The Tommy Schneller Band is an absolute live force. With the DVD "Live in the City of Peace," the Osnabrück-based band finally brings their crisp mix of soul, blues, funk, and rock into your living room with video.
Anyone who's only heard the band on tape so far will be in for a surprise: Tommy's distinctive voice sounds even more scratchy and robust than on record, and the enthusiastically cheering crowd gives the band an extra dose of enthusiasm that's hard to find offstage. Despite their maximum enthusiasm, every note is spot on—everything comes out of the speakers just as it was played at the Rosenhof. The songs from the strong current album "Backbeat" dominate the setlist, but select gems from older releases are also included.

 
There are plenty of magical moments on "Live in the City of Peace." A small selection: On the dirty slide guitar rocker "Backbeat," we look through the camera directly at the virtuoso fingers of guest guitarist Carl Carlton. "Blues for the Ladies" sees Tommy deliver his full dedication to the sax and microphone, not only getting the ladies in the audience in a frenzy, but also enchanting his band—deeper than knee-deep in the blues. And when guest singer Dorrey Lin Lyles really gets going on the gospel "Tryin' to Let Go," you have to be careful not to lose your mind.
From ten angles, including a bird's eye view, the film crew perfectly captured the atmosphere on and in front of the stage at Osnabrück's Rosenhof. Viewers won't miss the soloists' sometimes priceless facial expressions or the numerous sing-along moments. This recording, excellent in both picture and sound, is of course no substitute for attending a concert. But to ease the withdrawal symptoms until the Tommy Schneller Band's next gig, there's no better medicine.