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DVD Review

Marty Balin: Live At The Boston Esplanade

Official Synopsis:

Rock & Roll Hal of Famer Marty Balin, formerly of the Jefferson Airplane and the Jefferson Starship, is one of the key personalities of the San Francisco sound that also launched The Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Steve Miller Band and Janis Joplin. Recorded on June 14, 2008 at the beautiful Hatch Shell in Boston, this is the first solo DVD from Balin and features “Volunteers,” “3/5ths of a Mile in Ten Seconds,” “White Rabbit,” “Somebody to Love” (with Didi Stewart on vocals for those Grace Slick classics), a version of Marty Balin singing “Somebody to Love” (the first time ever on a commercial release), “Today,” and “Summer of Love,” as well as Balin’s Jefferson Starship hits “Miracles,” “Count On Me,” “Runaway,” along with his 1980 solo hit “Hearts” and a cover of Bruce Cockburn’s “Rocket Launcher.” It is the ultimate fan package featuring interview footage with original Jefferson Airplane lead singer Signe Anderson and the two authorities on all things Airplane/Starship, rock journalists Jeff Tamarkin and Craig Fenton.

Our Take:

Note to whomever cares: Before labeling something as “The Ultimate Fan Package,” make sure that, in the film, the camera doesn’t pull out to showcase a banner that says “Oldies Summer Concert Series.” Seriously, why is this on DVD? It looks as though someone with limited videotaping skill captured it, and the sound isn’t great either. Not once can I hear Marty Balin’s acoustic guitar. I’d rather hear that than his worn out, out-of-key vocals, that’s for sure. Don’t get me wrong, Balin and his band put their heart and soul into these performances. It’s too bad that the small audience doesn’t seem to care, as the requests for crowd participation go almost unanswered. For someone who feels as though Starship was the weaker part of Balin’s career, I could do without all of these sappy songs like “Miracles,” and “Count On Me.” I guess the almost silent crowd feels the same way. It’s not even as if this is a headlining act. It is later revealed that Balin’s band is merely opening for America. I wonder why that wasn’t the focus of the DVD? No matter how hard it tries, this film reeks of “washed up,” and is really only recommended for huge fans.

The highlights of the set are most certainly the Jefferson Airplane numbers. Didi Stewart is powerful and tremendous at recreating Grace Slick’s classic wail on “Somebody to Love,” and “White Rabbit.” Even Balin himself rocks out on “Volunteers,” and the crowd finally starts coming to life. Unfortunately, they look bored for most of it, but it’s good that there are still some highlights.

Special Features:

The DVD comes with these Bonus Tracks:

• Do it For Love
• Somebody to Love
• Summer of Love
• Today
• Shaping the Night
• Somehow the Tired Reach Home
• Count On Me
• Later On

Conclusion:

So, the bonus tracks are basically alternate versions of old songs and songs that were in the main listing. Nice attempt, but I’m not coming back for more. If you love all things Jefferson, check this out. If not, stick to the classics.

Overall Picture:

Movie: C

Extra Features: B

- Chris Laurenzo

Staff Writer