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There is always cause for concern when a promising new artist follows up a solid debut with a live album rehashing all the same material. After seeing Erykah Badu steal the "Smokin Grooves Tour" summer of 1996, however, it only makes sense that her record company decided to release Live as a stopgap betweenher next studio recording. To put it mildly, the Badu live experience is anything but typical. There is a kindred bond between the singer and her audiences which translates wonderfully onto the disc. It's in the warmth of the songs, the intimacy with which Badu addresses the crowd, and the constant chants of "Erykah!" emanating from the masses. For her part, Badu does a wonderful job revisiting the material from her superb debut Baduizm. She also takes on an assortment of covers, ranging from Roy Ayers's "Searching" to the Mary Jane Girls' "All Night Long," making each one sound distinctly her own. The most captivating moment, though, is a new number called "Tyrone," in which she most eloquently tells a dense boyfriend to take a hike. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Don't pick the flowers.
I've had "Baduizm" for a few years now, and had I settled on that... I would have been seriously missing out. I only got this because I wanted "Call Tyrone" on CD (It was all I'd heard at that point).. and I was pleasantly surprised by the entirety of the album.

Erykah Badu is one cool lady, and in between songs she tells you a little bit about what she's saying in them. It helps you appreciate and understand them on an entirely different level.

Not that you didn't already know Erykah has an amazing voice -- but hearing her perform live leaves no question that it's authentic, and a lot stronger than you may have guessed.

The send-off of Next Lifetime brought me to tears and thats about the highest compliment I could possibly pay anything.

People are still commenting on this record and writing outstanding reviews, so far, seven years after it was released. Any questions?

More Baduizm
I bought this CD for "Tyrone" even though I already owned Baduizm. I was little concerned that it might just be the material from her debut, and it mostly is, but there is enough variation from the originals to satisfy me. From the opening chords, a sample of Miles Davis' "So What," I was convinced that I had made a good purchase.

I liked how Erykah let her background singers take center stage and how she interacted with the audience. Her banter was genuine and funny. She cracked me up on the intro to Tyrone when she told the audience that she was an artist and that she was sensitive about her sh!t. LOL. I also enjoyed her cover of that Chaka Khan song. I don't remember the title.

Amusing and sassy, Tyrone is by far the crown jewel of this CD. And although plenty of men were up in arms about the message, I say if you're not a trifling individual, then why should you be offended? Actually, the song reflects poorly on the type of female who would support a grown man and his cronies.

I can't wait for the next Badu experience!

Finally a great LIVE artist...
What can i say about this that hasn't already been said? It's a great album..I like her better than live than i do on her regular albums...A live recording brings all the energy of Erykah as well as the energy of the crowd together for a flawless album..TRULY A GIFTED AND BLESSED MUSICIAN/ARTIST/SINGER..

GOD BLESS...

TIGHT!!!!
First, I want to say that I love all of Erykah's music. But this is a must have for any Erykah Badu fan I really dig this album it is good she does well. She does some new material, remakes, and sings previously released material on her "BADUIZM" album. I give this album five stars. I am giving this album five stars because Erykah came strong and stood out you go girl!!! Some of my favorites on here are Stay(Chaka Khan/Rufus), Next Lifetime, On and On,Tyrone, and Ye-Yo. this is a very nice album I dig it and I like Erykah so keep bringing us the good music Erykah. If you like Erykah Badu then I would definitely recommend that you buy this album.

She sings as good live as she does in the studio
Never have I heard a singer that sounds exactly the same live as they can sound in the studio. This proves that she is a true singer with real emotion. Not only does this cd have her hits from "BADUIZM", but she also has some old school joints on here as well. I also like that she included interlude of her talking, it makes it feel like you're right in the audience at her concert. If you don't have a chance to see E. Badu live, buy this cd. She lets everything go on here. Even her background singers are singing well and they know what they are doing. In my opinion, the live version of "Tyrone" sounds better than the studio version, but that's probably because you can here the reaction from the fans. Either way, they are both great. I recommend this cd if you enjoyed Jill Scott's cd. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Excellent Jazz
I heard "Compared To What" a few times before buying the album, and that was the track that really turned me onto this excellent jazz album. "Compared to What" has a great beat and is just an overall amazing song. The song that follows, "Cold Duck Time" is a great jazz tune because it has a cool mellow feel to it. The rest of the album from there is excellent, I reccomend this album to everyone that likes jazz and even for some that may not, it is hard not to appreciate the great musical pieces on this album.

A perfect first jazz record
A thoroughly enjoyable CD. Great fun, but still deep. "Compared To What" is the kind of track that blows away anyone who hears it -- everyone I've played it for has immedietly bought this CD! Like the rest of the album, "Compared to What" is intensely groovin', passionate, nicely loose, positively upbeat with just the right hint of righteous '60s revolution vibe.

Very cool
It's a good thing there are still a few radio stations in the country, such as WXRT in Chicago, that dig up great nuggets like "Compared to What", the leadoff track on this great CD. I'd never heard the number before, but liked it so much when I heard it in my car I ordered the CD as soon as I got home that day. If you like cool '60s-era jazz, the kind of music your folks might have listened to if they were hip; this is your album. This impromptu collaboration of the Les McCann Trio and horn players Eddie Harris and Benny Bailey, taken from a live performance at the Montreaux Jazz Festival in 1969, holds up well. OK, the sardonic lyrics in "Compared to What" are dated, but the music still packs a wallop. McCann's piano playing compares favorably to Ramsey Lewis', and that's saying something. Throw in Eddie Harris' tenor sax, Benny Bailey's trumpet, Leroy Vinnegar's bass and the uptempo beat of most of the tracks, and you have a nice, tight package here that will not disappoint. This is not "new age" jazz; this is straight-ahead music that you can move to. Very highly recommended.

Ages well
This is one of those recordings that seemed always to be on someone's stereo when I went to college. Lots of people who ordinarily didn't listen to much jazz had it and loved its mixture of funk, soul and jazz improvisation.

Sometimes these recordings don't age well, and I picked up this CD with just a bit of wariness, thinking its hipness might have gone the way of tie-dyed shirts and bottles of Mateus. I'm happy to report that the 1969 concert still packs plenty of punch.

This 30th anniversary edition in particular is worth buying because it contains detailed notes on how pianist McCann, saxophonist Harris and trumpeter Benny Bailey came to be on the same stage that night in Montreux. Turns out it was very impromptu -- to the point that Bailey didn't even know most of the tunes and had to follow Harris's lead as he searched for the changes.

Given that, Bailey's performance is especially impressive. His solos not only are crisp, they crackle. He's particularly effective on the date's best known tune, "Compared to What," on which he delivers a very sharp plunger mute solo that adds spice to an already very hot performance.

Harris is in fine form throughout, delivering plenty of unforced soulfulness on each track, especially "You Got It in Your Soulness." His solos have a fluidity that makes the tunes sound rehearsed, although they really weren't.

The date is not long on compositional surprises (there's no way it could have been; bassist Leroy Vinegar's "The Generation Gap," was so new it didn't even have a title on that night), and that makes it a four-star release for me. McCann's piano is funky but not particularly inspired -- although his vocal on "Compared to What" is -- but overall the group displays some genuine fire that I think many listeners will find just as enjoyable as I did when I first heard it.

Time Capsule
Swiss Movement is that most precious artifact: Something that is both completely of its time and of all time. If (heaven help you) you wonder whether there was more to the period we've come to call The Sixties than Jerry Garcia and Grace Slick, you owe it to yourself to check out Les McCann singing "Compared To What?" When it first came out, Playboy Magazine (uh, they put on a jazz festival as well as show pictures of nekkid wimmen) called it "rock and roll disguised as jazz." Hey, whatever. It grooves. And the secret weapon of this session is the amazing trumpet/cornet of Benny Bailey. His work on "Cold Duck Time" is not an acquired taste--you take to it right away. Also dig the late Leroy Vinnegar aka The Tennessee Walker on bass--he's right there, every cut. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lauryn Hill has loudly (and justifiably) been declared a brilliantartist already in her young career, and MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 will donothing to dissuade anyone. This double-CD acoustic set contains snippets fromher debut album, but most of itis new material that Hill performs with raw, shockingly honest intensity. Comingon the heels of a well-publicized period of depression and unhappiness for theex-Fugeessinger, Hill's reenergized outlook is plainly evident in this stripped-downperformance--it's basically just Hill and her unplugged guitar--as well as thehighly spiritual nature of the material. Cutting across musical styles frombossa nova ("Just Like Water") to Marley-esque rebel songs ("Oh Jerusalem," "TheConquering Lion," "Freedom Time"), the singer's voice is throaty and roughthroughout, giving the performance an earthy, heartfelt pull. It's a deeplypersonal performance, filled with blistering social commentary and the evils ofself-delusion while detailing her ongoing attempt to escape from the publicpersona her fame has created. In destroying her old artistry, she discovers anew creative force, yielding a mesmerizing and enchanting classic. --JakeBarnes ... Read more

Reviews (226)

This is Absolutely Five Stars (Philly Music Lover)
This CD is quite frankly not for everyone simply because it is intensely real and free from what the masses are used to. Funny how we can accept Ashanti and J-Lo and other talentless singers and not rip them apart for spewing forth their musical vomit everyday. But when an artist like Lauryn comes along and breathes fresh new life into the music scene, many of you get mad that her songs dont have that awful formula hook and bridge recipe that the likes of today's worse singers are using.

This album is incredible and I honestly do not think that Lauryn Hill cares one way or another at the one star reviews. She's in another place. She does not care to have you as her fans anymore if you are not willing to open up your mind. As she stated, she is growing as a human so of course she is going to grow as an artist. If you want Miseducation, play that on your CD player and reminisce or better yet listen to any one of many CD's that are out now by artists who blatantly copy her style. She has moved on and it's for the better. The album is an instant classic.

Pure...Raw...Real.
Why 5 stars? Because after listening to this CD you'll realize it took a lot of courage for Ms. Hill to sit on stage - alone with a microphone and guitar - and openly display her innermost thoughts. Yes, she has contended with a lot of inner demons (some public, some private) but she comes out shining in the end.

Instrumentally, her guitar strumming sounds almost similar on a lot of songs, almost amateurish, but she makes up for this loss with thought-provoking lyrics.

Her vocals are strong in the beginning, though she at times stops to regroup or to remember her lyrics (remember this is LIVE), and towards the end of the 2nd disc her voice begans to wain, reaching for notes she just can't hit. But it's her conviction the causes the listener to continue on the journey with her.

There is no studio gimmickery here. No overdubs or vocal effects. Just one woman, one guitar, a mic and a crowd of eager listeners.

Stand-out cuts:
Mystery of Iniquity
I Get Out (my favorite)

Water
I Gotta Find Peace of Mind

This CD is recommended for long trips.

I'm Speechless
Words alone cant express the passion I felt behind Lauryn's MTV. The album is like a BIBLE of TRUTH. She talks about everything in the most mature way possible. She is definitely one of the deepest people I have ever heard of. She really became so personal in this project and transpired her experience and lessons to her fans in the most pure and real and honest way possible. She's more like a prophetess than of an artist. Her voice kinda cracks due to the emotion. But the passion behind the act inducing a feeling that makes me excuse her cracking voice. Every person needs to listen to the truth and the truth is Lauryn. Go cop that disc and open your mind and use the second eye to realise the truth of the system.

INTELLIGENCE
Avail yourself to the possibility of intelligent living away from the matrix.Not many people have the guts or the courage to do so!!Lauryn Hill's CD is a shining example of pathless living.If you have the ear for it:LISTEN!!!!

Very Intense and Personal
I bought this CD the week it came out. I was really excited to listen to it because it didn't seem like it would sound like anything else out there. Turns out my hunch was right. This album seems like we, the listeners, are put inside Lauryn Hill's head where we get to hear songs that are works in progress. We also get to hear her monologues that tell us a lot about what it's like to be Lauryn Hill. Some magazine reviews I read said that they wish the spoken interludes had been taken out because they made LH sound self-absorbed. I for one am glad they were put on there. They really make you feel like you are right there in the room with her. I also love how some of the songs are very rough and unpolished. The most intense moment comes when she breaks down and starts crying. She really makes you feel the song and it's impossible not to feel the same way she does.

If you like your music to sound like it was labored over in a studio, skip this album. This is the most personal album I have ever listened to. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because it can be a little uncomfortable to listen to at times, but it is still a terrific album. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Great mix of stars and studio musicians
This is a wonderful live album featuring Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, along with Eric Clapton and Dave Mason. In addition to the stars this is the first time I heard this particular grouping of backup musicians, let by Jim Gordon (drums), Carl Radle (bass) and others. These musicians went on to backup Steve Winwood in Traffic, George Harrison in the Concert for Bangladesh, Joe Cocker on the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour (with Leon Russel) and Eric Clapton (Derek and the Dominoes, and his hit single Layla). A truly talented gathering, and this CD features hard-driving rock and soulful ballads by Bonnie. Enjoy!!

An all-time great album
If you like Eric Clapton, if you like Dave Mason (also playing), Delaney & Bonnie, or just energetic southern rock, you will love this album. It is one that you can listen to over and over and still love years and years later.

BEST Driving R&R of ALL times!
I bought this album while I was in Japan in 1970. The ONLY reason I bought it was because I wanted to get something and it said "With Eric Clapton". Never heard of D&B before. When I got it back home I read the back of the album, to see who was on it and I was floored! I put it on the turntable (You remember them?) the first time that night when a bunch of friends came over. It was the ONLY album we played that night! And from then on it got played at least once a night when ever anyone came over. 5 years ago I told a friend about it and the rave started all over. If you get this album be prepared to put all your others away for a while.

Awesome live album
The energy of this recording is amazing. Clapton is on fire and the whole band kicks out a strong set of gospel influenced rock and roll. Great stuff. If you like Clapton at his peak (first solo album, Derek and the Dominos) you'll want this. Other sets that this is related too include Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour (many of the same people on both) and early 70's Leon Russell.

Great Memories
I would have to agree the CD falls short of the LP, which I had stolen in '89.

Can either compare to the concert? Do they do it justice?

Between 1969 and the closing of the Fillmore West I think I saw so many great bands that many I've forgotten. Tower of Power, It's A Beautiful Day, Joy of Cooking, Hot Tuna, were all local bands that could really boogie. Incoming was Fleetwood Mac while Pete Greenwood was still playing, the Allman Bros, (all of them) Doc Watson over at the Buddhi in Berkely, but the concert I remember most was Delaney & Bonnie going until the early morning hours, loving what they were doing and seemingly willing to play until we all got old and gray. "I Don't Want to Discuss It," and "Come Out In My Kitchen" blew me away that night. The only comparable performance I've seen in my life was a very old Texas farmer named Mance Lipscomb (Gotta be the inspiration for John Hammond)at the first Woodie Guthrie Folk Festival at Lincoln Park in Oklahoma City.

If you like Delta Blues, (and I surely do) and your collection includes people like Mississippi John Hurt, and Robert Johnson, you are going to love what Delaney & Bonnie do with it, but then if you own a Robert Johnson you already know that :) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anyone who's seen Jill Scott live knows she's the real deal--a down-home diva more concerned with working a melody or getting her groove on than Britney-fied glitz or Badu-style pride. So it's no surprise that the singer's warmth translates beautifully on Experience, a collection of 11 live tracks recorded at Washington D.C.'s Constitution Hall, plus 6 previously unreleased cuts. With the Headhunters-esque intro of "A Long Walk" that opens the double disc, Scott and her more-than-capable backing band, Fatback Taffy, establish a heartfelt rapport with the audience that comes through not only in their reinterpretations of the singer's tunes, but in the pauses in between. This is apparent throughout, like when Scott notices a pregnant woman in the crowd and says with a giggle, "I see that baby in that belly over there--what's that baby doing?" Or when the Philly native belts the bridge on "Love Rain," intoning the line "You broke me, but now I'm healing" in lush, redemptive timbres. As for the new studio tracks, Scott offers up a set of solid originals that should leave fans plenty satisfied till her new album drops. Tracks like "Gimme," a funk-heavy dance track, and the drum & bass-driven "Gotta Get Up," are about as infectious as they come, while "Be Ready" features Scott's voice at its most gorgeous, her rich alto punctuating the song's syncopations with grace and ease. --Sylvia W. Chan ... Read more

Reviews (78)

Fearless
Seeing Jill live is a soul stirring experience. 'Experience: Jill Scott' is the closest you can get to the real thing. This is a two-disc set that makes you wish she made it three. Unlike other live CD's, Jill takes her hits from her first album and adds a new twist. 'Gettin In the Way' gets a energetic, upbeat makeover. 'A Long Walk' feels like a comfortable jazz club, and is accompanied by Jill's response to people's interpretation of it's meaning. The tracks on the second CD are new gems. A funky 'Gimme', reminiscent of an old Prince mix, shows us her versatility and sassiness. And 'Be Ready' let's you know that you aren't dealing with your average diva. 'Thickness' is not for the faint of heart. Jill offers us a fearless introduction to her poetry. A definate treasure in these times of disposable music. Breathlessly awaiting the next voyage she takes us on.

Another winner
Having worn out her first album on my CD player, I have been hungering for more of Jill Scott. I am so glad that in addition to her live material, which by the way is great, she added a second CD of new material that is just as funky, shocking and fresh as her first one. When I first heard "Thickness", I was shocked (though Jill had warned me)! But by the time the song was through, I had tears in my eyes. Her words are so powerful and real. I am so glad we finally have such a talented and articulate artist with a real voice that will speak out to some of the issues young people are going through today. "Thickness" is one of those songs.

If you like Jill's first album, her second is a must-have! She is an amazing writer and vocalist.

Off the CHAIN!!!
I knew I had to get Jill Scott from DAY ONE! Her music as they classify it, is neo-soul. The girl is off the hook. I had to force myself to stop listening to her CD. The CD is so tough that even 10, 20, 30 years from now I will pop the CD in and listen to it, like its brand new. Jills Scott music is deep, its not just some artist making up songs for people to dance to. She wants you to feel what shes feeling, and believe me, she sings her heart out. The LIVE CD and the 1st CD ARE THE BOMB. I do find myself listening to the live CD more. Its a RARE to find a CD where you like every single track.. Jill..when is the next CD coming out??

BEAUTIFUL
I listen to Jill everyday. I love the way she makes me feel as if I actually had tix and were in the audience. Besides my morning and night cleansings I also feel cleansed while inside my car or in my space when I'm listening to her music/voice. Jill is truly beautiful in many ways and I'm thankful she shares her talents for anyone willing/wanting to experience her.

Preach On Sista!
Oh.....My.....God! Have you ever heard anything as inspiring, fulfilling, and real as Jill Scott's "Love Rain?" I feel obligated to tell the world that this song is a testimony to ANYONE who has ever felt jaded, misguided, or even abused by a loved one. Jill Scott is ridiculously talented. I've never heard an artist whose studio creations do her injustice. This woman's niche is live entertainment! I could not find one flaw, lyrically or musically, on the entire CD. The "Thickness" is a message that all sistas need to take heed to. I say JILL SCOTT FOR PRESIDENT BABY! The girl is off the chain! If artists still embraced the sanctity of music the way Jill does, the world would love a lot harder. Jill, you're the epitome girl! If you don't have the CD, you're shortin' yourself. Sacrifice a days lunch and add something to your heart by buying this work of art. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Despite the import of the occasion--an October 1972 night at America's most prestigious hall--what really impresses about Bill Withers's Live at Carnegie Hall is the good feeling and sense of interplay passed between the star, his band, and the audience. From the surpassingly casual opening of "Use Me" and its build through eight-plus minutes and an extended ending to the complexity and occasional joy of Withers's socio-personal "Lean on Me," "I Can't Write Left-Handed," and a medley of "Harlem" and "Cold Bologna," Carnegie is an underappreciated document of what for a moment was progressive R&B. Always one of music's most humble performers, Withers quietly, intensely proves his mettle over the length of this one-time double LP.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Bill Withers is SASSY!
This is one of his better albums. "Carnegie Hall" sheds light onto the talents of this man who has been my favorite singer/songwriter since the age of 11 (I'm 24 now). I'm thankful for the greatest hits and all, but will there ever be re-issues of his original albums in their entirety? "Still Bill" contains some tracks that are so smooth, make you just want to strip naked and get on down! However, "Adjustments", in my opinion, is THE BEST BILL WITHERS album to date. Although a couple of songs from this album have been reissued on "The Best of Bill Withers", the world is being deprived of other such greats as 'Heartbreak Road', 'You', and the list goes on. If record companies (along with "on-line music sites that assist in advertising") would care about the shear satisfaction of their customers, they would put all of Bill Withers' albums back on the market and it really will be a "Lovely Day"

A Classic In Its Own Right!
The first time I heard this album (yes, on classic and long-gone vinyl), I was eight years old. My mother played it over and over again. I never got tired of it! It is definitely a classic in its own right, and Bill Withers is a legend in his own right. I am so glad that I am able to find it on CD -- I can play it over and over again! Thanks, Bill, for giving us music that will last forever.

Time for the DVD version
What's better than having it on DVD? Should we start a preordering process, to make them realize that it's worth it?

this is so good it makes me want to puke
The first track, "Use Me," is maybe the greatest thing ever. If funk were steak, "Use Me" would be a 48-ounce porterhouse. The funny thing is, the studio version of "Use Me" isn't that great at all. This live version is incredible. Worth buying for that track alone. "Lean On Me" is also very strong. If that's not enough, Withers' between-songs banter is very entertaining - he actually tells stories and anecdotes that are funny and touching. Please buy this album.

Classic Performance
Bill Withers is an American original. Consistently shunning publicity and self-promotion (unlike almost every other artist of that or any other time), Withers simply performs and records great music. His "Live at Carnegie Hall" is one of the better live albums, in large part because Withers is so comfortable in the concert setting and makes Carnegie feel like a coffeehouse somewhere. Great music from a great performer (especially like live version of "Grandma's Hands" and "Harlem/Cold Baloney"). ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

This Rhino re-release of Amazing Grace is at least as much a work of love as of marketing. The sound is beefier and clearer, but most importantly, the two-day church sessions are included. So, there's much more church (specifically, Reverend James Cleveland's marvelous orating) on the record, as well as contemporaryisms such as a cool organ rendition of George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord." Originally released as a double LP in 1972, Amazing Grace cracked the Billboard Top 10 on its release, making it one of the best selling gospel records of all time. Grace was recorded in a large Baptist church with an ultraenthusiastic audience in the pews, a full, funky band, and the Southern California Community Choir under the direction of Franklin's mentor, Cleveland. Her voice is melismatic and intensely emotional, yet pure and controlled, as if she is channeling the Holy Ghost. Franklin's father, the brilliant preacher Reverend C.L. Franklin, makes a brief, proud appearance, remarking, "She has never left the church!" Other highlights include the beautiful "Wholy Holy," an 11-minute, heart-stopping "Amazing Grace," and Inez Andrews's stirring "Mary, Don't You Weep." Way more than a return-to-the-roots record, this set is an inspired gospel-soul workout that arguably showcases Franklin's strongest singing ever. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Amazing Aretha
Long before she ascended the throne and donned the mantle of the Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin was a child of the church. Franklin's pedigree demanded such, since her father was the famous Reverend C.L. Franklin, and her mother was herself a gospel singer. AMAZING GRACE was Lady Soul's returnto her roots after hitting the secular stride of her fantastic strings of albums on Atlantic.

Recorded over two days at Los Angeles' New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, AMAZING GRACE finds Franklin backed by her studio band and joined by a choir led by family friend and gospel icon James Cleveland. Franklin's singing is unfettered and filled with a spirit not heard in her secular material. Most interesting is her seamless choice of material. She gives pop songs by Marvin Gaye ("Wholy Holy") and Carole King ("You've Got A Friend") a spiritual sheen, placing them alongside more traditional fare by Clara Ward ("How I Got Over") and Thomas Dorsey ("Precious Lord, Take My Hand"). Equally impressive are Franklin's rich arrangements, her interaction with the Southern California Community Choir, and her often overlooked piano playing on such songs as "Never Grow Old."

Disappointing
I was looking forward to upbeat, unique rendering of a variety of gospel songs performed by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. As you can see by the selections shown on this CD set (2 CDs), several songs are repeated; namely, What A Friend we Have in Jesus, Wholy Holy, My Sweet Lord & Precious Memoris. I don't understand why these songs were duplicated on both CDs. I found the introductions and comments provided by Reverands Cleveland and Franklin annoying and unnecessary. I just wanted to hear the music. The highlights were How I Got Over, Amazing Grace and Wholy Holy. Otherwise, I wish I didn't waste my money. I learned my lesson though: Just because the artist is spectacular, doesn't mean the album is.

Dissapointing...
I brought this cd because i lost my copy of the original amazing grace cd. But when i got amazing grace: the complete recordings, i was very dissapointed, most because my favorite songs on the original recording; Old landmark and climbing higher mountain, have been replaced by different versions, which does not showcase Aretha`s vocal skills as they do on the original recording. Although the packaging and booklet are great, i would much rather reccomend the original cd, at lest if you want to hear Aretha at her very best:)

Amazing Aretha
WOW!!! Yet another extraordinary albumn from Miss Ree. I listen to this albulm all day long, and i'll listen to it forever. Truely a work of art. Nothing else could compare to this CD. Nobody sings like Aretha. You will be absolutely mesmorised by the sound of Aretha's voice in this collection, and will wish for more. Her amazing skill and soul is perfectly combined in this collection, the only thing that remains is for Warner Music to release the FULL filmed recording of this monumental event so that all her fans can watch the diva in her finest glory. Amazon, if you know how to get hold of this, please hurry, your customers will go crazy for it!

AN OLD TIME FAVORITE
One of my fondest childhood memories is my mother playing the album version of these recordings every Sunday. It is truly uplifting. But there are noticable differences between this release and the original 1972 release. This is a great CD, but I prefer the original with all the studio "sweetenings". "OLD LANDMARK" and "HOW I GOT OVER" are much more powerful on the 1972 version. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

the best (live) soul album
live at filmore west sees ms franklin adapting to a seachange in music at the time of its release...the emerging prominence of what's termed as "rock".

expect the queen not to be swept aside though as she finesses then current hits "love the one your with" and "make it with you" as if they're her own. watch her rework "respect" into a million beats a minute stomper!

and what could be better than to let ray charles join the fray?

Her Best Live Album
When Aretha Franklin recorded 1971's LIVE AT FILLMORE WEST, she was backed by a group of veteran session musicians on a mix that included interpretations of popular songs and some of her trademark numbers. Franklin makes Stephen Stills' "Love The One You're With" her own with the help of Billy Preston's joyous organ work, while Bread's saccharine "Make It With You" is injected with a healthy shot of sexy sassiness.

Franklin's underrated piano playing and a healthy display of her gospel roots make FILLMORE a special recording in Lady Soul's vast canon. Franklin's skill on the eighty-eights particularly shines on her swinging treatment of the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" and the jubilant "Don't Play That Song." Franklin also plays electric piano on "Dr. Feelgood," and from this point on she turns Bill Graham's hall into a Baptist church. The call-and-response of her background singers and King Curtis' skillful band-leading/saxophone playing lead up to the high point where she brings Ray Charles out for the reprise of the testimonial "Spirit In The Dark" followed by the uplifting "Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand)."

Breath taking performance
When you look at the credits you realize that this was a great album even before the musicians played the first note. Aretha has simply helped herself to arguably the best musicians available - a virtual who's who of the r&b world. King Curtis, Billy Preston, Cornell Dupree, Bernard Purdie, The Memphis Horns and the incomparable Jerry Jemmott - The Kingpin. When you put the best band together with the best vocalist what you have is this album.

All the way LIVE
What a live album ought to be. Great performances by the Queen and her courtiers (and what a group she assembled: Ray Charles, Billy Preston and the late great King Curtis (in his last recording).

One of the few live albums to capture the spirit of the performance. When she and Ray Charles cut loose on an extended "Spirit in the Dark", she burns down the Filmore West!

A must have.

A MUST Have
this disc Blew me away.Aretha sounds fantastic and her Piano Playing is tight.Ray Charles is super bad as is Billy Preston.Spirit in The Dark is a Great song.this disc is all that and more.Live ALbums should sound like this.the Band was tight. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Nina Simone recorded for Columbia Pictures adjunct Colpix records from 1959 through 1964, cutting 10 records for the imprint. Five of her Colpix records were concert recordings, a setting that suits her idiosyncrasies while protecting her from overproduction, and one she's returned to frequently. At the Village Gate captures a particularly intimate 1961 performance and stands as the cream of her live collections. Backed by a trio that includes her favorite sideman, guitarist Al Shackman, Simone ranges from the yearning "He Was Too Good to Me" to a sprightly eight-minute-plus version of "Bye Bye Blackbird" that displays her underrated keyboard skills. This is the kind of album that ages like a fine merlot. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Incomparable Nina Makes Pure Magic!
In the intimate ambiance of The Village Gate, Nina Simone made pure magic with her voice and on the keyboard, one Manhattan evening back in 1961. She sang and played with a trio, which featured her favorite guitarist, Al Shackman. We are so fortunate that the moment was captured and recorded. This is by far my favorite collection of Ms. Simone's music.

I can't really categorize Nina's sound or her music and call her "just" a fabulous jazz vocalist. Although, she plays extraordinary jazz with her voice, as in "Just In Time." She has been often called a musical anomaly, because there is no one category for her work. She was trained as a classical pianist, and in cuts like "Bye Bye Blackbird," the complexity of her piano comes through loud and clear. Her folk songs, like the biting "House Of The Rising Sun," and "Zungo" an African work song, place her at the top of a long list of folk singers. Ms. Simone's gospel songs, i.e., "Children Go Where I Send You," can raise the roof and bring down the house, as she did at the Gate in '61. She is a protest singer, "Brown Baby," and an actress, capable of an extraordinary range of emotions.

Nina has the rare ability to dig into her material and bring unexpected meaning to familiar lyrics. She is eclectic with her taste and her repertoire. But whatever touches Nina, and whatever Nina touches, will reach you and evoke an emotional response. Her music is as fresh today, as it was 42 years ago, singing for that Manhattan audience. They could not have loved her more then, than we do now.

"Hear for yourself," said Nina.
I recently read her autobiography, and in reference to this concert at the Village Gate, Nina Simone stated that she owned the crowd that night, and if you don't believe it you can buy the album and hear for yourself. Ms. Simone does not exaggerate: she gave an incredible performance that night.

The album starts with a jazzy standard "Just In Time", then goes onto a ballad. Already having snapped your fingers and bopped your head, then stared wistfully, meaningfully into space while the ballad works its magic, you shift into blues with her breathtaking rendition of "House of the Rising Sun" which she released before the Animals had the hit.

One thing that's great about this album is that it really showcases her skills as a classically trained concert pianist. Though most people, sadly, know her as a vocalist and stylist, she's playing the piano when you hear one in her songs because she never intended to do popular music, but there had not yet been a black woman concert pianist and despite her best efforts and prodigious talent, she did not succeed in being the first. The fourth track on the album is a nice lift from the second and third, more somber tracks.

"Brown Baby" returns to the eerie and hopeful ballad territory. Though she became known for her protest music later in her career, at the time of this recording Nina was still doing a variety of styles. To hear the emotion and strength of conviction in this song is to understand how anyone develops the strength to fight passionately for justice, and to taste the salty tears of rage.

"Zungo" is upbeat and yet another style. Then "If He Changed My Name" turns toward the reflective strength of the spirit, a sparse arrangement with haunting vocals. And "Children Go Where I send You" brings the house down. "You ever been to a revival meeting...? Well, you're in one right now."

I own dozens of Nina Simone albums and have been a fan for years. Until I heard this one, though, I could not appreciate fully the range of her talent from the early days of her career. As much as I love some of her other albums, this would be the one I'd have to take with me to a remote island. No fan should be without this album. And nobody who's reading this should leave the page without giving it a try: it's dang good.

Nina Weaves Her Spell and You're in 1961
This CD is not to be missed. Don't be put off by the low song count (8), each song easily tops 5-6 minutes (some clock in at 8 mins)and what's missing in quantity is made up for in quality. The intimacy of Nina's appearance here is captured as she sheds new light on well-worn Broadway standards and unknown songs alike. Her voice was also a bit lighter than it became later on so she hits some high notes easily. As usual her piano-playing is great and she's backed by great sidemen but they never get in the way of her singing. Plop this CD in the player and suddenly you are sitting in the audience watching and listening to Nina in New York's Village, 1961. That's how intimate this CD is. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Raphael Saadiq sums up his 15-year career on this live double CD. An R&B connoisseur whose hitmaking days began long before anyone started tossing around the term "neo-soul," Saadiq brought not only his current band to the Hollywood club’s stage but a number of guests including members of his former group Tony Toni Tone and the musically likeminded D’Angelo. The result is a sometimes languid, sometimes intense walk through material drawn largely from his 2002 solo debut Instant Vintage and the Tony catalog (the latter given satisfying but short playing time). While it's hard not to see All Hits as marking time for Saadiq, the discs do allow plenty of room for him to display his formidable talents as a singer, writer, and bandleader. Where much neo-soul tends to pleasantly blend into the atmosphere, Saadiq has enough melodic command--not to mention his sly sense of humor--to make this more than a showcase of technique. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Saadiq - King of Soul
Having been lucky enought to have been in the crowd at the House of Blues when the CD was recorded, I couldn't wait to get it. The CD captures the energy that was in the house that night. Raphael is a great songwriter and musician. Every song is right on hit. Joi was a pleasant surprise and a nice prelude to the Tony Toni Tone reunion. Nobody wanted the reunion to end, but that night was about Saadiq and the amazing talent that he is. Instant Vintage was a soulful and funky album. But the live CD blows it away! With the help of all the guests that appeared, Devin the Dude, Tony Toni Tone, DJ Quik, and D'Angelo this CD is self became an Instant Vintage!! Cant wait for the DVD!! Be sure to check out D'Angelo's stage dive at the end.

Still the Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Raphael Saadiq "All hits at the House of Blues" is TIGHT. I just hope people really support his project, you will not be disappointed by no means. This is a pure musically soul drenched Live cd from one of the baddest artist and producer out there right now. He's joined on stage by Tony Toni Ton'e, Ledisi, Joi, DJ Quik, Devin the Dude, Goapele, D'Angelo and Leslie Wilson from New Birth which makes this a winning combo. Support this supabadd brother and purchase his cd it's TIGHT!!!!!!

I'm a Raphael fan for life!
This double disc is awesome, well worth the price!!! My car's CD player is constantly playing disc #2. I love all the songs on it along with the majority of songs on disc #1. My favorites would be "Still Ray" and "Be Here". The climactic ending of "Be Here" with the guitar riffs, etc. is great and I love the musical arrangement and words of "Still Ray". Raphael knows his music and I hope the whole world gets a chance to know him, if they don't already.

Lovin every minute of it
Raphael Saadiq has such a unique voice. It is cool, mello, smooth, and unforgettable. As soon as I got this CD I popped it into the car CD player and went straight to "ALL I ASK OF YOU" from the Higher learning movie. I then went to "Anniversary" and then from there I hit every track and every tune. Hearing this CD reminds me how much I miss the unique sound of the Tonys. The only problem I have with this CD was that listening to it made me wish I could have been at the House of Blues to hear it live.

WOW! My man does it again!
10 stars! How can you even rate such a talented artist like Saadiq? These live sessions are amazing. Just breath taking, if you are a fan or Saadiq as a solo artist or Tony Toni Tone' as a group you won't be disappointed with this live album disc. Gotta love the live version of "Blind Man" my favorite song of all time and "Ask you" a def. classic is also included. [Two discs, with 23 tracks of beautiful music, only the best for Mr. Saadiq] ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Hallelujah
It's about time....King Curtis with Billy Preston, Cornell Dupree, Bernard Purdie, Jerry Jemmott,full horn section -- live and smokin' -- ow!!! too hot!!!

The Master Live
King Curtis was the greatest R&B sax man there ever will be, and this live album gives you an invaluble insight into one of his great shows. 'Whole Lotta Love' is not exceptional for Curtis, but the big band arrangement behind it is incredible. Also, from a sax player's perspective, Curtis's experimentation with wa-wa and Varitone on the alto and tenor saxes is well worth hearing and studying. For those of us who never saw him live, this is a treat - you really get the live show feel.

This is the master that Dave Sanborn stole from
This is one of the best albums I own out of 2000+ records. The magic is there! This album should be studied in every music school for feel, groove, communication w/ listeners and musicality. If you play sax, keys, bass, conga, drums, guitar, trumpet, organ...this is a MUST CD.
I thought this album was lost as I hadn't seen it anywhere for 20+ yrs. The only thing I ever saw, which made me mad as hell, was one night back in the 80's Dave Sanborn was on Late Night w/ Letterman and introduced a copy of the first cut of this album as "his song HE wrote" as "Love stew" or something like that...Never saying that the whole arrangment and even most all of Daves solo was just a copy of Memphis Soul Stew. Another case of the white man stealing the blackman's ideas...and making a ton of money off it!

One million Stars
'Memphis Soul Stew', live..man. When this came out, every rythm section tried copping these riffs, and they're -still- trying. This opening track is quite likely the greatest live instrumental recording ever.

Finally, after 26 years!!
My father bought me this album as an Eight-track tape back in 1976 (I played tenor sax) and I fell in love with it. I've looked for the album many times over the years but couldn't find it. Finally I've got it!! This live cut is gutsy, tight, driving, and goosebump-inducing. I disagree with the reviews that take a backhanded swipe at "Whole Lotta Love"...listen to it! The group does a great job with it. ... Read more

Reviews (165)

The Musical Ministry with the Need Meeting Message--Christ.
I purchased this set in April, and since that time have purchased 3 additional sets to give to others. I've used it as a "witnessing" tool and have been most successful. I love the Jesus in Fred Hammond because He is made manifest and is glorified in this Music. "Because of the ANNOINTING" the yoke shall be destroyed. It's happening FRED!! We thank God for you and for what He's placed in you that is flowing to the "NATIONS" of the earth. Praise and Worship is the ammunition used in Conquering for Christ. Let the Church catch the vision and PRAISE HER WAY TO VICTORY!

Gospel "Soul food"
I recently saw Fred Hammond on a Christian television program. His genuine truthfulness touched me. I spiritually connected with his ministry. Immediately I bought this CD, and it has ministered to me tremendously. Hammond's lyrics are based on the Word of God, and that's what makes his music so powerful. His music has not only encouraged me, but it is an awesome prelude into prayer. The praise songs help me get into the spiritual realm. Pray for Hammond, that he would always be protected by the blood of Jesus.

Incredible
I give this album 100 out of 10!!!! EXCELLENT album. No Weapon, Please Don't Pass Me By, Are You Ready For Your Blessing, I Wanna Know Your Ways, Jesus Is All (Remix).....the list goes on and on. This guy knows and writes quality music from the heart to the people. I think this is the best album he has done, a mix of live and studio recordings with excellent vocals and greater than great musicians (especially the drummer)...

fred hammond - a vocalist for the Lord
This album is truly an album meant not only to please the Lord, but it has the capacity to lead people to the Lord. Hearing the instruments alone was truly trememdous - then adding Fred Hammonds vocals with the instruments; it just blew me away. I just love his voice and how he truly sings his heart out for the Lord. You can feel his sincerity. He has such a melodious voice. I know that he inspires me to spill my heart out for the Lord and his songs are meant to uplift and encourage all of us who are truly trying to make it in this world. This album alone was responsible for helping me get by the many trials and tribulations in my life that we trying to burden me down. The song "No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper" helped me make through the year 2002. I pray that everyone thinking about buying this album will indeed buy it - because it is worth more than all the gold and silver in the world; Fred Hammond and his Choir truly sang their hearts out. Let me not forget to mention his band who also played liked the Lord was coming to hear them. This is truly an album inspired by the Lord. Please purchase it, you will definitly not regret it. May God Bless Fred Hammond and the Radicals for Christ.

Fred Never Dissapoints Me With His Soul Searching Music
Fred Hammond, being one of my favourite artistes really never disappointed me with this album "Pages of Life" I mean this album was awesome! It ministered to every fibre of my being. I loved all the songs and each style of song ministered to me in a different way. I bought the album in 1999 and it's now 2003 and it gives me the same thrill it gave me back then. Songs like "Your Steps Are Ordered, Let the Praise Begin and Lord You are My Song" They have a special meaning to me. The album is very uplifting and I'd recommend everyone to get a copy for yourself. There's something in it for you! ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Wonderful!!!!
This woman sings this song so well I love to hear her sing this version of the Star Spangled Banner the words are so clear and voice so nicely high pitched and strong so anyone who likes the Star Spangled Banner purchase this single becasue Whitney really uses her vocal cords on this track this is a wonderful version of the "STAR SPANGLED BANNER" RAY CHARLES- SINGS THE BEST VERSION OF "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL " IN MY EYES!!!!

Brings back a memory
I bought this CD the first time I saw it. For years I had recalled hearing her sing the Star Spangled Banner live on TV during the Super Bowl, and wondered if I would ever hear her sing it again. The CD didn't have the impact of the original (how often do we remember a song sounding better than it actually did), but still is the best recorded version of our National Anthem that I have ever heard. I did hear R Kelly sing it live at an NBA game once, and if he has recorded that version, it would give this version a run for its money. His voice was awesome and he also stuck to the melody.

STELLAR PERFORMANCE--Standard That Can't Be Beat
Few people actually recall the moment in history when this IMPECCABLE PERFORMANCE graced the lives of not only a few million ardent football fans in America, but also a significant contingent of members of the U. S. Armed Forces deployed to the Middle East, Operation Desert Storm, January 1991, for the liberation of the Emirate State of Kuwait. In the small hours of a winter morning throughout the Persian Gulf, many of us, then serving in the military, were treated to the live satellite transmission of what promised to be an exciting game: the NY Giants vs. the perennial SuperBowl favs, the Buffalo Bills. One week and a few days into the air campaign against the Republican Guard Iraqi ground forces, but after a full six months stationed "in theatre" with the greatest international Coallition Force ever assembled, our troops were war-weary and longing for home.

Nothing distinguishes Americans, nor unites them, quite like the hearing of their national anthem being played; usually, a mere single verse, with lyrics over two hundred years old, written amidst one of the heated battles of the Revolutionary War. Which other free societies actually sing, hand on heart or standing at attention, the words of their national anthem? What other people so love to be identified by something so simple as a melody and words about a flag? Who in the wide world are so proud a people as Americans regarding their national theme?

Whitney's superior performance, accompanied by the very capable Florida Orchestra in Tampa, signified a seminal moment in American popular music and a high standard for live musical performances (not to mention an immense showing of unsurpassed beauty and grace and natural talent she brought to the National Football League's annual soiree). Listen to this performance, and you will never quite accept anybody else's.

However, when Whitney sang our song to us, the American people, to the hundreds of thousands of us serving our nation, to help liberate another, half a world away, in that moment, she represented the best in all of us.

History will be very kind to Whitney, as well it should. Her voice is the mark of excellence. Her music, like the world's best art, is timeless, one of kind, and entirely irreplaceable. One will never go wrong with the music of Whitney Houston in one's collection. It's all a masterpiece. History will be good to Whitney, but history will have to wait. She has many more standards to offer.

By the work of Providence and the sacrifice of many excellent Americans, our Star-Spangled Banner yet waves. Kuwait is yet free. And for one stellar January evening, as two worthy teams met in friendly competition, when the rockets red-glared over the desert, we all heard Whitney sing to us, uniting us in a moment that will last forever, in a memory which will always preserve the best in all of us. 07/19/04

Nice.......But Beyonce's Version Is Better
If You watched Super Bowl xxxvii(i think thats it...lol), Beyonce's rendition of the National Anthem was flawless. I was AMAZING!! It literally brought chills to mt spine. I highly reccomend her version................

WOW!
I was compeltely blown away, hearing this for the first time. Nobody can sing better than Whitney, and nobody will ever. This is a great rendition. 10/10 ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a must have in every collection
owwwwwwiie i felt good when this one dropped on my doormat. o.k. the first c.d. version was already in the early 90's but this one is remastered and has new linenotes and beautiful rare picture's of soulbrother no.1. also detailed information about finding the mastertrack of this recording and info about the band then. the sound is superb and you will think that james brown and the famous flames are playing just for you in your house !!! the bonustracks are just remixes nothing new under the sun

a must buy it item !!!!!!

(...)

GOOD GAWD!
BUY THIS ALBUM!!! "Live At The Apollo" is James Brown's 1962 tour de force album that won him popular and critical acclaim. If you're an R&B fan you've probably already heard this amazing album in it's original form. If you want to hear this digitally remastered show in it's entirety (the original was edited for l.p. time constraints)then pick this one up. But even if you are not a big R&B fan this album will knock your socks off! For ten bucks you can't afford to NOT have this album in your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

If you like Dylan, you'll love this!
Growing up being a big fan of the Bryds, how could one not enjoy listening to Dylan played by some of the worlds finest musicians. There has never been a better rendition of Mr. Tambourine Man. My Back Pages with Bob Dylan, Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, George Harrison is also something special.

Stevie Wonder gets carried away with his intro to Blowing in the Wind, but fast forward 2&1/2 minutes and you will miss the only misery of this CD. The end of this double CD has Dylan singing. It makes you appreciate how special his music is when sung by these top performers. It also shows off what Dylan does best - song writing.

Wanna hear Dylan with an Irish accent? Buy the CD. I can't think of a better way to spend 2 hours in the car. I own over 500 CD's and this one is my favorite.

Something For Everyone
I'd give this 5 stars, but there are a bunch of tracks that force me to hit the "skip" button on my CD player. The rest is good enough to boost the rating back up to 4 stars.

Perhaps the best thing about this grouping of performances is the fact that everyone has a different favorite part. After reading all the other reviews, I'm left amazed that nobody has pointed to the Eddie Veder/Mike McReady rendition of "Masters of War" as the highlight of the set. To me, this is hands-down the reason to own this set. The amount of feeling poured into the words and the preformance is astounding and a true credit to the genius of Bob Dylan. It provides a case in point that any and all Dylan songs can be made into the performer's own heart-felt masterpiece. Sure the performances by Neil Young, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, etc. are outstanding, but one likes to think that would go without saying by now. If after listening to this you can't feel the anger, emotion and scathing attack behind the lyrics to a song like "Masters of War," you simply never will. The lyrics ring just as true today as they did the day they were written --- if not for knowing better, one might think this song was written for George W. Bush and Dick Chaney. Only the Vedder version delivers the anger and emotion that are conveyed in the words themselves...this is what a protest song is meant to be!

Uneven Dylan
Sorry, but the best performance is Johnny Winters ripping through Highway 61 (revisited)- a lot of the other performers (including George Harrison and Ronnie Wood pale by comparison). Why can't I get it on DVD?

Fascinating
"Archie M" seems to have rather missed the point of this album, when he complains that many of the song versions here "have no resemblence to the original". That's the WHOLE IDEA OF INTERPRETATIONS! He seems to like McGuinn's "Tambourine Man" because it sounds just like the record. What's the point of that?

Sure, nobody is going to like *everything* here (I could do without Mellencamp for example), but there are a few absolute stormers - Lou Reed, Richie Havens, Tracy Chapman, and - especially - Eric Clapton. I'd go so far as to say that EC's performance of "Don't Think Twice" is not only the high point of this show, it's the high point of his *career*. If you're a fan of the "Layla" album, and have been disappointed with the mostly soporific stuff he's done since then, listen to this - it's *blistering* - right up there with "Have You Ever Loved A Woman". Great, great music.

One Fine Tribute Set
I really liked this double CD, found it worth every penny, would recommend it highly. There is some stuff on these two discs that is just simply too good to describe. Tracy Chapman's rendition of the "Times They are A-Changin'" shoots straight to your soul. Richie Havens version of "Just Like a Woman" gives the song a whole new dimension. Eric Clapton's two songs are eerie. Mr. D performs admirably on "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)," and surpasses himself on "Girl from the North Country." But the real outstanding song on this set is the version of "Absolutely Sweet Marie," performed by the late George Harrison.

Reviewed by Stephanie Sane

Unlike a lot of live compilation albums, this one really works. All I can say is that I think you should own it. Five Stars. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Real Music
Like everybody else, I agree this is one of the best albums ever released. I have the other live albums so I was really looking forward to the unreleased material. I was not disapointed. He put so much soul into "Yesterday" that I dont remember what the Beetles version sounds like. "He aint heavy, He's my brother" is sung with so much feeling, it was just amazing.

This is a must have. I suggest you strongly get the other live CD's to get some of the other jams left off this CD. Trust me, if you love music its worth it.

The Brotha Could Sang
Most of us who love soul music know the difference between singing and sanging. And those familiar with Donny Hathaway know he did the latter. The brotha had one of the most immensely talented voices in music history. Donny's singing here is an inspiring uplifting lesson in vocal artistry. While I really enjoyed each selection, I found A Song For You to be the real gem. If you're tired of the overhyped, overproduced, media images being thrust in our faces today and want some real music....rush out and get this CD.

Release is flawed as a concept, but oh what music!
Donny Hathaway is the pinnacle of the soul artist. He wrote, arranged, whaled on the keyboard, and sang definitive interpretations of so many songs. *Any* unreleased material seeing the light of day is cause for celebration and a major event. Yet, this release, while containing outstanding music worthy of hearing, could have and should have been so much more.

Donny Hathaway "Live" is one of the greatest live albums ever made and one of my desert island discs. I own about 1200 CDs and only carry around 24 in a wallet at one time. Donny Hathaway "Live" is a permanent resident in that wallet along with Coltrane's "A Love supreme." Unfortunately, "Live" is only available as a pricey import right now. In the liner notes to "These Songs", David Nathan writes, "fate, destiny, or the ups and downs of the biz meant the reissues never happened" when explaining why "Live" was not released domestically on CD. "These Songs" is a compilation that has some of the highlights from the original "Live" album and the posthumous "In Performance", especially "What's Going On", "You've Got a Friend", and "The Ghetto". There's much classic material missing, however. Donny's cover of "Jealous Guy" isn't here, one of my favorite tracks on that album. Willie Weeks' classic bass solo on "Voices Inside" , which shows him as an extension of Motown's James Jamerson, is also absent. From "In Performance", the live version of "Young, Gifted, and Black" is a major omission. I think those new to Donny Hathaway would have benefitted from a rerelease of "Live" with some of the unreleased material on this compilation as bonus tracks. I think collectors would have preferred a live two disc compilation with all of the available live sides or even better [please, Rhino please!] a complete box set worthy of this great artist's stature.

Another big problem is that this CD does not play well on all players. This would not play on my Sony CD walkman or my 12 year old AIWA stereo system. It did play fine through my DVD player and it plays fine on my Sony box. I returned a copy to Borders as defective before I realized that it was simply incompatible with my player.

So, yell at Atlantic for not handling the reissues first and putting out something that doesn't play....

And then listen to the marvellous music. The unreleased material is stellar stuff. "Flying Easy" and "Valdez in the Country" emphasize Donny's electric piano chops and jazz skills. On "Extensions of a Man", where these tracks originally appeared, the arrangements provide a luxurious setting but require more restrained playing. On the live versions, Donny really lets loose and his drummer goes right with him on the breaks. "Someday Will All Be Free" is fine vocally, but again its Donny's piano playing where the trumpet solo is on the studio version that adds new meaning to the track. "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother" is a vocal tour de force and shows all the gospel music that fills Donny's art. "Yesterday" is a nice chart, but I think "Jealous Guy" would have been a better choice for all but the Donny completists. "Superwoman" is a real revelation. So many have commented on how Donny was a key influence on Stevie Wonder's mature work starting with "Music of My Mind". Well, here you have Donny Hathaway covering a track from that album and showing all he can do vocally. Magnificent! The interview at the end of the album is a nice touch and a window into the depth of this man's interests as a man and as an artist. It only adds to the tragic nature of his incomplete body of work.

The music is awesome and this is definitely worth your time and money. I just hope that Rhino corrects the technical issues and does not allow this to be a peace offering in place of a deserved live reissue campaign.

4.5 stars [6 stars music, 3 stars concept]

--SD

A Priceless Treasure
There really are no words that can adequately express the genius of this album. I adore the music of many different artists, but there has never been a voice like Donny Hathaway's. This collection of live pieces is an absolute masterpiece; every note is perfection. "Superwoman" is breathtaking, and "You've Got a Friend" makes you feel that you really have. It literally hurts my heart that Donny is not recognized by the world at large - but, to me, he is the GREATEST SOUL SINGER WHO EVER LIVED. This album is a must-have!!

The Perfect Instrument
Donny Hathaway's voice was the perfect instrument. This collection, a mix of "Donny Hathaway Live" and "In Performance," also has some previously unreleased live tracks, such as Donny's stirring renditions of "Yesterday," "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," and perhaps most notably "Superwoman." Donny connects with a crowd in a way that can only be alternately experienced by going to church. "A Song For You" and "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" will literally bring a tear to your eye. The interview (track 14) is bittersweet in that it's great to hear his voice, but disappointing to know all the things he planned but never got to do due to his untimely (and questionable, but that's another subject) death. If you are a Donny fan, you MUST have this CD, along with "Live" and "In Performance." I have slight problems playing the CD in some players, but the content is wonderful. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Marvin Gaye's heir apparent buys time with this seven-song, 34-minute EP. In 1996, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite showcased a rising star, and the sumptuous early '70s soul-moves here underline the potential. A bit of a tease, then, but just the ticket to spread the word about this remarkable newcomer.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Maxwell Unplugged
Maxwell is only one of a handful of singers who actually sound increadible when they sing live. Maxwell has an incredible voice and it is showcased beautifully on this MTV live album. Here he covers some songs from his first album such as "Ascension," and "Whenever, Wherever, Whaterver," as well as new songs such as "Mello: Sumthin'," and "Gotta Get: Closer." He also masterfully covers Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work." This song can be heard in the movie "Love and Basketball." The only disappointed with the album is the length. There are only seven tracks, but each one is great.

Run out and buy this one right now
If you've ever felt like tenderness is missing around you, if you've ever felt that the world is cold, if you've ever wondered where the strong, real men are . . . . take a listen to Maxwell. This entire CD is great, but take a deep breath and listen to the 4th track, his cover of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work". Rarely do I get the opportunity to see or hear a man express himself like this. It gives me hope and makes me feel less alone. That's a big thing to say about anything or anyone, but there it is. How lucky I feel that he's around: he's one of those exceptional artists who can move me to tears and the next minute make me want to get up and dance! Things I look for in music: genuine feeling, and funk. Maxwell's got both - he's the real deal.

Max!!!
Maxwell is saving R&B right now./ He brings depth to an otherwise shallow and lusty mindless pop tunes.

Ring King of R&B
Maxwell is saving R&B right now./ He brings depth to an otherwise shallow and lusty mindless pop tunes.

Maxwell is the King Of R&B right now.
Maxwell is saving R&B right now./ He brings depth to an otherwise shallow and lusty mindless pop tunes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Betty Wright Be Throwing Down
I Grew Up Listen To Betty Wright,Betty Wright Has A Very Strong Voice With An Style Of Her Own,But Most Of All She Always Put God In Most Of Her Songs Not Forgetting Where Her Help Come From!... When You Buy Any Of Betty Wrights Cd's You Get Your Money Worth!... Betty Wright Also Give You Your Money Worth When She Does A Concert!... "Where Is The Love","From Pain To Joy" & "Tonight Is The Night","A Song For You"Are Some Of My Favorites By Betty Wright!...

she's the one
this lady put the blues in blues. She is the Bomb very strong and outspoken for women in this century. You go girl! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Most of Sam Cooke's pop hits were sugary, blanched affairs. This album was the real deal, giving us the church-reared R&B singer who liked to tear up the clubs along the Southern chitlin circuit. Recorded in Florida in 1963, Live at the Harlem Square captures the man at his sanctified, sandpapered best--the voice worshipped by disciples from Otis Redding to Rod Stewart. No syrupy glissandos or polite Hollywood chorales here: this is sweat-drenched, back-to-basics R&B, with Sam tearing up "Feel It" and "Chain Gang," and rasping his way through "Somebody Have Mercy" and "Bring It on Home to Me."This set only makes it seem sadder that Cooke never lived to reign in the soul era he inaugurated.--Barney Hoskyns ... Read more

Reviews (32)

When music is an art . . .
I'm not a musician, I'm not a music critic, but, for me, when an artist manages to convey some essential human quality in a way that could not be expressed with mere words, great art emerges. When I hear Sam Cooke, the world is transformed, great art reveals its power.

I am too young to have ever heard him truly live, so this album is compensation. It is gorgeous, haunting, joyful, aching. To be human is to be moved by Sam Cooke's voice. I warn you, however, that it may become rather addictive; listening to this album can send your soul to levels typically only reached in excastacies exclusive to the best of lovers or spiritual nirvanas. THIS just may be the New Jerusalem.

After listening to this, try to find a copy of The Man and His Music. No longer in print, it's an amazing collection worth hunting down.

Gospel, Soul, Rock, Like Sam really was
Too bad that most singles cut in the 50's and 60's were dumbed down to appeal to a greater audience. The quality of songs like Chain Gang or Cupid is of course great but on this album they sound like they should sound.

It starts with Sam urging the crowd to shout along but it doesn't happen just yet. Through Chain Gang and Cupid the crowd get into it a little more and in the medley it's allright/sentimental reasons the crowd starts singing along. Then the most amazing thing happens: Cooke reverts back to his old craft; the tell and answer style of his gospel days with the Soul Stirrers. The start of Bring it on home to me is pulsating, slowly building up with Sam telling a story (I want my baby!!) about his girl and then the guitar starts the opening riff and the crowd goes wild. The song ends with a shouting match between him and the crowd. Nothing can change this love and Having a Party end this amazing live show.

At the Copa is a lot more decent and big band style. This one is so soulful and gospellike that you get into every time. One of the best live albums ever and it will certainly make you a bigger Sam Cooke fan. Now we finally know where Otis got his stuff.

Nothing Compares
The other reviewers pretty much sum up how great this album is. It must be heard to believe. I came to this album and to Sam Cooke backwards. I was already a huge Otis Redding fan and I sort of had an idea that Cooke was a big influence on him. I found this in a box of tapes and it completely blew me away. Eventually I got it on CD as well and I still listen to it all the time. I've shared it with friends who aren't especially into this kind of music and all of them are equally amazed by it. Best live album ever. Period.

Better than James Brown Live At The Apollo
Yo, pick up this album. Some people don't like average sound quality but if you can let go of that this set is something to behold. Kanye West sent me back to soul and this guy sent me back to spirituality. You hear God just shining in this man's voice. It's also the chemistry with the audience that makes this so much better than any other live set I've heard. Peace and Love.

Superb!
Read the editorial review, it's great.

There, that's my review right there.

Well, okay, but there's really not much more to say. "Live At The Harlem Square Club" is by far the best testament to the talent and charisma of the founding father of soul, the great Sam Cooke.

Cooke is backed by a swinging R&B band, and his raspy vocal delivery turns extremely harmless little pop songs like "Cupid" and "For Sentimental Reasons" into soulful expressions of lust.

This magnificent live album goes from one highlight to the next. "Feel It" is pure James Brown, "Chain Gang" and "Bring It On Home To Me" are sweaty rhythm and blues, and the classics "Twistin' The Night Away" and "Having A Party" never sounded this good.

If you only ever buy one Sam Cooke-album, get this one. Hell, if you only ever buy one soul record, this should be the one. ... Read more