ANOTHER GOOD PERFORMANCE FROM RICK DANKO
Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 09/21/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Two discs 54 and 63 minutes each approximately. The sound is very good-very immediate,and crisp. The guitar is recorded very cleanly,with great tone. The vocals are warm sounding,with the overall sound giving the illusion of sitting up front at the venue. The booklet notes are minimal-a few sentences about the recording itself,including the elusive Margolin tracks. At the end of disc two on the track listing on the jewel case, there are five tracks listed by Bob Margolin,from his opening set. Unfortunately they aren't included on the tracks on the disc itself. A small quibble,but one listeners should be aware of.
For those listeners who feel THE BAND was one of the best groups to come out of the late sixties (especially the album "Music From Big Pink"),this set is worth a listen. The (late) Rick Danko performs solo,in this concert recorded in December of 1987,at Dylan's Cafe in Washington D.C.
Danko sang lead on a number of tracks on "Music From Big Pink" (and other albums) by THE BAND. His worn-leather vocals helped bring the songs on that important album to life. On this set he performs several tracks from his old band ("Stage Fright"-twice,"Long Black Veil"-twice,and others) along with a number of other songs which,collectively,produce some wonderful,subtly powerful music. Songs like the old warhorse "C.C. Rider","Bartender Blues","What A Town","Mystery Train"(done by Elvis Presley among others),"Rivers of Babylon"(popularized by THE MELODIANS),and "Sunny Side of Life" (as popularized by THE CARTER FAMILY) fit nicely with his more well known songs. Throughout this concert,Danko sings songs from many genres-country,folk,blues,and combinations thereof. Danko accompanies himself on a "turned down" electric guitar,which fills in the rhythmic gaps in the vocals,never overpowering his voice. This is a rough hewn set of songs,performed the way Danko happened to feel that night,and the authenticity shows.
In this solo performance,Danko's voice is up front and any glaring flaws would be evident. While technically not a "good" vocalist,emotionally the sound of his voice fits perfectly with his chosen material. And Danko has wisely chosen a good cross-section of songs that keep the listener's interest throughout this concert,and bring out the best in Danko's voice. Proof of that is about halfway through this music,I was wishing I could have been sitting there,in person,absorbing it all as it happened. His care-worn phrasing gives these songs an authentic,lived-it,worn-down feel. He is very relaxed in this setting,which is evident in the brief asides between songs,but most evident in the cumulative effect of his voice.
This is another great release from Bear Records. They have also recently released another concert recording of Danko's,"Live at O'Toole's Tavern",with the addition of (the late) Richard Manuel (from THE BAND) in a duo setting. As I wrote in that review,the music,while different in approach,could sit alongside the latest releases by Levon Helm. Certainly listeners who still feel THE BAND to be worthwhile will also take to this. This is real music,unpretentious music,performed by someone authentic. And that combination,especially with the present state of music,is hard to beat."
Intimate, subtle and strong
Tom Jerski | Warszawa, Poland, Europe | 10/05/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Briefly, I am only the second to comment, to my surprise. For the Band fans you must own it. Rick is in a very good shape that night. No support from anybody he holds well 2 hour show with his voice and simple guitar tickling. No sing of wearing out (can not be said about his duo with Richard on the other record, I am afraid). And very intimately. Close to the heart. And by the way, thanks to the record editor for digging that stuff out from the deep archives."
Danko Puts On A Great Show !
J. Nichols | South Glens Falls,New York USA | 02/20/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here's a live show that gives you the feeling you were there. This guy was an excellent bass player and he had a unique voice."
