Otis Redding
Otis Redding: The Best See & Hear
****1/2 out of *****
Otis Redding is a posthumous one-hit wonder, but his promise of soul remains forever imprinted in the genre’s music history. Otis Redding: The Best See & Hear is a CD/DVD set that celebrates the short four-year career the singer enjoyed before a tragic plane crash cut future access to Redding’s rich well of musical potential.
Inducted into the Rock ‘n‘ Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, he is honored for his commanding vocals and downright soul that often brought even himself to his knees. The master of soul is another instance of an artist ahead of his time. Despite his aptitude for singing and songwriting, Redding never saw a single of his recordings ascend higher than No. 21 on the pop top-40 Billboard charts.
Just three days before his death, on Dec. 10, 1967, Redding recorded “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” which proved to be his breakthrough hit and spent four weeks at No. 1 in early 1968. Watching the DVD of his live performances, it is both heartbreaking and moving to watch this soul man stir his audience into an awe-inspired stupor.
Although Redding was not a flashy performer with the moves of Michael Jackson to dazzle his fans, his conviction in his lyrics is nevertheless a spellbinding source of entertainment.
The Best See & Hear DVD is a perfect accompaniment to a CD full of classic tunes including, “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” “Try A Little Tenderness,” and “Respect,” a song later transformed into Aretha Franklin’s soul anthem. The DVD puts a face to the familiar soul standards with a flavorful dose of live musical theatrics.
The first section of the DVD exhibits selections from the Stax/Volt Tour of 1967, which not only features Redding but also Booker T. & the MGs and the soul act Sam & Dave. The second section showcases Redding’s inspired performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 shortly preceding his untimely death.
Listening to and watching this CD/DVD set makes one wonder the stardom Redding could have reached. Still, the musical gifts Redding left behind indicate that this man was a force of love and vocal power that will continue to resonate for generations to come.
— by Caroline Berg
