No Quarter: Jimmy Page & Robert Plant Unledded (Us Release) [2004]

Jimmy Page and Robert Plant met in 1968 and hit it off when they discovered they shared unorthodox and wide-ranging musical interests. Despite Led Zeppelin's reputation as the founding fathers of heavy metal, real fans know that what made Zep unique was the variety of musical styles deployed in their compositions. Ideas from North African and Indian music (check out Page's frequently unconventional guitar tunings) as well as Mississippi Delta blues, Appalachian mountain music and the folk traditions of the British Isles all fed into the Zeppelin song book.The 1994 reunion between Page and Plant was sparked by an invitation to perform together on MTV's `Unplugged' series, and by music producer Bill Curbishley talking Robert Plant around to the idea (Page needed no persuasion).The resulting concert at the studios of London Weekend Television (LWT) forms the centrepiece of this DVD which captures and celebrates the `Unledded' project. `No Quarter' contains 17 musical pieces performed either at the LWT concert, or outside in the open air in North Wales, or under the hot sun in Morocco with a group of Arab musicians. Four of the pieces - `City Don't Cry', `The Truth Explodes', `Wah Wah' and `Wonderful One' - are non-Zeppelin compositions, the rest imaginative re-works of songs written jointly by Page and Plant and originally recorded by Zeppelin in the 1970s.The new arrangements are backed by 7 musicians playing banjo, mandolin, bodhran and hurdy-gurdy as well as bass and percussion. To add further spice to the mix a traditional Egyptian 11-piece musical ensemble is deployed on many of the tracks and on those recorded in Marrakech, a group of Moroccan musicians. To top it all off, the entire string section from The London Metropolitan Orchestra (violins, violas and cellos) guest on `Since I've been loving you' and a brand new extended interpretation of the Zep classic `Kashmir' which is the DVD's crowning moment and closes the show.Most buyers interested in this collection will be Zeppelin fans and very familiar with all the originals from Zep's back catalogue. The reworks of for example `Nobody's fault but mine', `Four Sticks' and `Friends' are transformed into exotic rhythmic excursions so radically different to the Zeppelin originals as to be barely recognisable. Other numbers enjoy less radical reworks but are improved nevertheless.The inclusion of so many other fine musicians with no previous connection to the world of western rock music offers an unexpectedly rich musical experience, more complex and varied than any one of Zeppelin's glorious albums to which this collection will inevitably be compared. This is a mature and interesting piece of work which will appeal to any Zeppelin fan and to any open-minded listener with wider musical horizons. Production values are exemplary, giving a rich and satisfying sound where no instrument or voice dominates the action, but where everything is in fine balance.The extras include an interview with Page and Plant filmed in monochrome on a busy London Street (odd idea, but it somehow works even with people walking in front of the cameras and buses going past); a version of `Black Dog' radically changed from the original with an underlying `Whole Lotta Love' riff performed for the ABC American Music Awards; and an arty music video called `Most High'. Subtitles are offered in all major languages.

I've seen some strange reviews of this DVD / album here. Tracks are "not as good as the original" etc. What utter garbage some people write!! There's just no accounting for closed minds. Different is not bad - it's just different. Live with it and enjoy supreme talents exploring the wonderful diversity of music.A little off topic, a friend once talked me into seeing Metallica play an accoustic gig - they were effing AWESOME. Far better than anything I'd heard on album before, but "different". That is the whole point. Explore, experiment, push boundaries. Be original.This DVD is stunning. I've been a Zep fan since they formed and have been lucky enough to see them 3 times. To all the 'critics' here - I've never heard them play a song the same way twice live. It's always different, and that is part of the beauty of great music. You don't know what to expect, and certain moments make all the hairs on your body stand on end. This DVD has those moments.I won't go through all the highlights of this collection, but 2 tracks need a mention. "Nobody's Fault But Mine" has always been a favourite Zep song of mine. It showed just how tight a unit they were - immaculate timing between drums and bass, vocal and lead guitar. On here, it's not a stomping rock track - just beautiful, cool bluesy. I love it.Then we come to "Kashmir". I didn't think I'd ever hear better than the original, but damn!! Orchestras, african instruments - just astounding.Led Zeppelin were a force of nature, a fortunate coming together of 4 superb talents. Sadly we lost John Bonham, the greatest drummer of all time, and John Paul Jones has gone on to be a very successful producer. But luckily, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page never fail to amaze.You just need an open mind.

When Jimmy Page was looking for a new band project after the Yardbirds he was tempted to go in the direction of one of his chief influences, Bert Jansch, and form a Pentangle-like group, performing acoustic folk rock. Although I'm sure it would have been a great band, I doubt it would have reached the heights and the worldwide level of acclaim that he achieved with Led ZeppelinHowever, for those of us who like to play "what-if" this release gives us an insight into the power and skill that both Page and Plant have as acoustic musicians - and what might have been.Plant rarely unstraps his custom made, twin-neck 12/6 string Ovation acoustic guitar while romping through legendary Zep tracks including Gallows Pole, Nobody's Fault But Mine, When The Levee Breaks (my personal favourite) and Four Sticks. Page's true acoustic virtuosity is highlighted in "The Rain Song" where he expertly solos above the London Metropolitan Orchestra.Equally amazing is the undiminished power and control of Robert Plant's voice, well into his forties when these tracks were recorded in 1995.Although not entirely "unplugged" this disc does contain a great deal of 'roots' influences with significant input from musicians from Marakesh and Egypt. It is a testament to the validity of Zep's music that these diverse sources can provide an effective counterpoint for the original songs.The whole disc is a delight both for the original MTV footage but also for the generous additions of interviews and bonus tracks. Audio quality is excellent.With Led Zeppelin enjoying a well deserved renaissance, especially with a new generation of listeners, this disc represents an excellent addition to the Page, Plant and Led Zeppeling catalogue.

What's not to like with this dvd, after all it is basically Led Zeppelin?! The Eastern orchestra adds to the "Kashmir" sound throughout. If you like Zeppelin, you will love this.

Really enjoyed this

So good! So watchable!

Pour ma collection

Świetny koncert. Super jakość dźwięku i obrazu po remasteringu. Miło się to ogląda. Polecam

niente da dire..... Page & Plant...... ho detto tutto

De la millor música de l'història del rock