Yusuf Islam - Yusuf's Cafe Session - Live At The Porchester Hall [2007]

Product Details

Artist : Yusuf
Format : PAL, Import
Aspect Ratio : 1.77:1
Binding : DVD
EAN : 0602517337282
Product Group : DVD
Region Code : 2
Release Date : 2007-06-25
Running Time : 125minutes
Studio : Universal Music Operations
UPC : 602517337282

ASIN : B000Q7ZIFY

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Customer Reviews

Beautiful (2008-07-05)

I can't really add to what the other reviewers have already said, I just wanted to add another big plus-vote. A truly superb presentation. My only one slight nag is the you can actually actually hear a change in the sound quality after "Maybe There's a World" and before "In The End", (the sound actually improves). That's when listening in Stereo, I haven't tried it in Dolby surround. It's also a shame there's no accompanying CD as a couple of the tracks on here don't seem to be available anywhwere else.

A lesson for us all (2008-01-01)

Wow, what and album! I loved his Cat Steven's music in the 70's, still do, but this album and DVD are something special. His voice, guitar (simple) his whole attitude and humility are just great. A lesson for us all whatever beliefs, faith, or lack of.Geoff SW16

He's still got the voice and what a voice! (2007-08-31)

As stated before, the DVD is actually split into three sections: (i) the live session at the Porchester Hall; (ii) a documentary where Yusuf Islam speaks about his life and some music videos including two songs of him strumming and singing while sitting on his settee.The sound quality of the music from the live session on this DVD is fantastic. The video isn't quite as good (hence the loss of a star but I am watching this on a projector so it will probably look good on a TV). The truly incredible parts (for me) are when he sings Father and Son and Wild World. His voice has mellowed over the years and (I think) the songs sound better now than then.The documentary was really interesting. It essentially narrates his journey from his youth, into the pop world, into Islam (and giving up of music and playing instruments) to picking music up again. I didn't know much about Cat Stevens (too young I am afraid) but I did find this documentary compelling as it really drew you into why he made the decisions that he did.For me, the best part of the DVD are the two songs on the music video section where he is sitting on his settee with a guitar and playing Peace Train and Midday. It really feels like an expert musician just playing and having fun and this really comes across in the DVD.This is one of the most enjoyable DVDs I have watched and is easily the best music DVD I own - not just the music but the extras too.

Long Overdue! (2007-08-05)

This DVD is actually 160 minutes long and is really in five parts, not three. The concert ("Live Session") is nicely recorded and is a little over 61 minutes long. The BBC "A Few Good Songs" is about 53 minutes long. The third section, "Side Orders", actually has three parts: (1) "One More Cup" with Yusuf on a settee telling why he left and why he returned (15 min), (2) two music videos "Heaven/Where True Love Goes" and "Midday (Avoid City After Dark)" (9 min), and (3) three solo pieces with Yusuf on the settee with his guitar (11 min). Only two ("Peace Train" and "Midday (Avoid City After Dark)") are listed in the DVD menu. The third is "Where Do the Children Play" and is only accessible if you select "Play All" from the "Side Orders" part of the DVD. The settee version of "Peace Train" includes a second, blues version that works remarkably well.After watching the DVD I think you will agree that the warmth of the person matches the warmth of his voice. Welcome back! Long overdue.

Magical! (2007-08-01)

As an 'ancient' fan who can recall waiting eagerly for the original release of 'Catch Bull At Four' and 'Buddha And The Chocolate Box' back in the 'seventies....I was just as eager to see this.Anybody who was a fan of Cat Stevens in the past or Yusuf Islam in the present will not be disappointed with this. A gorgeous concert recorded at Londons Porchester Hall which includes many of his old favourites.His new album 'An Other Cup' is also well represented.The concert opens with 'Wind East And West'(a track which I had never before heard), and then drifts into the beautiful 'The Wind', off his classic 'Firecat' album.'Don't Be Shy' and 'Where Do The Children Play' also get an excellent airing. His latest superb songwriting efforts are well showcased by 'Maybe Theres A World' and 'Heaven/Where True Love Goes' among others.It was really brilliant to see his 'old' musical sideman Alun Davies on stage for all tracks.Anybody familiar with the old classic albums will know that Alun Davies was behind all the magical acoustic guitar playing.The other musicians on stage are also excellent. There is also an interesting documentary on Yusufs life with some excerpts from his Cat Stevens performing days.His recent videos of 'Midday' and 'Heaven/Where True Love Goes' are also included.I was slightly disappointed that 'Moonshadow' didn't make the concert(although it gets a whispered mention at the end of 'Don't Be Shy'). Overall, though, an excellent dvd with a superb sound quality....highly recommended!

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