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DVD: The Mike Corrado Band: Live at Thalian Hall
(EGA Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale
The music business isn't easy for anyone, but it's just a bit more complicated for Mike Corrado and the Mike Corrado Band. When the band was first organized in 1995, Corrado was on active duty as a United States Marine, as were his drummer, Lamont Snyder, and saxophonist Joe Yankel. The crimp that seemed to put in their touring prospects ended in 1997, when Corrado and his bandmates finished their active duty tours. They began to work more regularly, opening for national touring acts and recording a series of CDs. The third CD release was scheduled for September 12, 2001. Needless to say, the events of the previous day disrupted that schedule.
It disrupted more than that. Corrado, an officer in the Marine Corps Reserve, was recalled to active duty, and continues to serve to this day. Which brings us to Live At Thalian Hall. If they couldn't take their show on tour, they figured they could put their show on TV through the medium of a concert DVD. And so they have.
They booked Thalian Hall, a venue in Wilmington, NC, assembled an enthusiastic audience of fans, enlisted the help of flautist Kofi Burbridge (Derek Trucks Band, Amphibian Rescue Unit) and vocalist Loretta Gray and put on a show. Check that. They put on a great show.
Fans of the kind of jazzy jam groove typical of the southeast will find this DVD particularly pleasing, but just about anyone who appreciates solid talent presented in a way that reflects real appreciation for the audience will find a lot to enjoy. And it's a bargain, priced below the average CD if purchased through the band at www.mikecorradoband.com. Corrado's song "My Watch" has become something of an anthem among active duty military, including the folks in Iraq. That alone makes this one worth checking out.
Filmed at Thalian Hall Center For Performing Arts
Wilmington, North Carolina
Thursday, December 4, 2003
Approximately 85 minutes run time
Mixed in 5.1 surround sound
Includes special bonus features
© 2004 - Shaun Dale