The Goat Rodeo Sessions Live [Blu-ray]

If you like what this group put out in their studio effort of the Goat Rodeo Sessions, then don't even think twice about ordering this live performance on Blu-Ray or DVD. Just do it! Fans of classical, new-grass, progressive grass, and just plain music in general should get it, there is something for everyone here. Those who aren't into either classical or bluegrass/Appalachian folk can still find much to enjoy in this original blend of jazzy/bluesy rhythms in a classical and bluegrass/folk setting. Words don't describe it. Look to more work from these artists in other projects such as Yo Yo Ma's two other Appalachian albums with similar musicians, Thile's Solo and Punch Brothers albums, Thile with Edgar Meyer, etc.. Bela Fleck is the only missing piece of this puzzle, they should do some recordings with him with the entire group!

Fans of the O'Connor, Myers, Yo-Yo Ma Appalacian recordings will have plenty to enjoy here at Boston's House of Blues. The energy and enjoyment of the musicians is palpable, and I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this concert. I was sorry Mark O'Connor was not included, but nonetheless this was an outstanding program. I guess you could call this a classical/bluegrass fusion. Bottom line: it is great American music. This is one DVD I'll be watching over and over. A few minor complaints: the extras were part of the concert and should have been inserted in the program, and information on who composed what is lacking (except for the Bach piece). There is no weak link in this ensemble; everyone shines, and it was a delight to see the interaction and fun these musicians had that night.

My two-cents worth: After watching the DVD, "The Goat Rodeo Sessions Live," my recurring thought was: "Gracious sakes, such great virtuosity!" The musicians are Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Edgar Meyer (string bass, piano), Chris Thile (mandolin, violin, guitar, vocal), and Stuart Duncan (violin, banjo, mandolin), with Aoife O'Donovan (vocal). Although I do not understand certain modern musical ideas or structures (or lack thereof), these performances were captivating, and I marveled at how, the moment that I thought that I was listening to classical music, there was a seeming snippet of bluegrass or folk or jazz music. Other than a bit of Bach and traditional music here and there, the compositions and arrangements were by these five musicians. I found this DVD to be a noteworthy project.

I've always been a fan of Yo-Yo Ma as a classical musician, but his crossing the musical line with performers in other genre is simply incredible. I Loved "Appalachian Journey" featuring Yo-Yo Ma with Edger Meyer and Mark O'Connor. Couldn't watch it enough. "Goat Rodeo Sessions Live" with Stuart Duncan, Edger Meyer, Chis Thile and, yes, Yo-Yo Ma, is even better. I highly recommend it.

I loved the energy of the performance, the 'back and forth' between the musicians. As a big, eclectic music fan, this was a must see; the CD is tantalizing as well.

Yo Yo Mama playing with bluegrass musicians didn't quite work for me. The show is well produced and the audio is excellent but it's sort of like mixing ice cream and steak. Some things just don't work together.

Great music, great sound and picture, wonderful interplay between the artists!!!!Reference quality blu ray.

Late to the game on this one, but what an unbelievable collection of musical genius.

This could be described as New Acoustic Music, I suppose, along the lines of Edgar Mayer's previous albums - don't be fooled by the presence of Yo Yo Ma and expect it to be 'normal string quartet' stuff.The mix of musicians is very interesting - from Yo Yo, who is equally happy playing a concerto, to Stuart Duncan who doesn't even read music, though you wouldn't be aware of this by his playing. Both Chris Thile and Edgar Mayer have form in both Bluegrass and classical genres, and both are technically amazing.I enjoyed this so much that I bought the 'deluxe' version of the CD too (which also includes some performance videos and behind the scenes footage). Couldn't get enough of this, but then again I've been a fan of Stuart & Edgar for years, and have (relatively) recently discovered Chris (check out his excellent work with Michael Daves).My favourite track (and i noticed that this was echoed in the individual track ratings on the iTunes store) is Here & Heaven. Some of the other tracks require a little more concentration to appreciate, but well worth it.

This recording of the `Goat Rodeo' sessions records the first public performance of this group of musicians who are a group of talented and technically skilful musicians from different genres who might never normally meet musically. This opening statement is to paraphrase the comment by Stuart Duncan made as his descriptor of the group. To paraphrase another group member, Yo Yo Ma adds that for some, this music is `outside the box' but for these musicians there is no box. It is normal and just what they do.In struggling to describe the music contained in this recording I found myself outside the box but struggling to get in! This is not `cross-over' music but it is made up of an amalgamation of several contributing genres. These could loosely be described as containing elements of country & western, blues, a bit jazzy at times, elements of modern classical and all put together in a uniquely individual manner relying on individual talents blended to produce something interestingly new.The music has been composed or arranged by various members of the group but there is a strong improvisational driving force such as to be found in jazz. The title `Goat Rodeo' has been chosen to suggest the wilder side to this situation. The music is essentially easy to listen to without being `easy listening' as a genre type. I found it to be refreshingly interesting and diverting.The main feature lists 10 music tracks and lasts for some 55 minutes and there are 5 bonus music tracks running for some 22 minutes. There is no apparent difference in quality or content between these two selections so I have not understood why they did not simply run as a complete 77 minute concert.The imaging is crystal clear and involving. The sound is excellent in Digital 5.1, PCM 5.1 surround and stereo.This concert is an unusual concept and I found it musically rewarding. On its own unique terms I would suggest a 5 star rating, there being no means of relevant comparison other than applied musicianship across genres. I would hope that future purchasers would respond with the level of enthusiasm shown by the original concert audience.

I bought this album as I was a new recruit to the growing army of Punch Brothers fans and, as a guitar player, love watching people who are mind blowingly good on their favoured instruments. This is one of the best albums to come my way in years. The music is eclectic, as you would expect whenever Chris Thile is involved, and the five players are clearly having a wonderful time playing it. Edgar Meyer's work on the bass is one of the stand out features of this collection but that is not to detract from the contribution of the other players who are all first class. You have to admire YoYo Ma who loves a fresh challenge even when it is well outside his usual musical purlieu.Highly recommendedNigel Thompson

For those of us in the UK I'm finally glad Amazon UK offered this, it's always frustrating to find the rest of the world has access to brilliance like this when we don't.The concert is fantastic, and for those of you who love music and are not specific to any genre but love and admire real musical talent, then look no further - as a cellist, guitarist and mandolin player myself this was right up my street. In terms of genre, I'd have to say the music of the Goat Rodeo sessions are more of the bluegrass/folk/country vain, well it does have Chris Thile, Stuart Duncan and Edgar Meyer so what would you expect! Yo Yo Ma shows his true potential as a cellist for great expression, something I don't feel his classical ventures have really let him explore. For me, it's always fantastic to watch Chris Thile shows his brilliance and only wish there were Blu-Rays for his Nickel Creek days.The Blu-Ray picture and audio quality is great. Just a few slight niggles, the menu system makes out like there is supposed to be an additional "behind the scenes making of" film when it in fact calls up to the same starting film. Plus I need to check it out on another Blu-Ray player but one fo the encore tracks plays with the audio out of sync of the video. If that wasn't the case this would have been an easy full 5 stars!

I bought the cd when it first came out and I'm an admirer of all these musicians. The DVD is wonderful - the sheer pleasure of making music comes over so powerfully. To see a group of virtuosos having such a ball is great. I love this DVD!