Great for collectors and big fans
korova | Varosha | 09/08/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This recently discovered performance is great for anybody who has already built up her/his core Aretha collection. Casual fans and people who are just beginning to explore Aretha's discography will be better off picking up other albums, such as Live at Fillmore West and Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings first.
Why? Mainly because the show was recorded at a radio industry convention where Aretha was playing in front of music-biz insiders. Consequently, the concert was not a fully realized performance. The tempos are rushed and many of Aretha's best known songs are limited to brief appearances in medleys. Definitive or newly revelatory performances won't be found here.
So what makes this a four-star album? First, Rhino Handmade, as usual, has done a great job unearthing a rarity and putting together a package with good sound and good liner notes. Also, as a limited edition of only 7,500 copies, this album is pretty much guaranteed to become a collector's item. Get it now or be prepared to pay big $$$ later (check out how much Don't Fight The Feeling: The Complete Aretha Franklin & King Curtis Live At Fillmore West is going for these days). Finally, despite the limitations of the venue and set list mentioned earlier, the backing band is hot and Aretha sounds great."
Its Ok
USA | USA | 02/17/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After listening to this concert, I realized why it wasn't released b4 now. I doesn't come close to "live at the fillmore' AT ALL! Its ok to have if you're a fan."