This concert has become the default product from Leonards recent tour. As a CD recording it is even acclaimed in Hi Fi Choice - the primary audiophile magazine.
We have only recently viewed the DVD and Julie bought the CD set. So after listening to the uninformed spruiking on how wonderful it all was and how incredible the backing band was, I am able now to give my own view, albeit sans the actual presence - I didn't go to the concert as I had better things to do.
My first impression is the continuing wonderfulness of Leonard and his music. I said to Julie, "I wonder if Bob Dylan is watching this." She flew into a defence of Bob, accusing me of never liking him, which is only partially true. But to me, Leonard has kept alive the spirit of his youth, and the spirit of deeper meaning. Something that is so out-of-fashion today. It is a real pleasure to see Leonard holding up his banana, and his flag. It makes you want to cry.
Musically, I was not so pleased. I know this is a live recording, and for that it is excellent. However...
Leonard's microphone is definitely not as good as his studio mic. The grain and clarity is very obviously absent esp on the CD. Unfortunately this is always the case - they simply can't afford to use mics worth many thousands of pounds in a live show. So OK, we have to accept that, and really it is very good considering, esp on the DVD.
The range of songs is absolutely delightful. But perhaps for me the outstanding bonus of this CD is that finally we get to hear his recent songs with real musicians and instruments. The thing which was so depressing about his original CDs was the absence of real music - it was mostly midi generated, and as such I have to always focus away from the accompanying music, to his voice and poetry which is always exceptional.
I have to confess, that by the end of the DVD the backing band was annoying me so much I had to get up and leave. They are all fine musicians, that was not the problem. I have tried to devine what the problem was, and there are a few reasons, but predominantly I lay it at Roscoe Beck feet - the bass player and musical director.
The whole sound was so controlled and slick, it was making me want to vomit near the end - I was dying for someone to break out, to show some individuality and emotion not so like accountants. Of course Leonard had that, in ample supply, but I don't believe the band had to be so pallid and tame, to allow contrast with Leonard.
The whole arrangement was perfect to an annoying fault. I like to see some counter-mood, some spark that says, "I'm alive and different!" It was too sugary and too finally polished - not a raspy note, not a hard edge, not an angle against the flow.
Roscoe Beck also blew Hallelujah. On the original there is this powerful bottom bass note which captivates the climax melodies in this song - completely absent in the live version.
The Guitarist, a fine craftsman, but apart from one beautiful lead break, was very predictable. Sound was too sweet for me also.
The drummer was great - the best of them all. He let go with a drum solo which was so intricate and low-key - this guy really knows his stuff, and he played his role in the whole arrangement extremely well (though still too tame for my tastes).
The sax player - what a great sound that sax made. He showed some vitality, and if he was allowed to do more, we may have seen some good music.
Mouth-organ: pedestrian. I hate pedestrian mouth-organ.
The Instrument of Wind: never heard or seen that instrument before. I'd love to have one myself. It was a great addition to the mood of the band.
The keyboard player was obviously still alive, when he wasn't doing what he had to do. He of all of them except LC showed some emotion and a touch of the 'wild'. But how to make a Hammond Organ sound so tame?
The old guy on the weird twelve string lute thingy - he was good - a real person at last. His playing was not that interesting, but he had a wonderful vibe, and that is very important.
LC's 'collaborator' (I wish he did a little less muso intros) Sharon Robinson. Now she is special. A real gem! Absolutely beautiful and real. I could have listened to her much more, and she wrote that great song, Back on Boogie Street.
The Watsy Sisters - mostly filler for me, I suppose one has to have them, and they weren't that bad. At least they all moved in unison. Nothing worse than a chorus twisting to the grove out of synch.
So the band was disappointing for me, but they certainly played competently.
In all Leonard carried the day, and after all that is what we want to see. For his rendition and presence, it is a CD I recommend as a must-have. Finally we can put it on in public without appearing to be a supporter of suicide. It plays excellently as 'music', plus it has the added layers of meaning for those who seek such things - as i said, not too many these days.
