For those who missed the third edition of the festival last year, this DVD gives you a recap of the highlights of the two day event. The DVD opens in no particular order of appearance as was the case when you witnessed the live event. The DVD has 14 songs which includes the final all star jam with all performers. Though not divided into Day one and Day two, the pick of the lot, mainly consists of the best moments of the event.

You have powerhouse vocals from Walter Trout and the Radicals opening the innings followed by the main act of the fest, pedal steel guitar wonder kid Robert Randolph who brought the house down on that Sunday night.

Trout, the New Jersey-born blues rock guitarist, is known for his fiery passion and raw power while playing the six strings, instrumentally and vocally. Trout stirs the soul with a sound that’s wholesome, honest, and passionate. Feel that energy in songs like Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous and Saw my Mama cryin’.

Robert Randolph is no newcomer to India. His performance with Buddy Guy in 2012 left everyone astounded at his mastery of the pedal steel guitar. The young and dynamic guitarist swings the mood on Voodoo Child. Calling a few damsels onto the stage to shake a leg, watch him smirk while he performs Shake your Hips. Randolph plays the pedal steel guitar while seated, and with several cameras moving around, you can actually check out how he plays it.

Popa Chubby gives off some stirring guitar work playing Going Back to Amsterdam and Rock me Baby. Check out his numerous tattoos when the camera gets close. You then have Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers as the other support acts, who are equally good and give a super charged session on Bullfrog Blues and T Bone Shuffle. Get some deep throated vocals from Dana Fuchs on two tracks, who with her style… mainly jazzy instrumentals and tight blues – rock grooves was a welcome watch again, though it was a little hard to digest.

Our Indian contingent comprising of Big Band Blues, Vivienne (Pocha) and Soulmate end the DVD. And of course don’t miss the curtain call, the grand blues finale that many would remember for a long time to come. It’s all here, every moment of it, the All Star Jam, the last track on the DVD.

While the 14 tracks would satiate your thirst for just a fraction of the mega event, The Mahindra Blues Festival 2013 is a must see. However, unlike its earlier editions, this time there are no bytes from the audience and a section of celebs who attended the event. It also has no short free - wheeling chat or interviews with the artists. The tracks too are played one after the other and not according to how it actually happened. It would have been a great idea to put is day wise, include various sections of the festival arena and the food court and bar area. It would be a proper concert DVD covering every strata of the event.

This DVD brings back moments from the concert that has now become an annual event. To those who were there, this could be a collector’s item, and for those who missed out, look what you really missed and kick yourself.

-- Reviewed by Verus Ferreira