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Written by Kevin Renick Monday, 28 August 2006 03:14

This no-frills disc is a seamless document of a studio concert broadcast on Danish television around the time of the original release of Cash's legendary "Man in Black" single.

Johnny Cash is everywhere these days. The latest in the American Recordings series has garnered praise, countless reissues have appeared, and the movie Walk the Line has brought hordes of Johnny-come-latelies aboard, owing to its compelling account of the relationship (and ongoing soundtrack) between Cash and his beloved wife June Carter. But though some releases are guiltier of cashing in on the craze than others, the DVD Man in Black: Live in Denmark 1971 shouldn't be categorized among them. This no-frills disc is a seamless document of a studio concert broadcast on Danish television around the time of the original release of Cash's legendary "Man in Black" single. The small, reverent audience and the uncluttered staging place the focus squarely on Cash and his guests: June Carter (of course), Carl Perkins, the Statler Brothers, the Carter Family (Mother Maybelle with daughters Anita and Helen), and Cash's seminal backing band the Tennessee Three.

What's most distinctive about this concert is how happy and centered Cash seems. The ravages of time and ill health took their toll on Cash in later years and during his Rick Rubin-fueled reemergence in the '90s, but here he is captured during the prime of his career, smiling and newly self-confident. Cash won a Grammy in '71 for "If I Were a Carpenter" (one of several duets performed here with June, gaining renewed poignancy due to the couples' recent passing so close together); in May of that year, he also completed his two-year run of The Johnny Cash Show, a historic network program that boasted an incredible roster of guests. Additionally, the self-produced Man in Black album came out that year, firmly establishing Cash's signature persona to the international audience. So it feels like a special gift to have this visual document from that crucial year.

Cash performs many of his best-known songs (and yes, he's dressed in black): "I Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Guess Things Happen That Way," a definitive version of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee," even the novelty hit "A Boy Named Sue" (with a surprisingly changed final lyric). He brings on fellow legend Carl Perkins, looking pretty dapper himself, for spirited versions of "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Matchbox" (Beatles fans recall that one as a Ringo-sung B-side from the Fabs' early days). But the concert's most memorable moments occur when June Carter arrives onstage, Cash beaming as he introduces her. Clad in a long white dress, Carter's an utter delight to behold. As the twosome sing the Lovin' Spoonful's "Darlin' Companion" and Kristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through the Night," long-time fans may find themselves tearing up. This is wonderful, historic stuff. The Carter Family perform a tender "A Song to Mama," then the whole crew, including the Statlers, build to a spiritual climax with "No Need to Worry," "Rock of Ages," and the gospel-folk standard "Children, Go Where I Send Thee." Cleanly recorded and staged, Live in Denmark 1971 is a stirring, invaluable addition to the Man in Black's ever-enduring musical legacy.