Friedemann: The Concert

Watching the 23-minute musical bio “The Story So Far”--a DVD extra on this July 2004 concert featuring West German guitarist Friedemann Witecka serving up a generous 19-song set backed by an excellent ensemble--it's easy to trace the composer's influences over the years, from Bob Dylan to Jethro Tull to New Age and jazz fusion. But there's no denying the fact that 40 years on, Friedemann is his own artist, and here his nimble fretwork is beautifully complemented by Markus Faller on drums/percussion, Emmanuel Séjourne on vibraphone/marimba/percussion, Philippe Geiss on alto and soprano sax, and Kurt Eisfeld on keyboards, on instrumental pieces such as “Blow With the Wind” (featuring a great sax solo), the delicate “He Who Walks Alone,” the smooth jazz-like “Jungle Tune,” and the lovely guitar-driven “Sourdos.” The band can be funny too: “Venin” is a cute drumming/mime skit, while the John Cage-like “Sparks” finds group members performing the “song”--with the house lights down--by flicking six lighters. Presented in outstanding Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, the only quibble I had with this presentation was the decision to occasionally run nature footage (landscapes, flowers, etc.) instead of letting us simply watch the far more interesting sight of consummate professionals creating a winning sound. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)