Reviews
The Show Episode 1 – Electric Voodoo
This recently offered DVD featuring Augusta blues band Electric Voodoo is a well put-together spotlight presentation that appears to possibly be the debut/pilot episode for a visual media show simply titled “The Show”. Hosted, produced and filmed by Brian D. Matthews for BDMatthews Films, the program is listed a “a behind-the-scenes look at Augusta’s Arts & Entertainment” and mixes together rehearsal, interview and live performance footage to present a highly entertaining look at one of Augusta’s fast rising bands.
Blending an informative relaxed interview with footage of the band rehearsing in a living room type setting, the first part of “The Show” allows the viewer access behind the scenes. The members of Electric Voodoo, guitarist/singer Riley Williams, bassist Colin Heslip and drummer James Reed, discuss the bands formation, volume dynamics, onstage communication as well as their style of the blues which Williams refers to as “halfway jazz”. Of course the question of Williams’ ability to play guitar minus the luxury of a right hand comes up and William’s response is both introspective and light-hearted, bordering on humorous. While this portion of the DVD benefits from the band’s combined personalities and performance energy, the footage of the band rehearsing is awkward and at times tough to watch. Reed is mostly hidden by his drum kit and the camera spends most of its time following William’s right “nub”. While William’s ability to pluck strings without the assistance of fingers is mind-boggling, the DVD could have benefited with a more well-rounded presentation of the entire band rehearsing.
What the first part lacks in visual angles is more than made up for with a well shot and edited performance of the band playing an extended version of Santana’s “Black Magic Woman” at Washington Road bar Somewhere in Augusta. Mixing band footage with crowd shots, the camera captures the great onstage communication between the members of Electric Voodoo with great focus on Reed playing while constantly eying Williams. Shots of audience members dancing, as well as the look of wonderment on several bar patrons only adds to this well shot performance.
At a meager $5 price tag this DVD of Electric Voodoo on “The Show” is a steal to pick up at bands shows. Though odd, even the couple of “commercials go here” spots that pop up during the DVD are worth sitting though to enjoy this visual look at one of Augusta’s hardest working bands.
To find out more about Electric Voodoo visit their myspace page at www.myspace.com/electricvoodooblues.
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