Watch Jeff Buckley: Live in Chicago

Jeff Buckley: Live in Chicago, filmed in 1995 and released in 2000, captures the iconic singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley at his mesmerizing best just a few years before his untimely death at the age of 30. Recorded at the famous Cabaret Metro, the concert showcases Buckley at his most transcendent, with his signature angelic voice and virtuoso guitar playing taking center stage.

The concert film opens with Buckley taking the stage to thunderous applause, sitting down on his stool, and launching into an ethereal version of "Dream Brother" from his acclaimed 1994 album "Grace." Accompanied by his band, which features Michael Tighe on guitar, Mick Grondahl on bass, and Matt Johnson on drums, Buckley commands the stage with an intensity and presence that few performers can match.

Throughout the concert, Buckley effortlessly transitions between delicate ballads and explosive rock anthems, showcasing his versatility as both a songwriter and a performer. He plays several tracks from "Grace," including "Mojo Pin," "So Real," and "Hallelujah," the latter of which has become one of his most iconic and enduring songs.

Buckley also covers a few songs by artists who influenced him, including Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy" and Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," which he imbues with his own distinctive style and emotional depth. His cover of Cohen's classic is particularly haunting, with Buckley's voice soaring over the sparse piano accompaniment to create a spine-tingling rendition that remains one of the definitive versions of the song.

One of the most captivating moments in the concert film comes when Buckley performs "Lover, You Should've Come Over," a haunting ballad that showcases his ability to convey intense emotion through his voice and lyrics. The song builds to a heartbreaking climax as Buckley sings "It's never over, my kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder" with a raw, gut-wrenching ion that is impossible to forget.

Throughout the concert, the camera captures the energy and excitement of the crowd, who are clearly in awe of Buckley's talents. The concert is shot in intimate, grainy black and white, which adds to the timeless, almost mystical quality of the performance. The entire concert runs just under an hour, but it feels like a lifetime, a testament to Buckley's ability to transport his audience to another realm with his voice and music.

Jeff Buckley: Live in Chicago is a must-watch for any fan of the late singer-songwriter, or anyone who appreciates truly exceptional live music. It is a rare opportunity to witness a truly singular talent at the height of his powers, and a reminder of what the world lost when Jeff Buckley died far too young. But it is also a celebration of his life and legacy, and a testament to the enduring power of music to move us, to inspire us, and to bring us together.

Jeff Buckley: Live in Chicago is a 2000 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.9.