|
|||
RHINO
FRANKIE VALLI & THE 4 SEASONS/Jersey Beat-The Music of: It’s not like there’s been a lack of Valli & Co music on the market since the hit spigot essentially turned off a while ago, but it took the success of the musical ostensibly about them to warrant this kind of box set, respectful treatment. With 3 cds and a dvd that celebrates the hits, b sides, important tracks and over all legacy, this is pretty much the last word in all things Four Seasons you could want short of collecting all the individual, original albums. Generously tracked to fill out every byte available whether in audio or video, the non-stop range of this group is pretty amazing and dizzying when surveyed all in one gulp. Essentially, this is the sound that brought Jersey from the street corner to America, and certain corners of our ears have never been the same since. A real cornerstone of a collection for the serious American music fan.
74852
STEPHEN STILLS/Just Roll Tape: It’s pretty scary when a bunch of 40 year old demos that have never before seen the light of day sound better than so much new stuff. Back when Stills was young and full of himself, he laid down the tracks for what would become a host of classics spread out over the next few years whether in group, solo or other configurations. Stills’ comet burned brightly well nigh 40 years ago, and because he was the first of CSNY to give in to the ravages of middle age, the comet seems to have unfairly been dimmed. This might be something more than just something for the fans. Real rockers from any era are sure to be able to relate to the youthful energy that played like it’s tomorrows knew no bounds.
79979
LIVE SUPPLEMENT
DAVID SANBORN GROUP Live at Ravinia: The first real flood worthy rain to hit the Chicago area this season kept it from being an ideal night to have an outdoor concert, but the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those who came to see Sanborn. The concert had to have been held outside anyway. Sanborn and company came with a sound so big and bold, it just couldn’t have been contained in an indoor venue. While his record sales haven’t been what they used to be and he doesn’t have to work as hard as he used to, it’s easy to take Sanborn for granted. He had other ideas, he came to show that after a 40 year career of practically nothing but high points, he’s got several more storms to blow up before he’s put out to pasture. Playing with an intensity that matched what nature was blowing, the sax man that brought jazz back to jazz/rock in the 70’s reminded us what fusion was before it became fuzak and ultimately, smooth jazz. Hitting the ground running, and sailing through a set where he forgot to slow it down, it seemed like he was going to let the music do the talking until he opened up a few songs in an completed bonding with the appreciative audience. With high octane, practically non-stop blowing leading the way, Sanborn did his best to clear the arteries of the mostly AARP carrying crowd who proceeded to carry on like it was the old days all that was missing was the Bic lighters flashing before the encore. It was the kind of evening that sent you home to do some digging in the crates—-to re-enjoy some great old music you might have left by the wayside, not for nostalgia.
Volume 30/Number 293
August 20, 2007
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
(c)2007 Midwest Record
No comments yet.
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI