If you have a blues lover on your holiday list, I've got a stocking stuffer for you.  Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters have recently released a live dvd entitle Hope Radio Sessions. The disc was actually recorded in 2007 in Massachusetts at Wellspring Sound Studios near Boston.  The strat-master and founding member of Roomful of Blues delivers over two night in front of a very small, lucky audience. The video not only makes you feel like part of the audience, but a fly on the wall able to move around the room. You enjoy the sets from any angle and buzz in close enough to see the lights shine off the strings! The Broadcasters feature Lorne Entress on drums, Dave Limina on Hammond and piano and Jimmy Mouradian on bass.

Especially great was the second night of recording when Ronnie welcomes guests Michael “Mudcat” Ward on bass and piano and Nick Adams, whose hollow bodied Gibson lends a softer compliment to the “sass and attitude” of Ronnie’s Strat. My favorite tunes on the DVD are “Eddie’s Gospel Groove,” the first night, and Ronnie’s ode to his best friend, “Blues for Otis Rush” on night two. I’m a longtime fan and have seen Ronnie live, so I was thrilled to hear a live DVD was coming. The production and sound are first rate. The disc also features a few surprises. Ronnie adds two solo acoustic pieces, Lightnin’ Hopkins “Thing” and a gospel tune “I Shall Not Be Moved,” which he plays in a room at the studio. Another feature is a 10 minute interview of Ronnie conducted by the producer of the disc, Holger Petersen. The interview gives an insight to Ronnie, the person, and many of the musicians who helped and influenced him throughout his stellar career. Ronnie has greatly curtailed his touring, so this wonderful DVD is likely going to be your only chance to see him “live” any time soon!