Watch Ben Folds Five: The Complete Sessions at West 54th

Ben Folds Five: The Complete Sessions at West 54th is a concert film featuring the American alternative rock trio of Ben Folds Five. The movie was filmed during the band's appearance on the television series Sessions at West 54th in 1997. The concert showcases the raw energy and talent of the band, who deliver an energetic and passionate performance for the live audience.

The film begins with a brief introduction by the host of Sessions at West 54th, explaining who Ben Folds Five are and what they bring to the music scene. The concert then starts with the upbeat and catchy song "Philosophy", followed by "Where's Summer B.?" which showcases the band's witty and humorous lyrics. Throughout the movie, Ben Folds (piano, vocals), Robert Sledge (bass, backing vocals) and Darren Jessee (drums, backing vocals) perform songs from their critically acclaimed album "Whatever and Ever Amen", as well as some of their lesser-known tracks.

The concert is not just a display of the band's musical talents, but also their showmanship. Folds exudes charisma and humor throughout the performance, interacting with the audience and making jokes in between songs. The band also showcases their versatility by switching instruments during the show, with Folds occasionally joining Sledge on bass and Jessee on vocals. This adds an extra dimension to the performance, demonstrating not only their musical abilities but their cohesion as a group.

Another standout moment in the film is the performance of their song "Brick", which is one of their most well-known and emotionally charged songs. It's a slow ballad that tells the story of a young couple's unplanned pregnancy and abortion, and it really showcases Folds' ability to convey complex emotions through his lyrics and vocals. The audience is captivated during the entire song, with many visibly moved by the powerful performance.

One of the unique features of the film is how it captures the intimate atmosphere of a live performance. The camera work is simple but effective, with close-up shots of the band members giving the audience a behind-the-scenes look at the performers. The sound quality is also excellent, which is crucial for a concert film, with the viewer feeling as though they are in the middle of the crowd.

Overall, Ben Folds Five: The Complete Sessions at West 54th is a must-watch for fans of the band or anyone who appreciates quality concert films. The film captures the essence of Ben Folds Five, showcasing their musical talents, wit and showmanship. The songs are performed with a raw energy that conveys the passion and emotion of the band's music. It's incredible to see the band in their prime, before they went on to achieve greater commercial success.

In conclusion, Ben Folds Five: The Complete Sessions at West 54th is a phenomenal concert film that showcases the band's incredible talent and energy. The film serves as a time-capsule of the band's early years, when they were just starting to gain recognition for their innovative sound and clever lyrics. The performances in the film are still as engaging and impressive as they were over two decades ago, making the film a must-watch for any fan of the band or lover of live music.

Ben Folds Five: The Complete Sessions at West 54th is a 2014 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes.