Laura Nyro – Laura (Laura Nyro Live At The Bottom Line)

Laura Nyro's double album "Live at the Bottom Line" is an exquisite live set. Released on Cypress Records, Nyro shines in the looser live format with the her band, particularly Frank Pagano on drums, giving a punch to the recording as we hear the interplay between Nyro and the band. Nydia Mata gives delightful percussive touches throughout. "Roll of the Ocean" in particular works well with this live energy. Many of Nyro's songwriting hits like "Wedding Bell Blues," "Stoned Soul Picnic" (recorded by The Fifth Dimension) and "And When I Die" (recorded by Blood, Sweat & Tears") shine as well as some of the lesser known songs in her canon like "Women of the One World" and "Sohphia/My Innocence" that dazzle. "The Wild World," written as an advocacy song for the treatment and respect of animals, fares well with guitars and other instruments imitating elephant sounds, etc. I have this release on both CD & vinyl; and the vinyl shines superbly with the depth and quality of the recording. Enjoy!