jtncsmistad The late Gorge Harrison was labeled "The Quiet One" among the members of the greatest rock group the world will ever know. The iconic songwriting team of John Lennon and Paul McCartney blasted The Beatles into the highest stratum of eternal superstardom during the 1960's. But the music of Harrison was often every bit as substantial and enduring as his uber-talented band mates. And at times, it was simply better.In honor of what would have been Harrison's 75th birthday last month, the 2003 documentary film "Concert for George" was re-released in theatres. And what a stunning tribute it is to the man who not only mastered the guitar but could also expertly play a staggering TWENTY-FIVE other instruments, as well. Even at over two hours I found I wanted this show to go on and on, having become thoroughly immersed in the magic of the music and spellbindingly captured by the unfiltered passion with which it is expressed.Longtime confidante Eric Clapton co-organized the mega-event with Harrison's widow, Olivia, and also served as Musical Director. The grand performance was held at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London on November 29th, 2002, one year to the day that George had passed away due to complications of multiple-cancers at the age of just 58. The set list of "Concert for George" is transcendent. From Clapton's other-worldly lead guitar virtuosity on The White Album's spiritual rocker "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (with a little help from his friends, ex-Beatles Paul on piano and Ringo Starr on drums) to the sublime silliness of "I'm a Lumberjack (and I'm OK)" by the ground-shattering British comedy troupe Monty Python (one of George's all-time faves), these brilliant renditions of historic Harrison classics (or tunes he adored) are uniformly delivered with moving respect and power. But most of all, they are all born of love, pure and genuine. Precisely as George would have it.

ccthemovieman-1 Here is an all-star tribute to the late Beatle, George Harrison, who died of cancer a few years ago. He was a very gentle, likable guy and you know that just by the turnout of music all- stars here and the tribute these people gave to him - for his life and his music.After the first viewing, I now skip the first 45 minutes of this long concert. It is Eastern sitar music which is okay but not enjoyable enough for me to sit through twice. The concert for most of us Westerners really begins in the second part when host Eric Clapton and the rest perform some of Hasrrison's best songs. Everyone does a good job with the material, doing George's songs proud. I had heard a few of the performances, such as Tom Petty's, were weak but I did not find fault with any performer including his. It was fun to see Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Billy Preston, Jeff Lynne and some of the others. Joe Brown was someone I was not familiar with but he was outstanding and very likable and sang a touching finale. That ending just night bring a tear or two to your eyes.

matt-1066 There has never been a finer concert film. As a director and producer of live concert events, I can say with honesty (and envy), this is exquisitely directed and produced. 14 cameras in the hall, and if you look very hard you can only see one, once, in the cut. The lighting is warm and the flow is superb. Its an incredibly emotional night, and that emotion is captured for you in perpetuity, supported by cutaways of the superstars humbly rehearsing Harrison's complex and divinely listenable music.There are sublime highlights wrapped inside the rest of the masterpiece: The shots across the line of world-class drummers (all in sync) are truly breathtaking; Any time Clapton plays, but especially when he is playing with Ravi Shankar's orchestra; McCartney's Uke on "Something in the Way;" Dhanni Harrison's glances, brilliantly caught in the line cut, showing his appreciation for Eric and company; Tom Hanks' low key lumberjack; Billy Preston; and the final shot. Wow.Oh, and then there's the MUSIC!

george.schmidt CONCERT FOR GEORGE (2003) ***1/2 FEATURING: Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Ravi Shankar, Joe Brown, Billy Preston, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Tom Hanks; Special Guests: Dhoni & Olivia Harrison. Wonderful tribute concert to music legend George Harrison held at England's Royal Albert Hall one year to the date after his death celebrating The Quiet Beatle with a mélange of his songs with music by his mates and collaborators, rejoicing with warmth and some humor (thanks to a partial Monty Python reunion with 'honorary' member Hanks (!) for 'The LumberJack Song'). A touching tribute to a bonafide genius.(Dir: David Leland)