Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals DVD

This was the first Ben Harper music DVD I have ever seen. So newcomers, don’t shy away, this review is of my first impression. Because I enjoy Ben Harper’s music very much, this review is not unbiased. In order to be interested in this DVD,One needs to appreciate relaxing, acoustic/electric music classified on my iPod as “alternative”. “Live at the Hollywood Bowl: Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals” was recorded in 2003 and is one of three music DVDs by Ben Harper.

The DVD starts with Ben Harper and the members of his back up, The Innocent Criminals, hugging and shaking hands with each other before making their entrance which they started with a fun, electric song called “Glory and Consequence.” Before the song begins, a recording of Ben Harper saying, “as a musician, I know nothing but honesty” setting the scene that speaks for the general feel and theme of his music.

My favorite ones are the slow and sad songs on the DVD. I sat watching Ben Harper sit on stage pouring his heart out about dealing with the death of his wife with a tissue in my hand. His passion is in his voice and his words can not be mistaken.

Close up shots of Ben Harper and the other members of The Innocent Criminals are what I pay attention to the most. During the fast paced, electric songs the camera goes in and out showing you each member playing their instrument then gives a full panoramic of the theater and the light show from the view of the fans. The visual entertainment is excellent.

The concert is entertaining as well. Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals diversify their fifteen-song playlist by including many instruments that create different sounds and feels. During the song “Like a King” Ben uses an electric lap guitar that gives the song a southern twang. When performing the song “I’m Blessed” Harper plays a tongue drum (which is like a wooden xylophone) and The Innocent Criminals play steel drums and maracas that give the song a Caribbean sound. They eventually break out into collective and solo drum parts. Their electric and acoustic songs are varied in style as well.

Besides the live concert, there are other options on the DVD. Backstage shows you low-key but insightful moments between band members. You see Ben playing and singing off stage in his backstage room and you see the jokes and advice the band members share with each other. There is a photo gallery with pictures mostly in black and white from the band’s other concerts. Their music plays in the background guiding us through the slide show style photo gallery. Also included are two music videos you can watch where you see a different and playful view of Ben Harper and the band.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this DVD and would recommend it to anyone who thinks its sounds good from this review, because it is. This music is true and honest and the DVD makes this clear. I bought it at Best Buy for $17.99 and I have watched the two-hour concert twice more after my first viewing. It hasn’t gotten old.