Search - Fats Domino :: Live at Montreux

Live Domino Disc An Aural Delight

Todd Baptista | Westport, MA USA | 01/12/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fats Domino fans who have enjoyed the live concert CDs culled from his 1986 Los Angeles and 1989 Texas performances will not be disappointed with this disc, recorded in Montreaux, Switzerland in May of 1973. Backed by his own eight-piece band including the late guitarist Roy Montrell, Fats romps through a dozen of his Imperial sides with all the energy and vigor his audiences have come to expect. Initially issued on Atlantic in 1974, the fidelity is excellent throughout, with the Fat Man's piano and vocals expertly mixed just atop the band.
Although veterans Dave Bartholomew, Herb Hardesty and Lee Allen are not present for this show, veteran tenorman Fred Kemp leads a tight horn section which cooks from start to finish.
Highlights of the disc are a spirited version of the rarely played "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" complete with whistling intro, and a humorous rendition of "Stagger Lee" which Fats introduces while noting his own penchant for gambling. The only drawback to the set is its brevity, at just over 38 minutes, and a lack of liner notes or booklet save for the personnel and recording information.
Still, as a concert disc, "Fats Domino Live At Montreux" paints an exciting look at the then-45 year old R&B master and can be recommended without hesitation."

Fats is Where it's Ats

J. Merritt | 10/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No other reviews? People, c'mon!! Somebody's gotta step up and help me testify about this fantastic collection. Recorded live at Montreux, Switzerland during the Golden Rose Television Festival in May of '73, this set was released in '74 and subsequently re-released more than once. Whatever its history, it is Fats at his best. My hat is off to all of the players in his band, particularly the saxophonist and drummer, because this set moves at a blistering pace for the most part. Standards like "Blueberry Hill" and "Blue Monday" are present, along with a rip-roaring version of "Stagger Lee" and a healthy dose of material paying tribute to Fats' hometown, the (still) great city of New Orleans. If you're already a fan, this will not disappoint you. If you're new to Fats, this is a great introduction. It's rock, it's blues, it's jazz-infused. It's Fats, undiluted. Take a sip, pour a glass. Fats is The Man, and the proof is right here."