4 comments about Best of the Best: 25 Years of Rock.

1. When FM Radio started to catch fire in the early 1970's, things began to change for the average record buyer. As we were no longer slaves to Top-40 AM Stations {Two AM Stations, all but controlled the airwaves of San Francisco for Rock & Pop in the 1960's.} Progressive FM Stations came on-air in 1967, and then and only then, we got to listen to other Songs than just the: Boss, Top-40.
   
   The King Biscuit Flower Hour was a part of the new and "Cool Radio". The first broadcast of: 18 Feb 1973, featured: The Mahavishnu Orchestra, Blood Sweat & Tears and Bruce Springsteen. The Biscuit was off and running with their weekly show.
   
   This is a 16 Track Collection of Rock Acts from the 1970's-80's. It is a Sampler of what was broadcast every week on The Biscuit. With: The Who, Queen, Genesis, The Kinks, America, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ELP, Kansas, Foreigner, Rush, Blondie, Triumph, Billy Squier, Pat Benatar, BTO and Rick Derringer. This Disc has the Big Artists of that period. Every song included herein was a Hit: Won't Get Fooled Again, We Will Rock You, That's All, Lola, Horse With No Name, Call Me The Breeze, Lucky Man, Carry On Wayward Son, Cold As Ice, Limelight, One Way Or Another, Allied Forces, The Stroke, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Takin' Care Of Business, Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo.
   
   If you are old enough to remember these Radio Shows from the 1970's & 1980's, this Disc will bring it all back. If you are too young to have ever heard this Show, this will give you a new slant on those words known as: "Classic Rock".
   
   These Disc's are around, and they are cheap. I bought mine at a Used Record Shop for: $2.99. There are around 50 Disc's available of different acts as well including: BB King, Deep Purple and GTR, these are well worth seeking out as well. Just about everybody was standing in line to appear on this Show because it was very popular.
   
   I have heard a few: "Samplers" in my day and some of them were real forgetable, this one is real good.
   Four Stars !!!



2. Great deal. This item WAS shipped to me, however, I'm VERY VERY disappointed in Amazon's overall lackluster, unreliable (lack of shipping) to military APO addresses. In general, they've shipped to my military APO address about 60% (if that) of the time - for very basic items. Many purchases were not made because items can't be shipped to me, other items I had to have shipped somewhere else and pay additional shipping to get item mailed to me. Shame on Amazon! Unfortunately I've received NO good answer from Amazon!



3. Yes I know you religiously taped this radio show.
   The best stuff is either in the King Biscuit vaults or on your basement cassettes.



4. Does this sixteen track disc bring back memories for you?Showcasing some of the best known songs from bands that were on the weekly FM radio King Biscuit show,I'll say between 1973-82 serve this release the purpose of being an audio diary for those LIKE myself that were loyal listeners of the show.The liner notes gives several individual's personal account of the Biscuit.Here's mine:I remember when a 'live' lp was indeed something special,before import discs became available by the hundreds,that I would sometimes join a gathering at a friend's house while the party was already in progress.I'd hear,say some live songs from Queen.Tunes that I knew were not on 'Live Killers' and another person would inform me that it was a home tape,recorded off a live FM broadcast from the King Biscuit.I've heard from a reliable source that the bands that were on the Biscuit actually LOVED hearing about fans taping the shows 'cause it would MAYBE lure them to buy the group's older lp's.Even though I'm personally more into the obscure music these days,these mainstream gems will always have a place in my collection.My absolute faves are the Kinks "Lola",Emerson Lake&Palmer's "Lucky Man",The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again",BTO's "Takin' Care Of Business" and Rush's "Limelight".Would make a nice gift.

5 comments about The Grand Cayman Concert.

1. This is an amazing acoustic set, played by just Bunnell and Beckley and no one else, usually on two guitars, but occasionally on one guitar and one piano. The sound is crisp, the voices are as good as ever, and the two produce a tight live set that, while it is a little short, is nothing short of superb.
   
   I grew up listening to America as produced by George Martin--lots of strings, horns and so forth. This is basically America stripped--and it proves what excellent musicians these two guys are.
   
   I could have done without the occasional over-enthusiastic fan 'whooping' during this recording, but such are the perils of live albums.
   
   Two thumbs up!



2. This live colection is a two-man 'unplugged' effort - just Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, two voices and two acoustic guitars (or one guitar and piano in some instances) - but the sound is surprisingly full given the sparse instrumentation. The set draws heavily on the first two America albums from the early 70s when they were a trio (Dan Peek's been absent for thirty years now) but the songs still work wonderfully in spite of that missing voice. And the fun part is - you can add your own part to re-create the original three-part harmonies. If you've ever been a fan, you'll enjoy this.



3. America-2 guys and 2 guitars-(or a piano and a guitar) You can't get much more simple than that-and yet this really 'works' on this live album-featuring some of their old favorites-plus some more obscure tracks as well. The winner here is the superb sound of the guitars and voices-beautifully played and recorded. Even if you have all this stuff already it's worth having just to rediscover the great sound of 'America' as they probably sounded when they were sitting around in a living room writing these classic songs. There's a real refreshing intimacy here. Get it !



4. I like America and this was great cd. It brough out the true voices of America. Anyone who likes America will enjoy this cd.



5. For those that care, this cd is encoded as a HDCD, so if you have a HDCD compatible player, this album just sparkles!
   
   Anyway, it is a great recording and performance of just Gerry and Dewey on acoustic guitars and piano. You will not miss the band, these guys can do it all! A very special recording.
   
   I don't know why record labels don't label HDCD's as such when they sell them.

5 comments about Live at Sturgis.

1. .38 Special Live At Sturgis (1999) features the southern rockers at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where over 500,000 bikers meet annually for a week of motorcycle activities and biker fun.
   
   The music here is great stuff, something any .38 Special fan would want to own. It's like a greatest hits done live set with all of their hits included. Rockin' Into The Night, Twentieth Century Fox, Back Where You Belong, If I'd Been The One, Fantasy Girl, Caught Up In You, Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, and Hold On Loosely are all here, and they all sound as good as ever, some even better than the studio versions. There are some new treats, too, like Fade To Blue from their then current album, Resolution, and Just One Girl, a new studio track that's tacked on at the end, and both sound remarkably good. My favorite moment here is Rebel To Rebel, Donnie Van Zant's tribute to his brother, Lynyrd Skynyrd legend Ronnie Van Zant.
   
   As I lie awake I swear I heard a song in the wind
   In the southern breeze I can hear the strummin'
   Of a six-string just outta tune
   And a whiskey-soaked voice singing 'bout places he's been
   
   The song is quite emotional, runs a little over six minutes, and includes a simulated Free Bird jam. It gets a huge response from the crowd, probably the most enthusiastic of the concert. Everything sounds pretty close to the studio versions here, so if you're looking for an album with all the hits, this could work for you. There are some differences, plus there's some on stage introductions of the songs, so if you're looking to add to your .38 Special collection, this could definitely work for you, too. In all, a good collection of well performed songs from one of the major players in the southern rock movement of the 1970s and 80s.



2. I've never been the biggest fan of southern rock,as for a general rule. However,after just so many years,bands like ZZ Top,Molly Hatchet and .38 Special had REALLY began to 'grow' on me. I think one factor I respect about southern rockers is they seem to accept fans, followers and patrons from virtually all walks of life. Okay,I'll step off my soap box now.Saw .38 Special play a co-headline gig with Night Ranger a little while back and I was truly amazed at how many of their tunes I didn't PREVIOUSLY know by name.'Live At Sturgis' is a good live album. Tracks that are sure to live in my memory for sometime to come are "Rockin' Into The Night","Wild-Eyed Southern Boys",the band's semi-tear jerker (for some) "If I'd Been The One","Deja Voodoo","Fantasy Girl" and "Hold on Loosely". Plus,there's one new studio cut tagged on,"Just One Girl". Duration:66:50.Sure don't miss those double vinyl lp's,they tape up WAY too much room. Great to listen to on a Saturday night.



3. I've had the pleasure to see 38 Special a few times in concert and this is exactly how i remember the shows. Lots of energy and superb playing. Rebel To Rebel is the best song on the album. Put this disc in your cd player and kick back and enjoy!



4. this cd is probably the best live performance
   I have ever heard from 38 special,its kind of
   like the best of 38 live,I love rebel to rebel
   and fantasy girl and all the rest of the hits,
   this is a great one to buy.



5. ..... buy a .38 Special album, this is the one for you. Ahem. If I may - L I V E R O C K A N D R O L L. With a cast of thousands of bikers. Does it get any better. Probably not.
   Spend the ten bucks, turn the CD player PAST 10 and ROCK the troopers. ;o)

5 comments about Loud & Clear.

1. LOUD AND CLEAR is a great live CD by Sammy Hagar. It features a revamped lineup of his band playing hotter than ever, throwing in a couple of Montrose classics along the way, along with the only album appearance of Sammy's original version of "I've Done Everything For You." Hagar's advocacies of sanctions against Indonesia in retaliation for that country's trumped up 2005 drug-smuggling conviction of a young Australian tourist, increased funding for law enforcement, and capital punishment for kidnappers make this CD an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience.



2. back in 1979 on a hot summer night the group boston was starting there "DON'T LOOK BACK" world tour in pittsburgh pa. sammer hager was the opening act. i said sammy who? he came out decked out in red and played this set of songs and ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! blew boston off the stage!! SAMMY + HIS BAND WERE RED HOT THAT NIGHT!!! this is one of the best live records of all time!! recored great and kicks [...]!!! if you like no holds barred guitar rock this cd is for you!!!



3. Originally released in 1980,I assume this was a live album in support of his first six solo lp's. Similar to his 1982 'Red Hot' budget priced live offering (see my review), but a bit better I thought. Tunes that I found myself playing repeatedly were "Red", "Rock 'N Roll Weekend","I've Done Everything For You" and the two Montrose cuts here "Bad Motor Scooter" and "Space Station #5". A good vintage arena rock title. Line-up: Sammy Hagar-guitar&vocals, Bill Church-bass, Gary Phil-guitar&vocals, Alan Fitzgerald-keyboards and Denn Carmassi-drums. Recommended.



4. Sammy Hagar produced a classic here; it's worth getting just for the old school guitar battle on Bad Motor Scooter. Sounded fantastic when I was sixteen listening to it on my clear, red vinyl copy. Stil sounds great now - even on my ropey old cassette copy. Overdubs ? Nah... this is the real deal from a superior rockin band of the seventies. (Helen, if you're out there - please can I have it back ? It's been years, you must have forgiven my by now.)



5. This Cd reissue is the same album as "All Night Long". The only differnce is the addition of "Space Station #5". "Bad Motor Scooter" still fades out at the end. As most reviewers of "All Night Long" have stated, this is a classic 70's live album. "Young Girl Blues" and "Red" are 2 of my favorites. I just wish they would have fixed "Bad Motor Scooter". Still a great album though.

5 comments about Aqualung Live.

1. You have to be a certain age to remember Aqualung being one of the albums you had to be seen with when it was first released. Those of you below 40, ask your folks. So, I had the original on vinyl, then on CD and found this version - fantastic! All the songs are there but improved recording techniques and the energy from a live recording make it perfect, a must have for any Jethro Tull fan. The tracks that do it for me, the small audience and probably the band are Aqualung, Locomotive Breath and Wind Up - closely followed by all the others. In addition, the CD includes wonderful bonus sound bites from the band. It's one to pass down to the kids.



2. Although I don't have or own a copy yet of this "Live" CD of Tull performing the entire classic 1971 album "Aqualung," just yet, I first saw Jethro Tull at the LA Forum in 1971. I was exactly ONE ROW directly behind the stage and had the best seats I've ever had for any concert, EVER! It was absolutely a fantastic concert, and after that show, I did see Jethro Tull probably 5 or 6 more times, they were wonderful, but when I saw them on the Aqualung tour in 1971 they were incredible. Ian Anderson was standing right in front of me playing flute, and Martin Barre came very close to where I was sitting and I got to see him play some incredible lead guitar solos! I'll never forget that concert ever! I will have to get this live CD of them performing all of the Aqualung album, it's absolutely one of their best for sure, but I also think that the Benefit album from 1970 was incredible too, but I didn't get around to seeing them on that tour. I also recall that Led Zeppelin opened up for Jethro Tull in 1969 at the Anaheim Convention Center, and I heard both groups were incredible. I wish I could have been there to see that one!
   
   Glenn Signal Hill, CA



3. This is an amazing disc that happened just a few years ago in the XM studios. Ian sounds amazingly great and the back-up group is also amazing. If you are a fan of Tull, you must get this ... PLUS, all the procedds go to homeless charities.



4. YOU JUST DON'T FIND ANY ARTISTS THAT ARE AS MUSICALLY,LYRICALLY,AND
   CONSISTENTLY SUPERB AS THE FOLKS IN JETHRO TULL....YEARS AGO PRIOR TO A "WARCHILD"CONCERT at the Baltimore Civic Center in maryland....JOEY B.,
   "SOLITAIRE"-STEVE, and ME..got into IAN ANDERSON'S holiday inn hotel room
   (via badddd english accents and the maid) and left him a copy of"DEMIAN"
   a necklace(a rare and precious{emotionally} chain ! ) and my very first
   original song "AN ANDERSON SHUFFLE" ! AFTER THE SHOW i sat next to him as he ordered a STEAK n'EGG SANDWICH and COFFEE to take up to his room while the others drank and partied in the lounge ! This was the true consumate
   professional "MINSTREL IN THE GALLERY" I vowed to become someday !
   As for MARTIN BARRE....he was uproariously funny while searching futiley
   for ....(our wee secret).... NO MATTER WHO ELSE IS IN THE BAND THEY ARE
   CONSISTENTLY THE FINEST CLASSICAL ROCK MUSICIANS IN THE WORLD...then and
   now ! SEE THEM BEFORE YOU DIE ! EVEN THE MORTICIAN WON'T BE ABLE TO REMOVE YOUR SATED SMILE ! Instead of simply "SKATING AWAY" and leaving
   us to drown starving for real music under the thin ice of a new day
   they throw us a new-life line....AQUALUNG LIVE !.....GREATNESS AND
   HUMILITY AND CHARITY AND JOY ! are portrayed in every word and note of this CD ! It doesn't get any better than this , folks ! heck! the interviews alone are worth the price of this CD ! SUPPORT THE HOMELESS
   BUY THIS MASTERPIECE....it will renew your heart and teach you how
   "ROCK" is done ! As for me, i'll keep driving through NASHVILLE-towne.....
   TO CRY YOU A SONG !
   NASHVILLE RECORDING ARTIST :
   GARY SPARKS c.2007
   [...]



5. The best thing about this new update of the legendary Aqualung album is that it shows Ian's dramatic improvement in vocal ability over the last 20 years. This return to form is something Tull fans have been waiting a long time for. I think most people will agree that his singing in the late 80's and early/mid 90's was rather cringe-inducing. However, those days are clearly at an end and, ironically, Ian is singing better than he has in a very long time. As far as the flute goes, the man does not disappoint. Although more restrained than his maniacal youthful self, he now has a much more confident and subtle command of the instrument. Martin Barre is, of course, excellent, although this does not contain any career defining moments for him. The rest of the band is great, surely the best Tull lineup since the A album. Another thing I noticed is how nice it is to hear a real grand piano with these songs, since they normally tour with electric keyboards.
   
   Although the versions on this recording are largely true to the originals, some of the songs have been done up in wonderful new arrangements, notably Mother Goose and Hymn 43. Mother Goose is particulary lovely, and actually surpasses the original quite easily in my opinion. Overall, this little collection is definitely the most exciting live Tull release since Bursting Out, and collectors won't want to miss it.

1 comments about Men of the World: The Early Years.

1. While I think a couple tracks could have been edited from each disc without any appreciable detriment, this collection is overall brilliant. Both its range and power testify to the songwriting genius of Peter Green and his fellow Mayall alumni.

5 comments about Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

1. On the 18th November 1971, Procol Harum recorded this Concert with a 52 piece Symphony Orchestra and 24 Singers in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This is the evidence of this event...
   
   Already well established as a Rock Band of serious music that leaned way into the Classicial/Artsy Rock that was gaining in popularity as the 1970's unfolded infront of us. Procol Harum could produce Hits such as: "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" and please record buyers with such epic pieces as: "A Salty Dog" & "In Held 'Twas In I."
   
   Lead guitarist Robin Trower had left the Group after completling their excellent LP: "Broken Barricades" to explore a more Blues/Rock orientated direction away from the Classicial format of PH. The Band quickly replaced Robin with guitarist, David Ball and headed out to tour the world once more. This Concert from Edmonton would be the high-point of the Tour.
   
   From: "Conquistador" through to The Grand Finale of: "In Held 'Twas In I", this show is a perfect marriage of Rock & Classical Music. This Orchestra & Large Chorus is not here to linger in the background. "Glimpses Of Nirvana" will show you that Orchestra's can hold the power of a Heavy Metal Band {while you watch your windows rattling!}
   
   Groups such as Deep Purple, had already played Concerts with Orchestras, but the results were mixed as the Rock Band seemed to opposed to The Orchestra in a fight for dominance. This time out Gary Brooker and his Band, got it all perfect. This performance is as much Orchestra as it is Rock Band, it all bleeds together and breaths as one BEAST. This is the record, for which all others that want to attempt this should listen to first. If the Music doesn't fit as perfectly as Procol's does to Orchestration...Don't do it, this one already did it better!
   
   Again, this is not Rock Music, it is something else all together. The mission of this Group was to produce something 'Bigger' than Pop/Rock Music, something for the Ages. Right here on this CD they have done so.
   FIVE STARS !!!



2. This cd is def a must have for fans of Procol Harum and their foray into Orchestral recordings. Includes their single release of "Conquistador" which is just as relevant today as it was when recorded in 1971. This showcases the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at its finest and the whole cd well withstands the test of time. Proves that wine isn't the only thing that improves with age. Loved it!



3. This magnificent album, whose daring and experimentalism has been eclipsed by its instant popularity (it peaked in the Top Ten on the USA album charts in 1972), has lost none of its power or mystery in over 35 years -- so why is it only available as an expensive import? Gary Brooker's orchestral charts are elegant and dramatic -- always reinforcing the song and not overpowering it (that cannot be said about the horrid muzak-reeking CD, "The Long Goodbye", which is, gracefully, now out-of-print). The artful meetings of "classical" and "rock" have been few and far between (The Beatles seem to have gotten it right every time, thanks to Sir George Martin), and the Edmonton concert is surely one of the most bewitching meetings ever (just listen to the unadorned versions of these same PH songs on their original albums and wonder at the tightrope Brooker successfully danced with his orchestral arrangements).
   When you combine the magesterial orchestrations with Brooker's soulful singing, the imaginative drumming of BJ Wilson, the underrated guitarist, Dave Ball, and the atmospheric production of Chris Thomas, who organist Copping credits with saving the project, you have hit sonic Heaven.
   My question is: when is someone going to put together a full-concert version of this album? The West Side CD series of the first four studio albums contained often fascinating extra tracks. According to the PH website, Beyond the Pale, there were three songs that were recorded, but not issued: Shine On Brightly, Simple Sister, and Repent Walpurgis. (In addition, Luskus Delph, was recorded and released as a B-side.) Even after all of these years, I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing for a full definitive edition of this concert, warts and all.



4. I've worn out at least three vinyl copies of this album since I first came across it. Being a vintage audio nut, (I'm listening to this played on a 1975 Craig Belt-drive TT through a Pioneer SA-8800 and on a pair of Pioneer HPM 100s) I didn't expect a CD copy of this Procul Harum's Live With the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra to come close to the purity of vinyl. I was wrong. The highs are high, the lows are low, there's depth and dynamics and...Look this is one of the best marriages of balls-out Rock and Roll to Classical Symphony Music EVER!!! Normally, screaming electrical guitars don't blend well with violins, and drum traps don't mate well with Tympanis. Here, they do, and damn well seamlessly. If that weren't enough reason for buying this jewel, most live recordings...well...suck. This doesn't. It's great, it's beautiful, buy it!



5. Although primarily remembered for A WHITER SHADE OF PALE, Procol Harem earned their place in the history of rock by the magnificence of their work. This album, recorded live, demonstrates the point admirably.
   
   Their lyrics were always intricately worded pieces of poetry that were never quite understood by the public but accepted as something quite deep. Their voices blended into a magical force and the accompanying orchestration was always mythical. It seemed a natural that they should try something along the lines of sophisticated rock married to classical music. The Who had already broken the barrier when TOMMY played at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1969. Now Procol Harem took it to the next level.
   
   CONQUISTIDOR had originally been released as a studio single. Here it is given the full treatment and when played side-by-side, this album has the winner. All the music here is lush, and quite enchanting. The result is an album that has always been highly respected. It never became the quintessential Procol Harem album as it did not contain the songs that they were primarily known for at the time of its release (A Whiter Shade of Pale/ Homburg). But today it still plays quite well and tells the world the serious contributions that Procol Harem made to the world of music.

1 comments about King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents in Concert.

1. Elvin Bishop was really coming into his own at this time. After his years with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and his extensive studio work this was his time to shine. And this performance is an extraordinary piece of work. The production is sterling live work. Micky Thomas was just being introduced and Bishop's backup band were consumate professionals. The crowd is with them and this concert rocks from the opening song to the last. Not a bad song in it. A really great find. Thank God for the Biscuit material preserving such performances!

5 comments about Southern By the Grace of God: Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour, Vol. 1.

1. Lynyrd Skynyrd is absolutely one of my favorite bands. They, to me, epitomize what Southern Rock/Bar Rock oughtta sound like. However, I am somewhat of a purist and refuse to listen to anything post Ronnie Van years (itssssaaaa SIN!)
   My moms bought this album back in the day, back before I knew anything about Lynyrd Skynyrd. This was my first glimpse of the band, and luckily not my last, because if this was all I knew of Lynyrd Skynyrd.. I probably never would have touched them again. This disc is lousy.
   The faults on this bit go on for miles. Ronnie Van must've been proud that he was being a tributed, but was prolly rollin' over to discover it was all a plea to make some of these survivors a little more bread.
   They should have come up with a different name... like a tribute name... Kin-of-Skynyrd (I just came up with that in two seconds.. it wasn't hard) they vowed never to use the name Lynyrd Skynyrd again in the seventies, and looky here! 20 years later and the travesty continues... less than a quarter of the original line-up left... constant quarrels between members, on who has the rights to what... real great tribute. Ronnie must be proud.
   Thats really not the main problem though. New Skynyrd sounds like a country band.. Real Skynyrd was not a country band... they were a ROCK band... and who has time to listen to the audience sing the entire Free Bird? Certainly not I. Go get ONE FROM THE ROAD live circa '74.. the only live skynyrd you need (good stuff), and leave this one for the other birds....



2. It being a LYNYRD SKYNYRD album fully justifies buying it even without reading a single review. But I feel " a well-hidden treasure" in it has been overlooked by a lot of people. Just listen to the guitar solo in the song GIMME BACK MY BULLETS. AWESOME, ASTOUNDING, I'm missing words here. SIMPLY THE BEST GUITAR SOLO IN THE HISTORY OF ROCK MUSIC. Period. I'll let you find out who the guitarist is. He's simply the best and most of you know him well unless you have spent the last 30 years on Titan.



3. SOUTHERN BY THE GRACE OF GOD is a great live album from the 1987 Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour. Along with the Outlaws' BRING IT BACK ALIVE and HITTIN' THE ROAD LIVE, Skynyrd's own ONE MORE FROM THE ROAD, LYVE FROM STEEL TOWN, and LYVE 2004, Blackfoot's HIGHWAY SONG and GREATEST HITS LIVE, Molly Hatchet's LIVE AT THE AGORA BALLROOM, GREATEST HITS LIVE, and DOUBLE TROUBLE LIVE, Foghat's LIVE, ROAD CASES, and DECADES LIVE, Ted Nugent's DOUBLE LIVE GONZO! and LIVE AT HAMMERSMITH '79, UFO's STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT, UFO's STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT, Pat Travers' LIVE! GO FOR WHAT YOU KNOW, the Allman Brothers Band's AT FILLMORE EAST, Blue Oyster Cult's EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIVE, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING, ON YOUR FEET OR ON YOUR KNEES, and A LONG DAY'S NIGHT, Grand Funk Railroad's CAUGHT IN THE ACT, Humble Pie's PERFORMANCE, Johnny Winter's LIVE, AC/DC's IF YOU WANT BLOOD YOU'VE GOT IT, Golden Earring's LIVE and SOMETHING HEAVY GOING DOWN, Peter Frampton's FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE! and LIVE IN DETROIT, Cheap Trick's BUDOKAN: THE COMPLETE CONCERT, and Thin Lizzy's LIVE AND DANGEROUS, it is one of the best live albums ever. Whoever says that this is no good DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HE IS SAYING! There are songs here that are otherwise not available in live versions, and the presence of such guests as Charlie Daniels, Toy Caldwell, and Steve Morse creates a unique "family" feeling. The instrumental "Free Bird" offers proof of how hard it really was to fill Ronnie's shoes, but Johnny's vocals on the other songs prove that it could be done. You should get this album if you can find it.



4. This album is not even close to the classic live album "One More From The Road" (the 2 cd deluxe edition is outstanding). So, if you do not own that album, get it now and pass on this. If you're a die-hard Skynyrd fan (your not a fan if you can't even spell Lynyrd Skynyrd) this album is a pretty decent listen. The band plays fairly well and Rossington's guitar is in fine form. Heck, you might even play this 3 or 4 times. After that, however, you'll just keep goin' back for Ronnie and the real thing. Bring on those mules!!!!



5. as [inexpensive] as it's been sold here on amazon, this live album from '87 rocks and is a worthy and inexpensive addition to any collection...rock on...

5 comments about The Gregg Allman Tour.

1. As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.
   
   The 1974 "Gregg Allman Tour" showed him to be road tested but not weary. His voice and passion during the set is superlative. Along for the ride Allman`s Jaimoe and Chuck Leavell brought instant credibility to the tour but enhancing the entire production was the tasty and unsung guitar-playing of Tommy Talton. Excluding the epic version of "Turn On Your Love Light", the tunes were not given the Allman Brother extensions, thus Talton wisely picked his spots and was up to the challenge.
   
   "Queen Of Hearts" and "I Feel So Bad" captivate the audience with Gregg's arsenal of musical expertise. The blender is busy mixing rock, soul, southern rock, gospel, and traditional blues and the band is locked in. "Where Can You Go Cowboy?" has such tremendous instrumentation you can easily miss the nuances if you don't give it a second listen. "Dreams" is seven minutes of Gregg ripping out his soul. The rendition is without a blemish. "Turn On Your Love Light" lets the entire group flex their collective muscles. The audience is mesmerized with Gregg's vocal. A perfect close to the festivities is the traditional "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." There have been interpretations far and wide of the timeless tune but Gregg and band have us believe it was his pen that created the song.
   
   The CD has a nice mix of Gregg's vocals and gives you the feeling you were part of the tour. If you overlooked this the first time around it is never too late to go on the road with Gregg.



2. The style of this live CD bears little resemblance to Fillmore East but it is nonetheless a very fine CD. Surprisingly, it also bears little resemblance to his then currect "Laid BacK" album either. This is Allman backed with a large ensemble doing a much more uptempo set and without much soloing. A number of the songs included here can only be found on this CD so it is a must for serious Gregg Allman fans.



3. The Big Man put on a tuxedo and brought a full orchestra, a slew of backup singers, and turned in a swinging, joyous, full-throated demonstration of how to do Southern soul with style and class. From the hilarious introduction by Martin Mull ("Due to illness, I am unable to perform tonight, but Gregg Allman has kindly consented to perform on my behalf....") to the rave-up closer, this album presents Gregg and his band in a sophisticated, entirely new light. Backed by a top-notch crew including fellow Capricorn Records mates Cowboy, Gregg and the boys re-imagine many of the best tracks off of his first solo album as big-band, swing-style numbers, throwing in Southern soul and warm jazz inflections, as well as a few glimpes of ABB jams. All in all, a very satisfying and entertaining live album that shows a very different side of Gregg Allman. Not just for fans, this is one that will convert the casual listener and make you want to dig deeper into the catalog of this great artist.



4. Finally after many years this great 1974 record was released on CD a few years ago. Famous for The Allman Brothers Band, Allman certainly has not achieved much acclaim as a solo artist. This largely unknown gem is a tribute to the man's genius, a tremendous soul record whose genre veers far from the hard jazz/blues of the Brothers. The gospel influence is heavy, the Southern Soul flows free, with great performances by Mr. Allman (vocals, organ), Allman Brothers pianist at the time Chuck Leavell, Randall Bramlett (sax, organ), acclaimed session men Tommy Talton and Scott Boyer of Cowboy, both on guitar and vocals, three female backup singers, and a 24 piece orchestra. Released only a year after Allman's solo studio classic "Laid Back", it includes three tunes from that record, including "Queen of Hearts". 'Hearts', and "Oncoming Traffic" are to my mind simply the most beautiful tunes that Gregg Allman has ever written, and they are both given marvelous treatment on this live record. Only one drawback out of 12 songs: Allman Brothers' "Stand Back" sounds lame with horns. The only other ABB tune is a great version of "Dreams". A soul record that JUMPS. BUY IT.



5. With the Allman Brothers Band, singer/songwriter/keyboardist/occasional acoustic guitarist Gregg Allman stands aside and lets one of the finest ensembles in the world turn fabulous songs into jaw-dropping jam-band nuggets. But on his own, Allman's love for soul music shines, and that's obviously something not everybody has figured out. His solo shows don't have extended guitar workouts, but he loves horn sections and that shows on this long-awaited CD release of his 1974 live album. There's also an orchestra and guest performances by a long-departed countryish band called Cowboy, which also served as his backing band -- along with Allman drummer Jaimoe and then-ABB member Chuck Leavell. It all works pretty well, in my humble opinion. Don't Mess Up A Good Thing and Stand Back have a nice kick to 'em, while the ballad Queen of Hearts has a swelling chorus that's simply moving to hear. So if you're thinking of buying this to get your ABB fix, you'll be disappointed. But if you come prepared to give Gregg his due as a solo artist, then prepare to enjoy yourself.