Watch Albert Collins - Live at Montreux

Albert Collins - Live at Montreux is a captivating showcase of the legendary blues guitarist, Albert Collins, performing live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 1992. This concert film captures the essence of Collins' masterful guitar skills and unique vocal style, as well as his charming stage presence and playful banter with the audience.

The film opens with a close-up shot of Collins' hands as he tunes his signature Fender Telecaster guitar, a fitting introduction to the spectacle that is about to unfold. The camera then zooms out to reveal the packed audience at the Montreux Jazz Festival, eagerly waiting for Collins to take the stage.

As the band begins to play, Collins makes his entrance with his trademark stage move - walking out with his guitar held high above his head, ready to launch into the opening number. The energy in the room is immediately palpable, as the crowd responds with raucous cheers and applause.

Over the next 90 minutes, Collins and his backup band deliver a powerhouse performance, featuring tracks from his extensive discography, as well as a few covers of classic blues standards. Throughout the set, Collins' guitar work is nothing short of breathtaking, as he effortlessly weaves intricate melodies and blistering solos, all while maintaining a smooth and soulful sound.

One of the standout moments of the concert is Collins' rendition of "Master Charge," a fan favorite from his album “Cold Snap”. In this performance, Collins' guitar playing is at its finest, showcasing his signature staccato style and incredible sense of timing. The audience responds with overwhelming enthusiasm, as they sing along and dance to the infectious rhythm.

In addition to showcasing Collins' incredible guitar skills, the concert also highlights his unique vocal style, which is rough and gritty, yet deeply soulful. This is particularly evident in his performance of "Lights Are On But Nobody's Home," a slow-burning blues ballad that showcases Collins' emotional depth and ability to tell a story through his music.

Throughout the concert, Collins engages with the audience in a playful and endearing way, chatting with the crowd in between songs and telling anecdotes from his life on the road. This banter adds an extra layer of personality to the performance, allowing the audience to connect with Collins on a deeper level.

The concert culminates with a rousing rendition of "Frosty," a Collins original that has become a blues standard in its own right. The band kicks into high gear for this number, with Collins leading the charge with his electrifying guitar work. The audience sings and sways along to the infectious rhythm, bringing the concert to a thrilling conclusion.

Overall, Albert Collins - Live at Montreux is a must-see for any fan of the blues. It offers a glimpse into the incomparable talent of one of the genre's most iconic figures, as well as a compelling snapshot of the Montreux Jazz Festival in the early 1990s. With its electrifying performances, soulful melodies, and engaging stage presence, this concert film is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers of all stripes.

Albert Collins - Live at Montreux is a 1979 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute.