by Brian D. Holland.

Steve Miller Band – Live From Chicago has recently been released in a box set that includes two DVDs and one CD, all in an attractive threefold collectable package. Concert goers worldwide have experienced the presence of the Steve Miller Band at more than a thousand shows over the past forty years. Certainly synonymous with the term “classic rock,” the '70s ran parallel with these memorable high-spirited tunes. This particular concert film, recorded at Chicago’s 100-year-old Ravinia Amphitheater during two sold out nights in the summer of 2007, is a splendid example of the enthusiasm and party atmosphere that Steve Miller is famous for generating.

DVD-1 is performance footage of Steve Miller originals and a couple of traditional blues numbers, twenty songs in all. After making your audio choice: 2.0 Stereo, SRS Circle Surround 5.1, 5.1 Multichannel, or DTS Digital Surround, it’s time to relax and enjoy the one hour and fifty minute concert. The audience makes their way into the grounds of the Ravinia, all set for fine festivity amid great music. Apparently in the tour camper, the band members go through pre-show vocal exercises before making their way onstage to “Fly Like An Eagle.” This familiar SMB hit goes through interesting instrumental jam stages, in which each member shares the stage to do his own thing. Miller keeps the song’s basic essence intact with a tasteful and spacey melody on his Stratocaster while the band glides off in funk, jazz, and even hip-hop tangents. If you’re not accustomed to a Steve Miller live show, you may be amazed to discover that this musical excursion far surpasses what one might expect from this '70s hit machine, and I mean that in a good way. The next one, “Living In The USA.” is a perfect example of the enthusiasm the music projects. The band is tight and the music is solid throughout. Meer examples, this show needs to be seen to be fully appreciated, as the audio and video qualities make it one worth viewing again and again.

The Steve Miller Band:
Steve Miller: guitar and lead vocals
Norton Buffalo: harmonica and vocals
Gordy Knudtson: drums
Kenny Lee Lewis: guitar and vocals
Bill Peterson: bass and vocals
Joseph Wooten: keyboards and vocals

DVD-2 is in three parts: Part one is a documentary, in which the essence of Steve Miller is portrayed. Having roots in Chicago, as he had originally desired to be a blues musician, his link to the people and the music is talked about in detail. His correlation to the blues and his musical beginnings are the subject of conversation with radio personality Joel Selvin. Part two is a photo gallery of Miller and the concert, and part three is additional conversation for the Joel Selvin radio program. Truly interesting conversation for fans of Chicago blues and of Steve Miler, the two converse in the back of a Checker cab while cruising around the South Side.

DVD-1 – The Concert
1. Fly Like An Eagle
2. Living In The USA
3. True Fine Love
4. Abracadabra
5. Mercury Blues
6. The Stake
7. Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma
8. Boon Bapa Boom
9. All Your Lovin’
10. Crossroads
11. Serenade
12. Dance, Dance, Dance
13. Wild Mountain Honey
14. Winter Time
15. Rock’n Me
16. Take The Money And Run
17. The Joker
18. Swingtown
19. Jungle Love
20. Jet Airliner

DVD-2 – Bonus Features
Documentary
Photo Gallery
Joel Selvin Radio Show

Audio CD
1. Rock’n Me
2. The Joker
3. The Stake
4. Jungle Love
5. Serenade
6. Take The Money And Run
7. Jet Airliner
8. Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma
9. Fly Like An Eagle
10. Abracadabra
11. Winter Time
12. Wild Mountain Honey

Coming Home Media and Blue Rider Pictures

Links
Steve Miller Band
Steve Miller Band Live From Chicago on Amazon