Roy Buchanan - "Live At Rockpalast" DVD

Often heralded as one of the greatest guitarists of all-time, the relatively unknown Buchanan reportedly turned down both the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton to play in their bands (the Stones after the death of Brian Jones, and Clapton's early Derek & The Dominos) back in the 60s. His mastery of otherworldly fretwork encompassed early rock & roll as well as blues styles, and he influenced many of the greats.

This German TV broadcast, recorded live in 1980, presents Buchanan in his glory, with plenty of his own compositions as well as covers of "Peter Gunn" and Hendrix favorites "Hey Joe" and "Foxy Lady". As with other releases in the "Rockpalast" series, it's an impeccable recording, with multi-camera angles and clean, clear sound. Buchanan's music was so timeless, there's little clue that this show is over 30 years old, aside from the audience's attire. Masterful, and much respect to Buchanan, R.I.P. (MiG Music via MVD Visual)

Roy Buchanan tribute site

Al Di Meola - "Speak A Volume: Return To Electric Guitar" DVD

This expertly-produced live performance focuses on veteran jazz/rock guitarist Di Meola's solo electric guitar pieces, as well as featuring new interpretations of his mentor and tango master Astor Piazzola's works. Captured live in Leverkusen in 2006, these 13 tracks present an intimate and lovely blending of jazz and soft rock. Di Meola's guitar work is stunningly gorgeous, and his band's Latin-influenced sounds are evident. 'Speak A Volume' presents a skillful and highly palatable set of tunes that, while they aren't too risky or experimental in nature, are certainly packed with subtlety, melody, and mood. (Inakustik via MVD Visual)

Buckethead - "Young Buckethead Vol.1 + Vol.2" DVDs

This set of old 8mm films from the early 90's captures one of the world's most unique and talented guitarists in his earlier years. With bootleg-quality live concerts by his old band Deli Creeps (who were little more than 90's rock with a ferociously avante guitarist), this stuff is necessary only to completists, or those looking for a deeper peek into the mysterious past and personality of this oddball barnyard virtuoso. Other bits here include backstage banter, an outdoor 'interview' (which goes nowhere and only serves to show Brian, err, Buck's affinity for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre), and a weird bedroom keyboard solo. The highlight is easily an extended solo guitar improv by Buckethead (in character) filmed at a family reunion in 1991, which displays some incredible riffs and guitar pyrotechnics. Of dubious quality otherwise. (Avabella via MVD Video)