Bonnie Raitt, a name synonymous with blues-infused rock and soulful vocals, has captivated audiences for decades with her distinctive sound and compelling stage presence. The 2006 release of “Bonnie Raitt and Friends” captured a remarkable live performance, showcasing not only Bonnie Raitt’s exceptional talent but also her collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. Recorded on September 30, 2005, at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, NJ, this DVD and accompanying CD offer a treasure trove of Bonnie Raitt songs performed live, enhanced by the magic of musical camaraderie.
This concert film, initially broadcast in part on VH1 Classic, goes beyond the original airing by presenting never-before-seen performance and interview footage. Fans are treated to four duet performances not included in the television broadcast, making this release a truly definitive record of a special musical event. Spanning two hours, “Bonnie Raitt and Friends” immerses viewers in a high-definition concert experience, complete with 5.1 audio, bringing the energy of Bonnie Raitt’s performance directly into homes.
At the heart of the performance is Bonnie Raitt herself, leading her longtime band – George Marinelli on guitar, James “Hutch” Hutchinson on bass, Ricky Fataar on drums, and Jon Cleary on keyboards. Together, they deliver a setlist packed with 17 songs, blending classic Bonnie Raitt hits with selections from her then-current album, Souls Alike. Audiences are thrilled by renditions of beloved tracks like “Something To Talk About,” the soulful “Love Letter” (featuring Keb’ Mo’), and the poignant “You” (with Alison Krauss). The encore reaches a fever pitch with “Love Sneakin’ Up On You,” a collaborative tour-de-force featuring Raitt alongside Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Alison Krauss, and Keb’ Mo’.
Alt text: Bonnie Raitt and Friends DVD cover featuring Bonnie Raitt and guest musicians Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Alison Krauss, and Keb’ Mo’.
The Souls Alike album is well-represented in this live set, with powerful performances of “I Will Not Be Broken,” “God Was In The Water,” “I Don’t Want Anything To Change” (featuring Norah Jones), and “Unnecessarily Mercenary,” a dynamic duet with her keyboardist and the song’s writer, Jon Cleary. The accompanying CD, a curated selection of 11 tracks from the concert, includes the radio single “Two Lights In The Nighttime” (featuring Ben Harper), providing a perfect audio companion to the visual spectacle of the DVD.
“Bonnie Raitt and Friends” is more than just a concert recording; it’s a celebration of musical collaboration and the enduring appeal of Bonnie Raitt songs. The stellar lineup of guest artists adds layers of richness to the performance. Norah Jones brings her signature jazzy warmth, Ben Harper infuses his bluesy grit, Alison Krauss lends her bluegrass finesse, and Keb’ Mo’ adds his soulful blues touch, all complementing Bonnie Raitt’s powerful vocals and slide guitar mastery.
The band itself is a powerhouse:
- Bonnie Raitt: Vocals, Slide and Acoustic Guitars
- James “Hutch” Hutchinson: Bass and Vocals
- Ricky Fataar: Drums and Vocals
- George Marinelli: Guitar and Vocals
- Jon Cleary: Keyboards, Percussion and Vocals
And the featured guests elevate the performance to another level:
- Norah Jones: Vocals and Wurlitzer Electric Piano
- Ben Harper: Vocals and Lap Slide Guitar
- Alison Krauss: Vocals and Fiddle
- Keb’ Mo’: Vocals and Electric Guitar
The DVD tracklist offers the full concert experience:
- Unnecessarily Mercenary (featuring Jon Cleary)
- I Will Not Be Broken
- God Was In The Water
- Gnawin’ On It
- You (featuring Alison Krauss)
- Papa Come Quick (featuring Alison Krauss)
- No Gettin’ Over You
- Love Letter (featuring Keb’ Mo’)
- Crooked Crown
- Trinkets
- Two Lights In The Nighttime (featuring Ben Harper)
- Well, Well, Well (featuring Ben Harper)
- Something To Talk About
- Hear Me Lord
- I Don’t Want Anything To Change (featuring Norah Jones)
- Tennessee Waltz (featuring Norah Jones)
- Love Sneakin’ Up On You (featuring All Special Guests)
Alt text: Bonnie Raitt performing live on stage with her signature slide guitar during the Bonnie Raitt and Friends concert.
The CD provides a condensed yet compelling audio journey through the concert highlights:
- Introduction
- Unnecessarily Mercenary (featuring Jon Cleary)
- I Will Not Be Broken
- God Was In The Water
- Gnawin’ On It
- You (featuring Alison Krauss)
- Love Letter (featuring Keb’ Mo’)
- Two Lights In The Nighttime (featuring Ben Harper)
- Well, Well, Well (featuring Ben Harper)
- Something To Talk About
- I Don’t Want Anything To Change (featuring Norah Jones)
- Love Sneakin’ Up On You (featuring All Special Guests)
“Bonnie Raitt and Friends” is a testament to Bonnie Raitt’s enduring legacy and her influence on contemporary music. This release is a must-have for any fan of Bonnie Raitt songs and for anyone who appreciates exceptional live performances. It captures a moment in time when some of music’s brightest stars came together to celebrate the songs of a true icon. Whether you’re a long-time admirer or new to her music, this DVD and CD offer an unforgettable experience of Bonnie Raitt’s artistry and the magic of live music.
