Revelator Collection, The

... in black and white, which somehow suits the wistful solemnity that underlies so much of Gillian Welch's work, and the songs she covers that others have written.Even if you're a big fan of Gillian (& her partner in life & music David Rawlings), it may take a few viewings to get past the initially spare look and production values here. No technicolor, over the top stuff -- just straight from the hip, old fashioned honest to goodness music, well loved and well played. These two are carrying on a grand tradition of American music, with nary a sequin or backup singer in sight ... to me, this is "real country" in the new century. To watch them together string together one gem of a song after another in this set is a true pleasure.Revelator sings with soul, clarity and grace -- visually, lyrically and musically. Gillian may not have the winsome charm of Alison Krauss or the grande dame self-possession of Emmylou Harris, nor the waifish, otherworldly crystalline voice and presence of Patti Griffin, but what she does have to offer is plain, unvarnished honesty, a beautiful love of her craft, and a refreshing lack of showboating. Gillian can go toe to toe with any of those gals in the raw talent department anyday!Revelator -- the images and the music -- is a fine answer to all of the over-the-topic antics of the celeb-country crowd -- and a must have if you're a fan of Gillian Welch!

Even though I live in Northern KY, I have never been a Bluegrass or Country music fan. I do own some Kim Richey, Country rock I guess. I also own what I would consider folk style music of Lynn Miles, Cheryl Wheeler, Richard Shindell, Carrie Newcomer, etc. I also like James Taylor, CSN&Y, Pink Floyd, etc.But I have NEVER owned anything close to Gillian Welch. I first heard of her on some Movie backrounds, and maybe Austin City Limits. I love all 4 of her albums completely, not just the Revelator. She looks and sounds like she just stepped out of eastern KY, or the Carolinas. But definitely the Appalachian areas of the country. Her music is so varied, from religous, to Appalachian roots, to worldly events, to her personal stuff, that the words don't not sound like it came from Appalachia at all, but to hear her sing it, you would certainly think so. Her album covers have her look as plain as a woman ever was, and she sings that way to the hilt. She was not born anywhere near the the hills of Appalachia, but sounds like that is exactly where she came from. I can't believe I love her music so much, but I certainly do. Check the Web sites on her, they are great. She typically writes/sings/plays guitar, banjo, harmonica with a man named David Rawlings, who hangs pretty much in the backround, but the more you hear her songs, the more noticeable he gets. He is a great piece of this puzzle. She does live in Nashville now, as does David Rawlings I believe.

"The Revelator Collection" includes both videos and live performances and was shot entirely in black-and-white film by still photographer Mark Seliger (chief photographer for "Rolling Stone" magazine). Others have complained about the B&W format, but I actually like it -- it gives the performance that old-timey feel that Welch's music reflects. The fact that it was shot all at one angle makes it a little too visually static, but it gives you the feel of actually being in the audience watching the show, which is nice.The DVD features all 3 videos from Welch's album "Time (The Revelator)" and live performances of five previously-unreleased songs: Welch's "Wichita" and covers of songs by Bob Dylan ("Billy"), Neil Young ("Pocahontas"), Bill Monroe ("I'm On My Way Back to the Old Home"-- sung by David Rawlings), and Townes van Zandt ("White Freightliner Blues").Overall, highly recommended, even though it may just end up being one of those DVDs you play in the background (rather than something you watch from start to finish without budging), it captures the Welch/Rawlings concert experience beautifully.

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are among the greatest American songwriters and musicians of our generation, and you shouldn't miss a chance to see them live. This DVD is the next best thing, and is well worth the price.The video footage of the recording sessions is great, and for this purpose, B&W works fine. I've seen Gillian and David in concert several times, and I was hoping for a little slice of a concert in my living room... but to me, something about the black and white footage and unusual camera work dispels this. It is still very good, capturing much of the banter and feel of their excellent performance, but I can't help but wish for color and of course maybe a few more songs (but that's how I always feel at the end of their concerts, too!).The sound quality is great, the music is terrific as always, and even with it's limited shortcomings I recommend the DVD wholeheartedly for fans of G&D, folk, bluegrass, and alt country.

Nice to own and receives repeated viewings. Don't mind the black and white presentation. Did not need the two versions of Revelator since the length of the DVD is too short to begin with. Please release more video of this most excellent duo.

Okay, first off, if you are a Gillian Welch and David Rawlings fan then there is no doubt that you will love this DVD. Totally in black & white; it adds so much to the flavor of the music. This DVD could not be improved on and I never grow tired of watching it. You cannot go wrong in purchasing this video. The studio sessions and live concerts are absolutely perfect. I wish that they would put out a dozen more in the same style. The only thing that I would suggest though, is that they would give David Rawlings some billing on the cover. They are an excellent team and I just think that fact should be acknowledged on the cover. Once you put the DVD in the player you will be spellbound.

Gillian Welch and David Rawlins are a consummate pair. I bought 'The Harrow And The Harvest' on iTunes. At first it was just the superb quality of the guitar that caught my ear. Then Gillian dug away and entered my soul. I would'nt call myself a country fan, alternative or otherwise. However I am a stone cold Welch/Rawlins fan. So I heard them now I needed to see who were the producers of this exceptional recording. So I googled and found the revelator collection. It was well worth the effort, though in my humble opinion it did not reach the heights of 'The Harrow And The Harvest' I still commend it to you as being valuable in its own right, particularly as you can see as well as hear..

Good DVD with nice guitar picking by David Rawlings. Good buy. Good seller arrived on time as described. thanks seller.!

As an acoustic guitar player I was looking in to american guitar based singers and guitarists. The combination of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings is mesmerizing. Two very gifted musicians and well worth a look.

As fresh as mountain air. Magnificent swooning desolation,the music eddies and swirls with Welch's melancholic compassion and the ratcheting up of Rawlings'guitar,coming in and injecting the Welchian voice with the stitchings of vigour and passionate ornamentation. This combines bluegrass,traditional country,americana and American Primitive.As a couple of pure acoustic musicians they create a space where the listener gets lost and taken up by soothing melodies and the interplay of the two guitars and harmonic voices which are haunting,suggesting an idealism and fervour of gospel imtensity.Time stands still.Their are 3 videos and 9 live performances in starkblack and white to suggest neo-traditional roots and influences.They render other artists' work e.g.Witchita,Billy(Dylan) and Pocahontas(Young) as well as a good selection of their own(see Time(The Revelator)CD).A good hour.

Excellent