Watching this DVD for the umpteenth time, I find that John's initial 3 songs are , for him, relatively "weak".
Once he gets over that seemingly nervous start, he appears to realise that this audience adore him, he just gets stronger and stronger, and it is quite a towering performance, particularly his solo set.
I wondered if anyone else found this, and I might add, I saw him live many times over a 23 year span, and thought he always started his shows in such a dominant style.

I dunno, it is a really good concert from start to finish. I like FPB and Sunday Morning from it. The end from Will the Circle Be Unbroken on is superb though.

Especially when he was on TV outside the US, he sometimes was really shy, especially in interviews, but in performing too; at least I saw him that way occasionally in German TV.
Like he said on the Highwaymen-Nassau concert, he always was glad to be back in his country, and loved it even more than when had to leave it.

I agree elricko. I think he really turns it up and gets comfortable when he sings "Ghost Riders In The Sky." After that he seems much more in his element.

I have the MONTREUX DVD and love it! Can anyone recommend another live DVD that is on the same level? I like that Carter Family and everyone else who traveled with Johnny, but if I am going to buy a concert DVD of Johnny, I want it to be mostly him.

I really like the Denmark concert.

I also thought that the Montreux performance was a little under par. It seemed to me that JC and the band were perhaps tired. However, this did not reduce my enjoyment in any way, and I watch the DVD regurlarly.

www.strictlycash.net

Elricko- It's been a while since I watched this DVD but I seem to recall Johnny voice got stronger when he sat on the stool for the solo set and I have wondered if it was a physical thing where seated he had more strength for his vocals. I need to watch this again. Nice post.

Paul

Listening to my DVD, I think they had sound problems with the sound system for the first part of the DVD and resolved them several minutes later.

Ken

I might agree to the tired factor, and energy may have been gianed from the music vibes and crowd. I think Johnny had jaw pains around that time also. The stage sound I think was resolved pretty quick. I think Get Rhythm was a great live take. All three songs are unique sounding.

Michael

Those of us who saw Johnny in the late nineties defiantly saw Johnny performances while always riveting did show signs of weaknesses. His timing was off and He seemed to be tired at times during the show. I felt this was a slow beginning to his health issues, but ever the consummate pro wanted to perform for His Fans and I am glad he did. Saw Him countless times and He never let me down although The early sixties were very interesting ??? LOL

Jerry, you are so right about the performances in the 1960's vs. the later performances. What he lost in energy, he made up in obvious love for the fans. I treasure the memory of the concert I saw him perform in 1994.....up close, personal, and so wonderful!!!

I've been thinking about the fatigue factor. I had the privilege of seeing Johnny once in 95 and again in 97. John was obviously aware of this and arranged the show giving June and John Carter stage time mid way through the performance allowing him 20 minutes to rest. I've talked about the 97 performance in past posts...his 95 performance at the Peace Center in Grenville South Carolina was nothing short of fantastic. A small and intimate venue that was absolutely filled by Cash. It was a night for the ages. We had no clue that John was hurting...the audience was on cloud nine and now in retrospect I'm sure he was not merely sharing the stage but giving himself a few moments rest so he could deliver what was a riveting performance. Looking back what a treasure.

Paul

Same as when I saw him in 1994 in FL...he was older, but full of life, and it was an intimate venue, jam packed with Cash fans....precious memory!