Not to brag, but I sure did recognize myself in this line from Neil Young's "If You Follow Every Dream You Might Get Lost." Other moments of insight follow in this interlude with an alluring artist and his friends.
Filmed over two nights from the stage of an empty Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, site of the Grand Ole Opry concerts, this low-key documentary offers an intimate hour with a unique talent and his perfectly attuned band, including spirited wife Pegi Young, a silver-maned Emmy Lou Harris, and hunky guitarist Rick Rosas.
Neil looks great in a light-colored suit, immaculate Western hat, and way-cool sideburns as he shares his understated take on life ("It's a long road behind me, and I miss you now"). Here's a chance to savor the amazingly gentle gratitude song "Falling Off the Face of the Earth" and the sublime ensemble work of "When God Made Me," before which Neil mentions his late father's bout with dementia ("living in the moment"). The hymn-like piece asks: "Did He give me the gift of voice, so some could silence me? Did He give me the gift of vision, not knowing what I might see?"
The concert's second half takes us to more familiar, albeit compelling terrain. (Check out the broom for creating a whisking sound!)
"I am a child. I last a while." And, of course, ""Keep me searching for a heart of gold, and I'm getting old..." Who among us can't identify?
I enjoyed being rocked and lulled by Neil and crew. Please keep playing, all!
NOTE: In reading the Wikipedia bio of director Jonathan Demme, I was delighted to learn of his fascination for Haitian artist Hector Hyppolyte. I'd love to see more of this gifted painter's work.
Filmed over two nights from the stage of an empty Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, site of the Grand Ole Opry concerts, this low-key documentary offers an intimate hour with a unique talent and his perfectly attuned band, including spirited wife Pegi Young, a silver-maned Emmy Lou Harris, and hunky guitarist Rick Rosas.
Neil looks great in a light-colored suit, immaculate Western hat, and way-cool sideburns as he shares his understated take on life ("It's a long road behind me, and I miss you now"). Here's a chance to savor the amazingly gentle gratitude song "Falling Off the Face of the Earth" and the sublime ensemble work of "When God Made Me," before which Neil mentions his late father's bout with dementia ("living in the moment"). The hymn-like piece asks: "Did He give me the gift of voice, so some could silence me? Did He give me the gift of vision, not knowing what I might see?"
The concert's second half takes us to more familiar, albeit compelling terrain. (Check out the broom for creating a whisking sound!)
"I am a child. I last a while." And, of course, ""Keep me searching for a heart of gold, and I'm getting old..." Who among us can't identify?
I enjoyed being rocked and lulled by Neil and crew. Please keep playing, all!
NOTE: In reading the Wikipedia bio of director Jonathan Demme, I was delighted to learn of his fascination for Haitian artist Hector Hyppolyte. I'd love to see more of this gifted painter's work.