Search - Joe Cocker :: Sweet Forgiveness

Feelin' Alright

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 09/14/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This live set by Joe Cocker was recorded on May 2, 1981 in Denver, Colorado. The liner notes give a historical perspective on Joe Cocker's career. After Luxury You Can Afford, Joe was dropped by his record label, which as I recall was Asylum. This two-year period without a recording contract before Sheffield Steel was released on Island was when this concert was recorded for American radio as Joe embarked on a world tour. While I've been totally enjoying Joe's new CD Hymn for My Soul, I thought I'd check out this live import. The live recording "Live in New York" that was recorded a year earlier sells for as much as $200; so this is certainly a more affordable choice.



B.J. Wilson who was the drummer for Procol Harum played on this set with Joe and results in what I can find of the only recording of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Joe that I can find. Joe does some of the hits that made him famous like his signature song and first hit, the Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends." "Hitchcock Railway" from his second album also sounds joyful here. Soul classic "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" that appeared on "Luxury You Can Afford" gets a live workout here. Also from on that release is Joe's version of Bob Dylan's "Watchin' the River Flow" which boasts some stinging electric lead here on the live version. Ashford/Simpson's song "I Don't Wanna Live Without Lovin' You" is here as well as Dave Mason's classic hit for Joe, "Feelin' Alright." Joe loves the music of Jimmy Webb and recorded two tracks, "Just Like Always" that was on "Sheffield Steel" and his soulful version of "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" from I Can Stand a Little Rain. "The Letter" that was a 60s hit by the Box Tops before appearing on "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" shines here too.



Joe rips a searing version of the title tune for this live set. "Sweet Forgiveness" appeared on the "Live in New York" set. While I found the song credited to Bonnie Bramlett & Leon Russell, I think that may be incorrect. Cocker often recorded songs by his friend Daniel Moore. Bonnie Raitt's title track recording from Sweet Forgiveness is credited to Moore; so I imagine this is the same song. Moore's "I Can't Say No" is on this live set. The sound quality is good on this 2-CD set from one of the all-time great rock interpreters. Enjoy!"