Nektar - 'Live 2002' (Classic Rock Productions) 2-CD
Mike Reed | USA | 02/17/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The CD's title is incorrect,on the front cover,it reads 'Greatest Hits Live'.That's ironic because I never knew Nektar had any hits.Nonetheless,'Live 2002' is a great audio document of a moment in music history that many prog fans never thought would happen.Nektar with all five original members not only reunited to cut a new album,but toured AND came to play several dates upon U.S. soil.This is the third Nektar release I've ever had.Quite impressive.'Live 2002' took place at the annual New Jersey progressive Nearfest event.The setlist could've been a little better,but that's okay.Sound is great.Notice that maybe guitarist Roye Albrighton's vocals have lost a tad of it's range.But,what do you expect after nearly thirty years?Most of these cuts come from the lp's 'A Tab In The Ocean'('72),'Down To Earth'('74)and 'More Live In New York'('78).Even a couple that appear to be exclusive to this live release,"Recycled" and "Crying In The Dark/King Of Twilight".At least two hours of irresistible British progressive here.Line-up:Roye Albrighton-guitar&vocals,Mo Moore Bass-guitar&vocals,Alan Freeman-keyboards&vocals,Ron Howden-drums and guest Larry Fast-synth.Should appeal to fans of ELP,Focus,early Genesis and King Crimson.Recommended."
I was there...
Dan'l Oakes | Alameda, CA | 07/28/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'd waited nearly 30 years to see Nektar with Roye Albrighton. (I'd seen the Dave Nelson version, and though they were good, I wanted to see the "real thing.") Thanks to an old dear friend I was one of those lucky folks who scored a ticket during the 45 minute frenzy before they sold out.
The concert was, frankly, a bit of a mess; for about the first 40 minutes the mix was so bad you couldn't hear Albrighton's guitar. When they finally fixed it I was amazed; they were as good - to my ears - as they'd been on the '70s live albums like LIVE IN NYC. Awesome playing by all involved.
So when I had the chance, I ordered this CD. I popped it into my car stereo and, minutes into "A Tab in the Ocean," I had to pull over. I was crying happy. To have a document of such a peak moment is just wonderful.
But what about people who didn't see the show? Is this CD for you?
It has its mix problems too - mainly what I call "muddiness," a lack of good separation between the various instruments and vocals - but it's far superior to the hall mix in Trenton that day. Everything is clearly audible. The selection of tracks from the performance is impeccable (I only regret that they left out "Marvellous Moses"), and the playing is just superb. Yes, there are clams, but no trainwrecks. The four core members of Nektar, suplemented by two female vocalists, a percussionist, and synth wiz Larry Fast, whipped through two-plus hours of material from the classic Nektar albums, plus just one(!) song from the newest album, THE PRODIGAL SON. It's all good.
This wouldn't serve as a good introduction to Nektar, because of the sound, but for someone who knows the music and wants to hear it played live, this is great stuff. And if you're trying to decide whether to see them on their upcoming tour of the US with Caravan, this should help you make up your mind. (You'll go!)"
Better than you might expect!
D. Sloan | PORTLAND, OR USA | 05/13/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I must offer a rebuttal to the previous review here. While this recording is first and foremost for the established Nektar fan, it also serves as a decent introduction to the entire Nektar catalog. In general, it's always preferable to hear live renditions by a band at their "peak" which could be argued in Nektar's case to be somewhere between 1973 to 1976. Unfortunately, there aren't any high quality live recordings from this era, to my knowledge. The "Live In New York" and "More Live In New York" recordings from 1977-78 are the only legitimate recordings on the market, and they are of pretty low recording quality. This current set from 2002 sounds MUCH better!I also take issue with the statement that Roye Albrighton's voice is "not what it once was." After 20-plus years, who's is? But he does hit most of the high notes quite nicely and the singing is certainly not a weak point here. Compared to a lot of rock singers at this stage of their careers, his voice is holding up quite well.The musicianship of all involved is quite strong. These guys have clearly been active, and they have worked these classic songs into nice shape here. There isn't much rust that you can hear. Particular credit goes to Ron Howden, who sounds wonderfully crisp and muscular on the drum kit.The energy and enthusiasm of the concert certainly comes across. Tickets for this concert sold out very quickly and you can tell the audience was excited to be there. These CDs are the next best thing we have if we weren't one of the lucky few."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1