Customer Reviews:
A surprising disappointment September 30, 2008 A. Zimmerman (Gaithersburg, MD USA) 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Although I am a Boz Scaggs fan - I was surprised to find this set of CDs to be a disappointment. As many artists will, Boz takes a new direction with most of the songs in these performances. His interpretations are well outside the bounds what what I had expected. Unfortunately I don't think these new directions benefitted the recordings in most cases. Its a shame because I really do (otherwise) like his style.
A revelation August 8, 2008 Friendlycard (Norfolk, UK) I don't know why it is, but until recently I hadn't owned any live albums by Boz Scaggs. 'Silk Degrees' is, of course, a classic, and everything he's done from 'Some Change' onwards has been terrific. I recently bought the excellent remastered version of 'Silk Degrees', and was very impressed by the three live bonus tracks. This led me to buy this 2CD live set dating from 2004. And I have to say it is a revelation. Scaggs and the band are far more jazz-flavoured live than on many of the studio albums. The five songs originating from 'Silk Degrees' are excellent, but a big surprise here was to find myself really liking some tracks I didn't particular enjoy in their original studio format. The best tracks on Disc 1, for me, are 'It All Went Down the Drain' and 'Ask Me Bout Nothin But the Blues', though it should be stressed that the overall quality is remarkably consistent. The second disc is even better than the first. 'Runnin Blue' is an excellent eleven-minute epic, and my favourite track of the lot is 'Loan Me A Dime' - the studio version (with the legendary Duane Allman on guitar) is a very hard act to follow, but Boz and the band deliver an excellent (and even longer -almost sixteen minute) version of the song here. Throughout this live set, Scaggs and the band are on top form. I particularly liked Drew Zingg's guitar work, and the trumpet and sax contributions, too, work really well. All in all, a real top-flight album. I can't recommend it too strongly!
Boz Scaggs Greatest July 24, 2008 L. Grotke (HAMBURG, NY) The week before I bought this item I attended his concert. It was a great concert and this CD brought it all back. Have listened to it often and it is his greatest hits. Well worth the cost.
PERFECT AND PERFECT.... May 10, 2008 Marcio Luiz Vivian (Lindoia do Sul SC BRAZIL) I've firstly bought the DVD. Now I've bought the CD to listen it in my car, in my house in everywhere I go. It's a CD for listening all through the day.I was impressed by the quality and talent of Boz and his Band in the DVD and I continue it in this fantastic double CD. It's the best performance live I've already seen. Boz is in his best performance, the Band is perfect, the quality of recording is also perfect. All in all, everything is perfect.Even if you don't know Boz Scaggs, you'll be very satisfied buying this cd. Absolutelly Perfect!
Boz Scaggs - Class, style, talent, and soul September 14, 2007 btsoap (SF Bay Area) 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This album (all comments apply to the DVD, too) covers his "greatest hits," certainly, but does something else just as effectively--it displays the fact that Boz is a master arranger and band leader. It's not luck that makes a band sound silky smooth, punchy, and soulful at the same time--it's major talent, decades of experience, and hard work. Of course, great songs--played with tight, driving rhythms, solid brass, virtuosity on the melodies and solos (without being guitar frenzy)--all supporting Boz's warm, melancholic voice and backing vocalists (who are not in the least "background.") If you love music, buy this. If you think you love music, but only listen to what passes for it on the pop stations, buy this. If you've never heard music and are curious, buy this. One weekend night, when you have your significant other(s) around, open some wine, put this on the stereo (*don't* rip and compress this one), and turn it up. You'll dance, you'll sing along (if you're a 'certain age') and you'll be sad when it's over. You'll probably play it twice. And it may change what you define as "music."
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