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| Yes, this one of my Christmas gifts. Must have been a good boy this year! |
In late 2017 Michael Sweet (Stryper, Boston, Sweet & Lynch) released a DVD called Sole: Songs and Stories From a Life In Music, and it just that. I love behind-the-music videos and opportunities to hear the stories behind the songs I love, and this provides all of that. First and foremost it is a recording of Michael's solo show at the Narrows Center in Massachusetts from June of 2017. Interspersed are rare video clips of Michael and a new interview in which he reflects on his music, his career, and all that goes into making the sounds that form the soundtrack of our lives.
What do you need to know about this disc to head over to Michael's site to buy it? It is an incredibly well produced testament to a seriously creative force in rock music. We get songs from Stryper, from Michael's solo career, and from his work in Sweet & Lynch, and we get them in a form that not everyone can bring off...acoustic solo.
Some of us remember the days of MTV Unplugged, whose undeniable highlight was Eric Clapton's rendition of "Layla." That show introduced countless rock fans to the genuinely respectable musical chops of their rock heroes. This is not to say that there is not legitimate musicianship blasting through a Marshall stack, but it is easy to get caught up in the sonic tsunami of a concert and miss the nuances. When an artist stands alone on a stage with nothing but a mic and a guitar, there is nothing to hide behind. It is raw and immediate, or "starkers" as David Coverdale (Deep Purple, Whitesnake) once put it.
So is Michael Sweet someone who can bring this off? Let's get this straight, folks. Michael Sweet is a serious musician. He can write music and lyrics that take songs into the stratosphere and has done so for more than thirty years. He is a technician who knows his craft incredibly well. And the guy can flat out play and sing, perhaps better than ever, and that is evidenced clearly on this disc.
What makes this DVD so special is that Michael's true character comes out. He interacts with his fans and with family members, and the whole thing makes you feel as if you and your friends were hanging out with him at your house. I have been fortunate to interview Michael and connect with him after shows, and I can tell you that what you see of him on this DVD is the real deal.
One word of warning, though. Get this one quickly. It is a limited edition of 1,000, and it can only be purchased through Port Merchandise online. If you are a Michael Sweet fan, a Stryper fan, or just a fan of the magic behind music, then add this to your collection today.
