My expectations were the musicianship would be solid but the crowd would drown out the mix. A just okay bootleg scrubbed up the best they could. But since those early 80's shows were seminal to me I wanted in. I had witnessed this tour but farther down the coast in Wildwood, New Jersey.
I distinctly recall losing our minds in that bar. We jumped and danced and yes rocked on the floor all night right in front of the band. We might has well have been on stage with them. Did I say small venue? Did I say narrow shotgun? Yeah it was ridiculous to be able to see Gregg in that venue. Just eight years earlier he was dressed in white at a white piano at the far end of the Spectrum hockey arena in Philadelphia. We were on a mission from god.
I can still see clearly in my minds eye Dan grinning at me. I was there for the music and the music was there for me. I certainly was air guitaring my brains out. We went off so yes I gotta check the disc out. It was a helluva a night. What a privilege. The stage a small riser maybe six inches off the ground and the entire band right there playing for twenty five to fifty people plus staff. It wasn't crowded on the floor and you could walk up to the bar. I mean ridiculous and sublime to get to see his band in that venue with those few people. That's a private show anyway you cut it and it was a blast so I jumped on this release.
I just want to thank Michael, Devon, Bill, Kirk and John for getting this into my hot hands. So how does it sound? Immaculate. The playing is intimate the voices are almost conversational in dynamics. The sound is achingly clear. The mix is beautiful for a live show. I guess technology has come a long way or back in 1983 they had really tweaked the sound before the gig.
Expectations were low and I was overwhelmed. I can't overstate it and the only draw back is the closer. The sound quality falls off but with every instrument wailing on stage it was a miracle it wasn't a hot mess. Slight mic feedback and Gregg gets pushed back in the mix. He had to with the whole band blowing hard all at once. It's a fiery rendition of Statesboro so it's a minor point. But it should enlighten the reader to how excellent the eight prior tracks sound. A really enjoyable listen!
Gregg is obviously having a good time and is in excellent voice. The band is tight and Dan Toler's work on both acoustic and electric is just beautiful. He accompanies Gregg righteously. Dangerous Dan indeed. The horn section comes in at the right moments and doesn't drown out the band and it really rounds out the sound on those ABB standards. Danny and Frankie lock in at very noticeable moments. Bonham wasn't the only one who could play triplets and it's powerful. Sentimentally we have the Toler Brothers and the Finney Brothers and I was with my Brother at the show. That's just a nice touch.
This release exceeded my expectations by a very long shot. Kind of like the wait, wait, wait this is really good moments you have when you hear a piece of music or see something dramatic. A more than worthy release that will grab your attention in the clarity of sound and the musicianship.
It was a helluva night for us that summer in 1983. My back to the stage I felt a gentle hand on my back. As I turned I felt another hand calmly slide into mine. No thank you Gregg for not giving up!
