Sade - Live Concert Home Video Reviews

• The quiet fire of Sade--live in concert!

  
  By AM7PR12D8180Q on 2001-02-23
  Recently Sade ended their seven-year hiatus with the fine year 2000 LOVER'S ROCK album, which is musically so-close-yet-so-far from their 1984-1993 recordings. SADE LIVE (recorded in San Diego, October 1993) closes the book on the first decade of their/her musical career, presenting live versions of eighteen songs culled from the first four albums. Obviously this is a must-have for fans, but anybody who wants to hear these memorable songs again periodically should be happy with either this collection and/or the simultaneously-issued videoclip compilation (LIFE PROMISE PRIDE LOVE).

  All of the hits are here, plus a few choice album tracks. The remastered 5.1 sound is excellent on this DVD release, capturing their live sound with clarity and fullness. The DVD has a few minor extras besides the surround sound, such as chapter access, a discography, a brief biography (basically a press release for LOVER'S ROCK), and offering the option to display lyrics karaoke-style on the screen in several languages.

  For the most part, the group sticks closely to the original studio versions in these performances, although occasionally the group's subtle jazz touches become more overt (particularly on SMOOTH OPERATOR). Mostly though, vocalist Sade Adu is in the forefront, singing with a quiet fire and at times physically moving within the flow of the music. Never demonstrative either vocally or in her stage mannerisms, she nonetheless is a captivating presence both to hear and to look at, and her voice is in top form throughout this concert.
  
  

• Beautiful Sade

  
  By A57Q87B0TC9IJ on 2003-07-25
  Reading all of the claims that this was studio rerecorded made me pull out this DVD again to see for myself if this was true. Not that I needed an excuse to watch it... In any case, I seriously doubt this is the case with this concert. The background instruments (congas, tambourine, etc...) were all in sync with the songs and you could hear Sade's voice fade in and out at the exact spots she moved away from the mic. Perhaps there was a cut to an instrument or two that was a little off in the edits, but you would have to consciously be looking for mistakes as I was. I know in today's age of lip-synching pop stars, vocal harmonizers, and drum machines it's difficult to imagine a band that sounds as good live as they do in the studio, but this band is just that good.

  Recorded live at the San Diego Open Air Theatre, this DVD gives you a great selection of Sade's classic hits. No flashy stages or explosions here. The subtle lighting combined with Sade's breathy voice invokes the intimate feel of a jazz nightclub. The director does a great job of showcasing the various band members, but keeps the focus primarily on Sade throughout the show. The sound quality is excellent (especially considering it was recorded ten years ago) and this DVD edition doesn't have the lighting problems and graininess the VHS owners were complaining about.

  Even if you own all her albums, you'll want this live performance to add to your collection. Watch it with someone you love.
  
  

• Everything a concert (video) should be!!!!!

  
  By AXGM6JRDHE7CJ on 2001-05-27
  Sade Live is an incredible collection of Sade hits collected into one concert video. Filmed in 1994, the video includes all of her hits with the exception of "Never as good as the first time". In fact, the concert DVD has almost the same songs as Sade's greatest hits CD.

  Before purchasing this DVD I was not too familiar with Sade's music. I basically knew four or five top-ten hits from the 80's and very little beyond that. Since purchasing the DVD I have really come to appreciate the beauty in songs like "Cherish" and "Kiss of Life".

  One of the most appealing aspects of this DVD is being able to observe the band doing what they do best....playing live. The band members are all multi-talented musicians with several of them switching instruments between and even during songs. The interaction between the band members seems real and spontaneous and they seem to be having a great time. One scene where Sade is interacting with an audience member is actually more memorable due to her bandmates' reactions than to her actions with the fan.

  Another selling point is Helen Folasade Adu herself. Having seen a few promotional photos I knew her to be an extremely attractive person but I was not prepared for the reality. She is one of the most beautiful and sensual performers I have ever seen. The emotion and intensity she puts into her singing and onstage movements still has me captivated....even after watching the video countless times.

  The only real criticism I have of the DVD is that aside from a written biography (very short!) there are absolutely no DVD extras! I've gotten used to DVD's having bonus footage, interviews, "making of" documentaries, etc.. but this one is sadly lacking in that area.

  In spite of that, this is an incredible DVD and anyone who even remotely likes Sade and watching live performances should purchase it.
  
  

• Perfect combination of performance and audio/DVD mixing

  
  By A3S5C7Y0WT2Q9N on 2002-01-27
  I was impressed when I saw this concert aired on PBS in the mid-90's, and I'm even more impressed with the DVD. In terms of live performance discs, this one is at the top of my list.

  Touring in support of her fourth album, "Love Deluxe," Sade was in top form for this October 1993 concert, recorded at the San Diego University Open Air Theatre. On-screen, she looks fantastic and sounds even better (that voice!). Her persona is at-once confident yet reserved, appreciative, carefree and even demurely sexy at times. Her band members play really tight and show off their talent by taking up a variety of instruments. [Note: Rick Braun on trumpet; one of my favorite jazz artists]. The seventeen songs are divided fairly well between old and new (at the time), with ten being from the latter two albums "Stronger Than Pride" and "Love Deluxe." I can think of a couple more earlier hits I would have liked to hear, but tours need to highlight the most recent work, so I'm okay with that.

  Visually, I can't say enough good things about this disc. With Sade, the attraction has to be the singer, and I'm glad that the film crew kept that in mind, while spending no time at all on the audience (not the case with so many concerts-for-TV spectacles these days), yet still giving the band its due during some nice solos and instrumental flourishes. In fact, the camera always seemed to be focused right where I wanted to look. Big thumbs up in that regard.

  Even though there's a lack of interactive features, I don't care: it's the concert that counts. I'd recommend this DVD to anyone, whether you're a Sade fan or not.
  
  

• Great music...good performance

  
  By A1E5FQZ367UCN9 on 2001-07-14
  If you are a fan of Sade and her music, you will really enjoy this DVD. I actually purchased the video around 1993 but having on DVD really enhances the concert. The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound is wonderful to hear and the clarity in the DVD format is amazing. This is a wonderful concert because the song selection spans the depth of Sade's music career with the exception of her new release, "Lover's Rock". This DVD rivals her "Best of" CD released several years prior. However, just listening to this DVD performace surpasses the experience of her "Best of" CD because her band is wonderful. This concert features some wonderful extended versions of "Cherish the Day" and "Smooth Operator" as well as great concert versions of her other hit songs. Her vocal performace is fabulous and the energy of both her and her band trancend from the DVD into your living room. A great buy.
  
  
• really smooth...
  By A6KSC56I83HXE on 2002-02-13
  This is one of the classiest live performances I have ever seen. Sade is the epitome' of talent and beauty. This concert is exquisitely filmed and the sound quality is phenom. I didn't see this tour in person {regretfully!} but at least I can experience this incredible performance time and again. For a quiet evening of Sade bliss, you can't get any better than this. Plus, watching Sade's midriff is hypnotic.

  What an incredible band she has assembled here. Drums and bass are killer.
  
  

• Can't wait for Sade's US Tour
  By on 2000-12-29
  I couldn't wait for Jan. 23,2001 so I bought the 2 Sade DVDs (Sade Live & Life-Promise-Pride-Love) from Sony Music Europe. One word: EXCELLENT!
  
  
• Replace your VHS version for the DVD immediately.
  By A2VJT0TNZJPXRL on 2001-02-23
  If you own the VHS version of this show and own a DVD player, you need to replace the VHS version with the DVD version immediately. All the flaws of the VHS version are eliminated in the DVD version. The VHS version is dark and at times unwatchable whereas the DVD version captures the darkness in a way that makes it more realistic. The VHS version is simply too dark an it makes watching more fatiguing. Not so with the DVD. You can see the band, Sade and all the background. Not only is the picture much brighter, smoother and grain free, it also features near reference standard 5.1 Dolby Digital sound. You must hear it on a fairly decent system to appreciate it. Naturally, Sade performs, but you appreciate her better in that the DVD version shows her and the band much more like real time.
  
  
• Smooth, Sexy and Beautiful!!!!!
  By on 1999-02-12
  SADE's video was a gift to me from a dear friend and I cherish it. I never saw SADE live in concert before, but when I saw this video on a big screen w/surround sound, it was like being right there. I love the beautiful, sexy, & sensual Helen Falasade Adu. She takes your breath away. The band is also awesome. You will love this video, I guarantee it. Put it in your video collection today.
  
  
• My thoughts
  By A28Y3BAMIUWTQ5 on 2001-03-03
  For any SADE fan, this is a must for their collection. If you are deciding between the Live concert or the Life,Promise,Pride,Love, choose this one. The live show demonstrates her talents musicaly and on-stage presence. You are better off listening to the CD's if you pick the collection DVD, unless you want to listen to it in DD5.1. I was a bit disappointed with the DVD with regards to the transfer. I was fortunate to have seen this same concert on Laserdisc about four years ago, and I seem to recall it to be much brighter and more vibrant in color. Never the less, it is still a must to buy for a SADE fan. Also pick up her new release Lover's Rock, which is also fantastic.
  
  
• Just Like Most Recent Concert
  By on 2001-08-06
  I just saw the Sade Live Concert in LA which was amazing(parking sucked though). This live concert was as good showing how amazing and tried and true she is. Sade's voice is amazing live; not much difference than studio produced sound. This DVD has all the great songs of Sade from her first few albums. If you like Sade, I highly recommend this concert. Only thing that wasn't as great was the picture quality; they could have done a better job with higher quality filming
  
  
• Sade made my #1 favorite concert DVD with this winner!
  By A1ANXIZBD1C976 on 2004-01-19
  Sade's outstanding performance here is terrific -- 18 gems captured with her still in great shape and high energy. The other DVD is also a must-get ... both get more play on my oceanfront Hawaii bigscreen TV than all my other music dvds combined, as Sade is still the best.

  Sade's DVDs are a great pick-me-up and her jazz style and professional band do a great job of keeping a high-energy, tight, "on" sound that's both catchy and artful. Sade's always been, and always will be, my favorite female vocalist. This DVD is superb, and the classy lady continues to shine bright and clear.

  I hope she'll tour again sometime.... in the meantime, be sure to add this, it's my #1 favorite concert DVD.
  
  

• Sade - Live Concert Home Video
  By on 2000-01-20
  Absolutely an excellent video, a must have for any Sade fan. Would like to see it come out on DVD!
  
  
• AWESOME
  By A13B2GPGMPM9YW on 2000-05-26
  Sade is stunning....electrifying and powerful. Never in my life have I been so captivated by a live performance video. Her band is also brilliant. In addition to being talented, they are also very attractive and stylish people. Most importantly though, above all the style and glitter the music riegns supreme. I cannot wait for her next CD, concert and tour. But until then I continue to allow this video to amaze me.
  
  
• CLASSIC SADE AT HER BEST
  By on 1999-07-30
  What can you say about a concert video that you watch many times over and still be awed by this lady. I have been listening to this sultry songstress since i was 20 and besides having a crush on her I love her music too. There is plenty of music to satisfy the true diehard fan and DAMN!!, does that band of hers kick a** or what? I'm positive no true SADE fan will be dissapointed at her efforts.
  
  
• Her smooth melodic voice will sway you
  By A1ES98S9YCL58F on 2001-04-22
  Electrifying, powerful, smooth, sentimental and just absolutely the best concert video you will ever own. Sade's distinct style, grace and eloquence is such a beautiful experience as you view this concert video. The band is so riveting and as you will be captivated by their unique rhythm and accentuation.------- My mere words do not even come close in expressing the solace that Sade shares as her melodic songs place you in a hypnotic trance.
  
  
• The better DVD of the 2 that's out........
  By A2K41UD90E56FP on 2002-02-07
  I purchased both (Sade - Live Concert & Sade - Life Promise Pride Love) at a local store that was advertising them as a package deal. This is the closest I've come to seeing her live. She came to the ATL with India.Arie but I wasn't available to attend. I own the live CD version of this concert, but this is much better to see her and Sweatback perform. Sade's style is more suggestive than hypnotic but still she's maintained her popularity among the contemporary audiences. She became an instant sensation through such songs as "Smooth Operator" and "Your Love Is King," where the slick production and quasi-jazz backing add a defining meaning to her sound. The delightful addition to this DVD is its 5.1 Dolby Digital sound. I've purchased many concert DVD's and they're all sitting somewhere collecting dust. This one is played everytime I want to hear Sade.

  I saw the advertisment for her new DVD "Sade - Lovers Live", I'll be on top of that one on the release date.

  oNe
  
  

• I love Sade
  By A2YBWBVOW7G7KH on 2003-05-07
  There are three Sade DVDs, I own them all, and this one is the best. One of the three is a collection of her videos and though they are well done, there is just nothing like watching an artist--especially someone as talented and emotive as Sade--perform her songs live; it adds another dimension to the experience. It is strange that her music is very different than the music that I like, but yet it still appeals to me. I can't even classify her music; there are a lot of musical genres but there is just one Sade.
  
  
• sade - live concert home video
  By A3QE32TND5GKS5 on 2004-01-29
  OUTSTANDING ALBUM. I HAVE FIVE COPIES, WHICH I DISTRIBUTE TO ALL FRIENDS AT XMAS. STRONG PERFORMANCES BY ALL MUSICIANS. SADE IS JUST EXCELLENT, HER VOICE IS IN RARE FORM, ESPECIALLY ON: LOVE IS STRONGER THAN PRIDE, KISS OF LIFE, NOTHING CAN COME BETWEEN US, NO ORDINARY LOVE, CHERISH THE DAY, PARADISE, YOUR LOVE, IS KING, & MY FAVORITE IS IT A CRIME. THE ALBUM SHOWS EXCELLENT EDITING. I AM SURPRISED THAT SONY HAS NOT MADE STRONGER MARKETING EFFORTS FOR THIS DVD, I BELIEVE IT IS SADE AT THE TOP OF HER GAME!
  
  
• Always Good
  By A1310P63PHFG1L on 2000-06-29
  Sade and her band never fail to put on a good show. I never get tired of watching this video. It's one of the best performances I've ever seen. I've never gotten to a real Sade concert, but watching this video will make you feel like you're there, like you're right in the front row. There's always a lot of action. You can tell that Sade enjoys performing. I can't wait until Sade goes on tour again because her performances are off the chain.
  
  
• For a Sade lover it's a MASTERPIECE!
  By A3GSAZA9FIGXEB on 1999-11-05
  I would love to add this to my DVD collection. When is does become available on DVD~it's a must for the DVD revolution.
  
  
• Sade Live
  By A2ZDTRNT4DPUK2 on 1999-11-26
  Sade's performance was absolutely outstanding. Jazz, R&B or pure music lovers will not be disappointed. Every time I view this tape it takes me back to that magical night in Atlanta when I saw her perform live. Can't wait to see it on DVD.
  
  
• Exceptional!
  By on 1999-05-07
  Probably one of the best music videos available. As a band, Sade is a wonderful mix of multi-talented artists with inimitable styles as individuals as well as a group. Guest artists Leroy Osbourne and Rick Braun considerably enhance the performance and are a good match for Sade. The entire concert package, including the lighting and arrangement are worth watching--and to top it all off, the tape is edited brilliantly.
  
  
• Live?-Don't You Believe It!
  By ANNDJBKBOGAE7 on 2001-03-14
  I work in the production industry, and I can tell you - this is not a live recording. It is quite apparent that what you see on the screen is NOT what you hear from the speakers. Does this mean I don't recommend this DVD? Well, I was a little disappointed at first... But, the music score is well done, and it's fun to see Sade and all her excellent musicians. I just think of it as having a collection of MTV-like videos. They're pretending to be performing live.

  I have been in a few "mock" audiences myself. The music played through the PA speakers, and the band members "lip-synched" as if they were really performing. We, in the audience did our best to act as though it was a real concert - all for the cameras.

  If you're OK with a "pretend" LIVE DVD of Sade, then buy this. But, if you want a REAL LIVE concert caught on DVD, then this is not for you.
  
  

• Sade Live
  By A2RSOTH57S3CYJ on 2002-07-28
  For those who are die-hard Sade fans this is a absolute must for your collection. For anyone who is a fan of utter extreme musical talent and stunning beauty, well this one is for you too. No matter what venue she chooses to perform in she brings a class and quality to her shows that stands alone in the jazz community. If you have never seen Sade in concert, then this DVD is just like being there! Old classic tunes like "The Sweetest Taboo","Smooth Operator"and"Stronger Than Pride" are all brought to life within this fantastic collection. Sade also shows the tremendous chemistry she shares with her back-up group, and she provides the artists ample time to showcase their talents. Sade's background group goes by the name of "Sweetback", they recorded a solo project a few years back that is also a must for Jazz fans. Bottom line, splendid offering, buy it as soon as you can
  
  
• Sade jams with a silky smooth jazzy band
  By A3EJ20YNMBEGTV on 2003-09-17
  Sade is a gorgeous diva whose jazzy vocals illustrate all the true emotions of love, pain, and happiness in relationships. This is an intimate concert for one to watch with his/her partner. This Dvd concert is full of jazzy-soul and funky erotic grooves like no one but Sade and her band can deliver. Awesome show. A+
  
  
• Excellent
  By A2CYS44A322ZWX on 2004-11-20
  This is a must have of you like the music of Sade. Also, some great sax solos.
  
  
• Art
  By ACXYPFC8IUU5D on 2004-12-09
  This concert dvd, from all perspectives: camerawork, lighting, musicianship,energy,....is a work of art.....and the beautiful Mona Lisa...Sade...shines above it all....you will watch this one over and over.....
  
  
• 2000 purchase
  By A2ZXYMIU5JAXBL on 2000-03-17
  I saw this video on A&E awhile back but just recentlypurchased it for myself.Yes Sade IS mesmerizing,yes the band isawesome and tight,Sade has more class than all the modern Divas combined and this video shows it with elegance and style,She doesnt need all the over-exaggerated moves so common in music videos today,she can,in this video,do with a simple look,a simple minimal,exquisit movement,all that is done and more,than all the suggestive gyrations of today. If you are thinking of buying this video you will not be disapointed in the least!
  
  
• Sade - Live Concert Home Video
  By A1N5D6DOQIHGEX on 2000-02-29
  If you love Sade as I do, this video is an absolute must. From her velvet voice to her subtle, silky choreography, this live performance must not be missed!
  
  

• Sade - Lovers Live
• Sade - Life Promise Pride Love
• Lovers Rock/ Lovers Live (DVD & CD)
• The Best of Sade
• Diamond Life