Non-Southern Pick of The Week: Steve Miller Band Live in Chicago

Steve Miller has been making hit records for quite a long time. Maybe that’s why I found myself grinning from ear to ear and singing along the whole time this outstanding live show was playing on my DVD player. I guess the smiles began for me when the disc began by showing all of the folks my age making their way into the amphitheater, carrying coolers and folding chairs, excitedly talking into the camera about their love for The Steve Miller Band, oftentimes singing a line or two of their favorite Miller song.

The three disc set includes the concert DVD, a documentary DVD with Steve riding around downtown Chicago and reminiscing, and a live audio CD.

From the outset, it is obvious that this band is about as good as it gets. “Fly Like an Eagle” turns into a lengthy super jam, complete with a rap from keyboardist Joseph Wooten. Honestly, I had forgotten just how much I love Steve Miller’s unique guitar one and dexterity.

Miller tells stories about growing up in Chicago, and plays a guitar he purchased from a barrel in a local instrument store in 1965. The guitar story is priceless.

They play all the hits, “Take The Money and Run,” “Abracadabra,” “Living in the USA,” “Rockin’ Me,” “Swing Town,” “Jet Airliner,” “Jungle Love,” and my favorite, “The Joker.” (Although I cannot shake the image of Homer Simpson singing it during a 70’s flashback on The Simpsons, no matter how hard I try.) But Steve doesn’t just play the hits, he and the band have a ball with classics like Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads,” and nuggets like “Mercury Blues” and “Boom Bapa Boom.”

The band just cooks, and the film crew keep it interesting with tight shots, pans and a wide variety of cuts to various band members, smiling and playing their hearsts out. It’s a fabulous out door show by a band that has given us a seriously amazing number of top ten hits.

A great singer, songwriter and guitar player, with a top notch band, Steve Miller is just what the doctor ordered for those of us looking for a little good ol’ rock and roll nostalgia. Five stars, for sure.

Keep it Real. Keep it Southern.

Buffalo

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