Champion Jack Dupree Live At Rockpalast: Cologne 1980 DVD Review by Gary Hill
This set includes not only the DVD, but a double CD set of the concert.Jack Dupree was called "Champion Jack Dupree" because he had been a champion boxer. He was also one heck of an entertainer. Dupree relocated from the US to Europe in 1959 and the bulk of his music career happened there. This show is from the German TV show "Rockpalast." I think, perhaps, the most winning thing about Dupree is his persona. The guy just seems so genuine. He's really funny, too. Both of those things contribute to making this a great show.
Mind you, he's one heck of a piano player, too. His music is in the range of blues and jazz. It's good stuff, but I think the stories and other little antics make this work even better. Dupree's vocals remind me a bit of Chuck Berry at times. The video and audio quality are both quite good for the time period. It should be noted that while the cover is in black and white, the video is in color. The only bonus feature is the trailer for the show.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2017 Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.
