Leave it to Bryan Ferry to film his show at the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Lyon, France as part of the Nuits de Fourviere Festival on July 25, 2011. Like the exotic, cosmopolitan aura of his music, Ferry and his slick 13-piece band (which includes two drummers and two dancers) are indeed well-dressed and adept in their chosen roles. Together they are elegantly captured and preserved on Live In Lyon, available on Blu-ray Disc and DVD. Ferry himself, even with graying temples, is virtually the same guy you saw in front of Roxy Music — radiating de rigueur, class and incalculable sophistication, virtually undiminished by the passage of four decades.
Make no mistake about it: this isn’t a lightweight, fluffy excursion through Bryan Ferry’s vast and artful catalog. There are a lot of new songs from Ferry’s 2010 Olympia album, along with an assortment of Roxy Music and solo tracks, along with Ferry’s trademark takes on classic songs by Bob Dylan, Neil Young and John Lennon. The band digs in deep at the drop of “I Put A Spell On You,” and never lets up for over two and half hours. “If There Is Something,” from Roxy Music’s 1972 self-titled debut, swings and sways. Two from Olympia fit right in — the edgy, hypnotic “You Can Dance,” with guitarist Oliver Thompson weaving a simple, yet enticing riff, and “Alphaville,” a suave and romantic ode with a Parisian flavor. And, of course, “Avalon” always has soothing effect, while “What Goes On,” “Sign Of The Times” and a rushed “Love Is The Drug” whip the placid audience into a semi-frenzy of celebratory joy.
Most intriguing are Ferry’s numerous covers, which get major makeovers, becoming the singer’s very own. From the refined refittings of Bob Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” and “All Along The Watchtower,” to the uptempo, yet heart-aching rendition of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy,” Ferry simply galvanizes the songs to suit his style without intruding on their familiar ring and allure. Even takes of Wilbert Harrison’s “Let’s Stick Together” and Isaac Hayes and David Porter’s “Hold On I’m Coming,” made famous by Stax duo Sam and Dave, assume new identities as they roll along unabated, without a hint of irreverence. As a bonus feature, Live In Lyon includes a documentary called “The Making Olympia” with exclusive interviews and studio performances (lots of big names, too). There’s little else to say except the whole set is a musical feast for the ears and eyes of anyone with a passing interest in Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music.
~ Shawn Perry
