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This is a concert recorded November 20, 1980 in Denver, CO during a tour to support his 1980 "Ive Always Wanted To Do This" LP . His backing band at this time was Billy Cobham, Clem Clemson & David Sancious.
Jack's voice & bass playing are very good here. The reason for only 3 stars is that, with rare exception (ex. "Politician" & "Living Without Ja") the band doesn't really rise to the occasion, IMO. The recording is professional. This is not a bootleg. The set begins with an odd, slow jazz-vocal intro to "White Room" before morphing into what we all recognize. The next track is "Hit & Run", which definitely dates the show with quasi-disco drum & bass playing. This is followed by Clem's Blues Solo, which is a self-indulgent benign blues instrumental. "Theme From An Imaginary Western" & "Born Under A Bad Sign" are two other staples in this set. Note that this CD is also available as "Alive In America", which includes lengthy versions of both "Sunshine of Your Love" & "Bird Alone", which are omitted on this version (same show & band line-up). Other tracks appearing are "Morning Story, Post War, Face Lift 318, Escape From Royal Wood". "Traintime" is a short harmonica & snare drum only instrumental. The song "Dancing On Air" has backing vocals that are beyond painful. Jack has one of the most distinct & powerful voices in music. Don't let just anyone in your band sing. Gary Moore & Eric are two exceptions who could actually compliment Jack's voice. In short, this set offers 14 songs culled from one show in 1980. Not Jack's finest moment, neither is it his worst. For the record, his swan song "Silver Rails" is a solid CD. Rest in peace, Jack, your music will be eternal.
Top reviews from other countries
Ing Andreas Rothaler
alles Okay, ab.er bekannt
Reviewed in Germany on January 18, 2010Robert Mueller
Identisch mit anderen Veröffentlichungen
Reviewed in Germany on February 5, 2015