Search - Refugee :: Live in Concert: Newcastle City Hall 1974

WAAAAAY BETTER AUDIO THAN THE BOOT, 4-STARS FOR THE PERFORMA

BOB | LOS ANGELES, CA | 07/27/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"
For years, there has been an AWFUL Refugee bootleg circulating (usually called "Miraculous Tracks") of a show from this '74 tour. I can't even begin to describe how pathetic that boot sounds.



This "mixing desk" recording, however, made to cassette and kept by Brian Davison, sounds much better. On a scale of 5 stars, I would rate the audio at a 2-1/2 (the boot would be a -1).



There isn't much bottom end to the recording, especially to the drums, but there's decent clarity between the instruments.



The performances are first-rate. When you get through listening to this, you wish Wakeman hadn't departed Yes; they offered his slot to Moraz, who then left Refugee for the Relayer album/tour. This recording shows just how good Refugee was, and hints at what they could have been, if they had not suffered that interruption.



It also demonstrates that Jackson and Davison are two world-class players. It's a shame that they folded their hands after the demise of this outing.



Gee, any chance you three could give it another whirl? That would be something. Maybe just one NEARfest performance, so we could finally have a first-class live recording? PUH-lease?



4/15/08 Update:



Brian Davison 1942-2008



Sad news of the death of drummer Brian Davison. Brian died on April 15th in Horns Cross Devon of a brain tumour.



Brian's former band mate in Refugee Patrick Moraz had this to say about his friend and band mate:



"Brian Davison was not only an extraordinary "musical" drummer; he was also my friend until the end. During our time together in "Refugee" he was truly my "rock soul-mate". A gentle and kindred Spirit and a wonderful human being, full of life, with a great sense of humour and always with a good word for everyone! God Bless you Brian, I will miss you immensely"! With Love Always - Patrick Moraz"