(Sony)

Triple treat for Mayer fans

John Mayer has certainly stepped things up for his sophomore DVD release by presenting three separate sets to create a sort of super-show for his fans at the Nokia Theatre last year. Director Danny Clinch (Ben Harper, Foo Fighters DVD releases) does not miss a beat in this release. In a sectioned performance that lasts almost three hours, Mayer first plays a solo acoustic set followed by an energetic appearance by the John Mayer Trio and finally finishes off the night with a group of songs featuring his touring band (who are eventually joined by the remaining Trio members). Thankfully John has offered new versions and improvised sections for most of the songs in this 26-track selection, so even if you are very familiar with his catalogue, this DVD will keep you entertained throughout the whole show. Of course there are going to be some cover songs thrown into the mix of any live release, but one notable complaint about this performance is that there are too many covers sprinkled throughout. Considering the amount of original material available at this stage of his career, more than five covers is overkill. Plus his second album, Heavier Things, is unfortunately pretty much ignored, with the most focus on his latest album, Continuum. In between sets there is a combination of commentary by John on the show and his career so far, and some interesting footage following the performers backstage as they prepare for the next section of the show. Overall the DVD looks great and sounds even better and despite a poor song selection, it is the closest thing that you can currently get to a John Mayer retrospective at this stage of his career.

*** ½

GLENN MANDERS

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