Bonnie Raitt is certainly one of the most consistent artists of the past 35 years. While that might mean that her work is often predictable, it also means that it is usually very good. Since her debut, Raitt's approach hasn't really changed much at all; she still mixes ballads, rock, and folk-oriented music and infuses all of it with a strong sense of the blues. About the only thing that has changed over the years is the level of recognition that she receives. The combination of her voice and slide-guitar tone is now instantly recognizable by just about anyone, and here numerous Grammy awards have helped elevate her to a semi-legendary status.

"Bonnie Raitt and Friends" celebrates her career by presenting a live performance that captures the essence of her artistry, and pairs her with some special guests. Surprisingly, virtually none of the songs performed are taken from the first half of her career, which I see as a good thing. Although I love the material on her early albums "Taking My Time," "Home Plate" and others, those songs have grown a bit shopworn over the years. "Love Has No Pride" and "Angel from Montgomery" do not make the cut, while newer songs like "Crooked Crown" and "I Don't Want Anything to Change" are prominently featured. I believe the oldest song from her repertoire that appears here is "Love Letter," from 1989's "Nick of Time" album. The emphasis on newer material provides this collection with a sense of freshness that is exceptional, especially for an artist with a four-decade career.

While each song is performed beautifully, the pace of the show varies from lachrymose to lukewarm. Special guests enliven things a bit, with appearances by Keb Mo', Alison Krauss, Ben Harper, Jon Cleary (who is a bonafide bandmember) and Norah Jones. Ben Harper's performance is simply functional, and Norah Jones is predictably laid back, but special mention should be made of Keb Mo' and Alison Krauss. Mo' and Raitt share a natural affinity that is mutually complimentary, as if they had been playing together for years. Krauss, meanwhile, is a perfect partner for Raitt, with a voice that is equally resonant and a musicianship that represents `state of the art' Americana. Any fan of either of these beautiful and talented musicians owes it to themselves to hear their duet on the gorgeous sad ballad "You." The CD and DVD duplicate one another, but the DVD also includes interviews with each of the artists, which are worth seeing if only for the candor and mutual respect they convey. This generosity of spirit is a prime ingredient that defines the music of Bonnie Raitt, and it is abundantly clear throughout "Bonnie Raitt and Friends." B+ Tom Ryan

I'm a long time fan and have seen Bonnie a kazillion times

over the years. This is a unique recording of some great music &

guests on here (Allison Krauss, Ben Harper, Keb Mo and Nora

Jones) and they just add that extra spicey flavor to make Bonnie's music even that much cooler. Funky stuff here,("Love

Letter" w/Keb, "Gnawin on it", "Unnecessarily Mercenary", w/ the

band, "Two Lights in the nighttime" w/ Ben Harper dueling slide

guitars on this one. Beautiful ballards "You" featuring Allison

Krauss and her harmony and fiddle, "I don't want anything to

change" w/Nora Jones, and also with Nora the great duet on

"Tennesee waltz", great recordings of "Papa come quick",w/ Allison, "Something to talk about", "No getting over you",w/Keb

the newer cuts "I will not be broken" and my favorite on

SOULS ALIKE "God was in the water". The sound is superior on

the DVD, crisp you can here every little pluck, everything

is there, never slick but real music from excellent musicans.

Bonnie Raitt has such a huge song cataloge its impossible

to get to everything but she does manage to highlight the

best of what she does. Vh1 classic does a great job with this,

I found the lighting and visuals excellent its busy but it

keeps everything moving right along. This is a highlight in Bonnie Raitts career and

not to be missed. I still can't get over just how awesome the

sound is on my sound system, the surround sound recording

on the DVD is really exceptional.

I got this CD+DVD from Amazon UK and found it a great concert. Bonnie has discovered a way to improve even more her songs. The duets with her friends are the best of the entire performance and this is already a reason to buy this pack.

But being a 2005 concert, the visual side is not so great. The background chosen for the event (a giant screen with light dots moving all the time) doesn't help to focus on the performers and the image is not as sharp as it should be. Compare it to concerts recorded lately like Musicares tribute to James Taylor, Mark Knopfler & Emmilou Harris Real Live Roadrunning or Lightning In A Bottle from various Blues legends including Bonnie Raitt and you will understand what I mean. They are pristine clear recordings, almost High Definition quality.

But to worsen the situation when you select the 5.1 Dolby Digital option from the menu, there is no sound at all from the center loudspeaker and very little from the surrounds (just like a delayed eco sound). It makes me think if the original DVD was recorded in Stereo and later "adapted" to 5.1.

As I thought there was a problem with this DVD I asked for a new one just to find it was in the same condition. I don't know if the problem lies in the European batch of records or if it happens the same worldwide. I would appreciate any other reviews about this question.

I gave only three stars to this set because of the edition. The music of Bonnie Raitt and the rest of performers well deserve five stars. The fact is that I don't think of returning it under any circumstances.

I bought this as i'm a big fan of bonnie raitt for a long number of years.

The band she has assembled for this outing is second to none.Great sound,

in 5.1 dolby if you own a home cinema system. The only small gripe I would have is that the cd part of the package doesn't have the same tracks as the dvd.. Otherwise excellent.

I'VE LISTENED TO ROCK, POP, BLUES & JAZZ FOR THE LAST 50 YRS.

BONNIE WAS THERE FOR MOST OF THEM. SHE'S ONE OF THE FEW THAT HAS INFLUENCED THEM ALL. THESE DISCS REALLY SHOW HER GIFT FOR COLABORATING & AT THE SAME TIME ILLUMINATING THE GIFTS OF HER CONTEMPORARIES AS WELL

AS HER MUSICAL FOLLOWERS. IF YOU KNOW BONNIES WORK, IT'S A GREAT ADDITION.

IF YOU DONT, IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO GET STARTED.