition just for this concert. Wasn't really the hit it was supposed to me or was that just me. Still the performance couldn't be faulted.

Additional Track 

Love Minus Zero / No Limit ( Dylan ) : A pleasant on this lesser known Bob Dylan gem that wasn't on the original album. I first heard this song done by a local artist and this was my first time ever hearing the master sang it and it was greeeeat..........