Talk Talk – Live at Montreux is a concert film that showcases an incredible performance by the English band Talk Talk. Filmed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland on July 18, 1986, this movie captures the band at the peak of their creative powers. Talk Talk, known for their inventive fusion of synth-pop, art rock, and ambient music, performs a mesmerizing set of songs that spans their career. The concert features tracks from their early albums such as "Talk Talk," "It's My Life," and "The Colour of Spring," as well as songs from their latest album at the time, "The Spirit of Eden."
The performance starts with the energetic "Talk Talk" and "Dum Dum Girl," which immediately grabs the audience's attention. Lead singer Mark Hollis's dynamic vocals and the band's tight musicianship are evident from the start. The band's sound is further complemented by the jazz-trained musicians – pianist Steve Winwood and saxophonist David Sanborn.
The concert progresses with "Call in the Night Boy" and "Tomorrow Started," with impressive lighting techniques creating an entrancing atmosphere. The crowd is drawn in by the band's calm and confident stage presence as they move seamlessly from one track to another. The rendition of "My Foolish Friend" is particularly remarkable, highlighting Hollis's ability to sing elegantly with poignancy, while his co-vocalist Tim Friese-Greene's keyboards add a layer of grandeur to the piece.
The movie features "It's My Life," Talk Talk's biggest hit, which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the concert. The crowd sings along as Hollis gives an electrifying performance with his every move matched by the high notes sung by the audience. The song's infectious melody and catchy lyrics are unforgettable, leaving the audience wanting more.
The concert also featured "Life's what you make it," which gave the band the chance to demonstrate their adventurous instrumental prowess. Hollis's raspy vocal tones blend perfectly with the sweeping saxophone solos, making for one of the concert's most memorable moments.
Throughout the performance, it is clear that the band members have a great emotional connection. They play seamlessly together, creating mesmerizing soundscapes that felt both innovative and soothing. They close with an unforgettable performance of "Such a Shame," delivering a powerful and moving rendition that leaves the audience in awe.
Talk Talk – Live at Montreux powerfully juxtaposes the band's studio recordings with the live performance. The concert reveals the band's surprising depth and innovation, making it a must-watch for true fans of the group's music. The audio and video quality of the film are excellent, adding to the overall experience of the concert.
Overall, Talk Talk – Live at Montreux is a fantastic performance and a testament to the late Mark Hollis's creative genius. The concert captures the band's growth and maturity, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the evolution of pop music in the '80s. The band has left behind an unforgettable legacy of music and art, and this film stands as a worthy tribute to their achievements.
Talk Talk - Live at Montreux is a 1986 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.