Search - Dusty Springfield :: Live at the Royal Albert Hall

A real find

Tom | Toronto | 11/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At first, this album will be purchased by Dusty Springfield fans for the curiosity value. Fans have anticipated the release of this concert on CD and DVD for many years; so much in fact that it's almost taken on a legendary status.



And in sense it deserves that status since "Live at Royal Albert Hall" is an excellent live album. I was always curious to hear what Dusty sounded like live, and this CD gives you a rare insight into Dusty the live performer. It's definitely of its time period (1979) since Dusty covers soul/disco classics such as Sister Sledge's "We Are Family", Natalie Cole's "This Will Be" and the O'Jays' "Put Your Hands Together", but they are good covers. Dusty sings many of her classics, mostly in a fine 11-minute medley beginning with her lovely rendition of "Goin' Back".



But the standout performance is Dusty's version of Peter Allen's "Quiet Please (There's a Lady on Stage)". It becomes Dusty's signature song, even more so than "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" or "The Look of Love". She sings it with touching vulnerability, a Dusty trademark. It's a song dedicated to "legends" yet singing this song, Dusty essentially was singing about herself, even though she would never see herself as a legend or believe her own staggering talent, which is so well displayed on this wonderful collection."

The Bitch is Back!

S. Sittig | Washington, D.C. | 11/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the opening musical intro (a wonderfully tongue in cheek version of "The Bitch is Back", sung by her backing vocalists), to the very last notes of "Put Your Hands Together", this concert is a MUST see for any music fan, and of course, a total treat for anyone who calls themselves a true Dusty Springfield afficionado.



The evening is full of energy and shows Dusty Springfield in the best light perhaps since her 60s hey dey. Not since then had we seen her so relaxed, so laid-back, so fully committed to entertain her audience.



And entertain she does, going through a wonderfully varied repertoire for this concert. She covers disco ("We Are Family", "You Can Do It", Grace Jones' "On Your Knees"), delivers the big ballads she was known for ("All I See Is You", "I Close My Eyes and Count To Ten", "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me"), delivers a rousing medley of her well known hits, (starting with a mesmerizing few lines of Carole King's "Goin' Back") and as if that weren't enough, she throws in a few brilliant covers of Karla Bonoff's "Lose Again" (made popular by Linda Ronstadt) and Peter Allen's "Quiet Please, There's A Lady On Stage" in which she reaches Judy Garland-like proportions of showwomanship.



While Springfield seems to excel at the ballads, what is most surprising is to watch her take command of her audience with an assurance and strength that is still encased in a warm, vulnerable glow. No one else but perhaps a Garland or maybe a Piaf, could make 3,000 people feel as if she was singing only to each of them...individually. That sort of ability is a rare thing indeed, and Dusty Springfield shows it fully during this concert. She has every single audience member in the palm of her hand from beginning to end. This is not something you see very frequently nowadays from a performer. It is something of legend, indeed.



The only complaint I have is technical. The sound mix seems rather low in volume and is a bit grainy. The volume often has to be pumped up to 8 or 9 to truly get all the sound. It is, unfortunately, one of those CDs that is recorded as if there were some sort of distance between the listener and the singer, something that even Dusty's remarkable ability to connect with her audience, can't overcome. I am not sure what process was used in the studio and what condition the original master tapes were in, but it gives everything a sort of "muted" sound that is a true pity for this sort of performer.



I much prefer to have Dusty closer to me, her voice more immediate, as if she were breathing right in my ear.



That being said, it is wonderful to have so much of these songs "live". Just those few opening lines of "Goin' Back" in the hit medley are worth the entire CD...as is the lovely "Lose Again" and "Quiet Please, There's A Lady on Stage".



It is a reason to rejoice in any case, to have ANY Dusty out there and especially "live" Dusty which is so rare.



It just makes you long for the day they might release the Drury Lane concert or other live performances on a compilation CD perhaps? They are out there!



For now, we have this concert, which is a wonderful start at capturing the "live in performance" magnificence of this much overlooked performer."

Fun with Sister Springfield!

R. Carter | 02/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is wonderful. Even though Dusty missed a note here and there, giggled a tad at places during some of the songs, and mumbled a bit at times rather than talking directly into the microphone, it appears that she really had fun with this concert... and therein lies the wealth of it. Dusty could sing. Dusty could entertain. And Dusty seemed to truly enjoy doing those things, as is witnessed here in this remarkable concert. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended."