Hugh Laurie: Live On The Queen Mary

Most of the public know Hugh Laurie for his long stint as the medical savant, Dr. Gregory House, on the television program baring that character's name, or from his many years on British television (especially his comedy classics with Stephen Fry). However, Laurie is rapidly gaining more and more notice for his musicianship. The actor/musician is a bluesman extraordinaire, and Eagle Rock Entertainment has just released the Blu-ray recording of one of his concerts from his most recent tour, filmed in March on board the Queen Mary.

Titled, "Hugh Laurie: Live on the Queen Mary," the show is the performer's tribute to one of the most famous of the southern bluesmen, Professor Longhair (1918-1980). The eighteen-song set is bookended by Longhair's hits, "Go To The Mardi Gras," "Junco Partner," and the classic "Tipitina." Backed by a solid eight-piece group, the Cotton Bottom Band, Laurie gives them plenty of stage time, especially vocalist Jean McClain (who sizzles on the George Brooks tune, "Send Me To The 'Lectric Chair," made famous by Bessie Smith), multi-instrumentalist Vincent Henry, and guitarist Kevin Breit. Laurie is clearly enjoying every minute of being on stage, and his talent and enthusiasm are highly infectious, whether on the Muddy Waters penned, "Louisiana Blues," or the Ray Charles version of the traditional "Swanee River."

Bonus features include an interview with the Brit, but it's the compassion of his performance, in addition to the musical savvy of his band, that make this disc worth the purchase.

"Hugh Laurie: Live on the Queen Mary"
Hugh Laurie
Blu-ray and DVD formats
Eagle Rock Entertainment