Tea for the Tillerman: Live

Cat Steven when he started was incredible. This limited audience performance shows the power and the sincere effort he put into every song.

This was originally a half-hour TV special broadcast on KCET, Los Angeles's PBS affiliate, in 1971. Cat runs through a handful of his most recent songs (including "Moonshadow", which hadn't yet been released) with a minimal band (Alun Davies on second guitar, plus a bass player -- no drummer). The performances are wonderful. Now, as some reviews have complained, it is true that the show is short (a little over 30 minutes), the video quality is not great, and the audio is mono. But again, this was a PBS TV special from nearly half a century ago. It was probably shot on videotape, and TV was mono in those days, so there would have been no reason to record it in stereo. Most likely all that exists at this point is the broadcast tape from which this DVD was prepared. So it's this or nothing, and I'll gladly take this.

Originally a televised concert, this is shorter than I expected and much shorter than I might have wished. That's not a knock on the product; rather, it's a testimony to how much I loved this concert. The setting is extremely intimate; it feels as if one is there in the studio, sitting on a pillow alongside that lucky few. Performances (Cat Stevens and Alun Davies) are impeccable and unpretentious, and the artists are clearly at home with their audience. I mean, almost literally at home--that's how cozy this concert is. This performance makes for a nice companion to the Majikat DVD, from Cat's/Yusuf's arena touring days. Although brief, the DVD (which also contains Cat Stevens' own animated music video of "Moonshadow", narrated by the inimitable Spike Milligan of Goon Show fame) is well worth the money, as I intend to watch it many times--that is, unless "I ever lose my eyes, [and] all my colors all run dry."

This is an intimate three piece concert with Cat Stevens. He is accompanied by Alun Davies on guitar and vocals and Larry Steele on Bass Guitar and congas. The performance was recorded at KCET Studios in Los Angeles, CA on June 8th 1971. There isn't a lot of footage available to the public of Cat Stevens in his prime. Cat and friends are in excellent form. The video and the sound production are fair to good for 1971. That said, it is recorded in Mono and the run time is 35 min. A special treat for me was getting to hear the third verse for Longer Boats, which is not on the original album version. If you are a fan of Cat Stevens, I think you will be pleased with this DVD. The track listing is as follows; 1. Moonshadow, 2. On The Road To Find Out, 3.Where Do The Children Play?, 4. Wild World, 5. Miles From Nowhere, 6. Longer Boats, 7. Father And Son, 8. Hard Headed Woman, 9. Teaser And The Fire Cat (The animated shot film by Cat Stevens)

This was a episode of " In Concert" it was on every Friday night at 11:30 pm after the local news...same musicians as on the album, I personally love the animated short of the album cover characters from the next album "Teaser and the Firecat".... video contains most of the songs from Tea for the Tillerman"....my favorite is great live version of "Miles from Nowhere"....

These songs are so good the quality isn't that bad I just wish there were more songs it's like Morning has Broken.

Cat Stevens is a controversial figure; given the world as it is today, his conversion to Islam and self-identification with some of its political themes is enough for some people to avoid him altogether.Frankly, I understand and respect those who would choose to not buy "Cat Stevens" music. But, there is no replacement for his folk rock lilting voice and gentle lyrics. Maybe I shouldn't like the album, but I loved the hits and they still register.

Excellent DVD

I really enjoyed this DVD. It was shot in 1971 in Los Angeles at a small concert given by Cat Stevens. This was shortly after he became famous. The sound and pictures are very clear. The DVD runs for about 35 minutes and includes 8 songs from 1970 & 1971 including Wild World, Hard-Headed Woman, Moonshadow, Where Do the Children Play, Longer Boats, Father and Son, Miles from Nowhere and On the Road to Find Out. If you enjoyed listening to Cat Stevens in the 1970's you will like this.

Arrivé le 10 février en parfait état de marche et beau concert intime.

An intimate acoustic sit down. Rare to see this performance. So glad to own it.

Loved the DVD footage. Very nice.

Arrived quickly - awesome DVD!! Only wish it could have been longer. Thank you for the prompt service. AAA+++++++