Since Black Country Communion arrived on the scene, still less than a year ago, they have managed two studio CD releases, and to top it off they have produced what is an absolute state of the art video, and it's tailor made for the Blu-ray experience. Complete with drum cams and one of the finest sound mixes to be heard by Kevin Shirley, this gem is something of the award winning audio variety to match the stunning Blu-ray visuals. The material is culled from their European tour and selected very well, and the selections are all blended together precisely without the viewer being too made overly aware that these come from various performances. There are obvious indicators at times, but it’s not of a nature that disrupts the viewing experieence. This is in no way an easy thing to achieve, but then Shirley is not a master for no reason. Those with apprehension because of the various shows presented in one video, fear not, as this actually works very well here. 

All of the best tunes from their two studio releases are featured, as well as Joe Bonamassa's “The Ballad Of John Henry” and Deep Purple’s classic “Burn,” the latter being one of Hughes' all time biggest numbers, and one of the reasons he is the force to reckon with today that he is. Everything is so well molded together here that it's hard to move a muscle while watching it, as it keeps the viewer completely seat glued. The performance standard here is also hard to top, as each of them (including Derek Sherinian who shines on stage in a full circle capacity and rounds out his otherwise seemingly lesser role with them) pulled out all stops to conquer audiences throughout Europe. The sheer level of magnificent showmanship from Hughes is second to none, as he is rightfully considered one of the best  rock singers in the last fifteen years. He also commands the stage like no other. Not only that, Jason Bonham is in top form and really helps Bonamassa's whole homage to Led Zeppelin with his Jimmy Page antics. If  you haven't viewed the Blu-ray experience concerning concert footage, there is no better place to start than with this truly amazing release. Just be prepared to be very impressed with it, especially if you like this ensemble of musicians who have managed to bring back that long lost classic sound rock fans continuously long for hearing, but don’t find often enough.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011  Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.