Etta James, and her long time backing band - The Roots Band, showcases her ability to take on any genre and conquer it. In Burning Down The House she goes from the sultry jazz of "At Last" to the Rock'n'Roll of "I Just Wanna Make Love to You," to the deep blues of "I'd Rather Go Blind" to the funk of "You Can Leave Your Hat On."

Track Listing:
1. Come to Mama
2. I Just Wanna Make Love to You
3. Born to Be Wild
4. I'd Rather Go Blind
5. All the Way Down
6. Breaking Up Somebody's Home
7. At Last
8. You can Leave your Hat on
9. Something's Got a Hold on Me
10. Your Good Thing is About to End
11. Rock me Baby
12. Love and Happiness
13. Sugar on the Floor

Average Customer Review: ( 10 customer reviews )
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My favorite song she does is I'd Rather Go Blind. This is one of the better versions of this song that she does. The only version I've seen better is only available on VHS (hint, hint, please re-release and remaster on DVD). It was a special with Etta, Dr, John, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Albert King and many others. Some of the others are not around anymore.

If you are into the Blues you wont want to miss this. The picture quality is fair to good and the sound is Dolby 5.1 and stereo.

15 of 16 found the following review helpful:

This set is scorching all the way!May 23, 2003
By O. J. Dean
Etta James has expanded her boundaries during the last several years, incorporating more sophisticated and lavish productions, particularly with her jazz and gospel recordings. Despite the forays into other musical genres (where she is imminently competent), her rockin' blues songs on this live set are incredibly soulful and arguably represent the peak of her achievements since her Chess and Cadet days in the '60s.
Do yourself a favor and get this set on dvd or cd, and also get her blistering set from 1963, "Etta James Rocks the House". Then you'll have 2 remarkable shows bookending 40 years of the ongoing career of the real Queen of Soul.

18 of 20 found the following review helpful:

A Living Legend !Apr 03, 2003
By peterfromkanata
Etta James has had a long, distinguished career in music, which is reflected in the 90-minute concert now available on this DVD.
In front of an enthusiastic audience, she delivers 15 songs in her trade-mark, tough and tender, take-no-prisoners style that puts her up with the elite artists of our time. The songs cover blues, soul, rhythm and blues, jazz, funk and even some flat-out rock--Etta handles sensitive ballads and raucus ravers with equal emotion and heart. Although seated throughout the concert, she knows how to connect with an audience.

She is backed by The Roots Band, a large group of talented musicians, that includes two of Etta's sons. I guess talent can be hereditary ! The set includes Etta's most famous song, "At Last", which still retains its magic after so many years--but there are other highlights too--" I Just Want To Make Love To You ", "Breaking Up Somebody's Home"' "I'd Rather Go Blind", even "Born To Be Wild"--also I'm betting that her rendition of "Love and Happiness/Take Me To The River" would bring a smile to the Reverend Al Green's face !

The technical quality of the DVD is good, but not perfect. The picture occasionally seems a bit hazy--the sound perhaps not as sharp as it should be. At the same time, it adds to the atmosphere of the event--an R & B concert in a blues club is not a Mozart quartet recital ! This music is supposed to be a little rough around the edges.

When you are thinking of the great "ladies of song"--Bessie, Billie, Ella, Sarah, Dinah, Aretha--don't forget Etta--she belongs !

A very sad footnote, dated 20 January 2012. Ms. Etta James has passed away. She had a truly remarkable voice, and the talent to make any song her own. This is a sad day indeed for music.

Peaches Doing Her ThingAug 13, 2011
By Thomas W. Angelo "Bro. Thomas W. Angelo, Ed.D"
One of the most under-rated, under appreciated talents in the music and record industry. Not very many artist have stayed the course through the obstactles and maintained at the top of their craft. Etta James in truly Queen of what she sings.

delightfulMar 15, 2010
By mary varner
This is a very entertaining DVD. The DVD arrived earlier then expected and it was a joy watching Etta in concert.

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