Search - Donny Hathaway :: In Performance

A live album with the spirit an' soul of a church sermon...

Nathan | Charlotte, N.C. United States | 05/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't think of'a soul singer from the '70s who could touch an' inspire an audience the way Donny did. He hadda a small, but loyal fanbase, an' they seemed to jus' ADORE e'ything he did. His previous live album set the bar for other live albums to come after it, an' it has yet to be surpassed in my eyes. But, Donny himself, came close right here. The dark, moody an' rugged sound of 'Donny Hathaway Live' has been replaced with a breezy, more spiritual, an' in someways more fulfilling sound as he delves into standards like the opener 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black' exuding so much passion in his voice an' playing it will bring a tear to your eye; this is an example of a live version completely BLOWING away the studio version. One'a my personal favorites 'A Song for You' he approaches with such calm an' heartfelt easiness an' builds it up as it goes along, bringin' out all the heartache, pain, an' redemption of an unfixable-relationship that can only be saved by two good souls willing to be there for one another; the way Donny sings this one, it jus' utterly buries me. After the extended lightly-funky instrumental 'Nu-Po' he brings the house down with the dour n' bluesy 'I Love You More than You'll Ever Know'; the high-hat on the backbeat jus' thumps an' thumps hauntingly an' hypnotically while Donny brings the song to it's crashing, thunderous climax, leaving the audience breathless. The real pinnacles of the album come in the final two numbers: on 'We Need You Right Now' he speaks volumes about the state of humanity an' the world, praising, beggin' an' pleadin' for spiritual intervention. Is' one'a the most powerful performances I've ever heard, an' is' not so much the lyrics themselves as it is the way he sings them. When he cries 'dem passionate cries about people goin' hungry an' not even havin' clothes to put on, an' man bein' outta hand with his evil ways, you jus' wanna stand up an' yell "TESTIFY!" 'cause you know is' the truth. Whether it be in the '70s or here in our time is' the truth, an' as long as there have been poets an' singers that have been urgin' for change an' love, is' a damn shame nothin' has been done about it. If you love this man's work, you'll wanna own this album for that number alone, 'cause is' only available here. He touches the audience one more time with the breezy, laid-back 'Sack Full of Dreams', a song that more or less explains the wonderful heart that Donny had. Is' the kinda song I hope one day when I'm dead an' gone, my friends an' family will hear an' think of me, an' know that all I ever wanted was to bring some harmony to my people. I've already told a lotta my peoples that I want it played at my funeral (along with 'Lord Help Me' also by Donny).To me, this man spoke volumes about so many things an' is the most underrated talent music has ever seen. Is' tragic the way he died, an' when you listen to these beautiful, life-affirming songs, especially 'We Need You Right Now' an' 'Sack Full of Dreams' it makes me all the more sad that he went out the way he did. Luckily he left behind a brief, but powerful legacy of some'a the greatest music ever recorded, an' has inspired more of today's contemporary singers than most may realize. He is my ALL-TIME favorite singer, an' this album is yet another testament to his power."

A "must have" for Donny Hathaway fans.

Edward C Wilson II | Tallahassee, Florida USA | 08/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In addition to his other albums, this album further solidifies the magical pureness found in Mr. Hathaway's voice. I remain mystified at the way his voice can reach and pull your heart and mind into songs such as " A Song For You", "To Be Young Gifted and Black", and "Sack Full Of Dreams"; it feels as though you're right there with him as he pours his heart into song. A man whose voice stands in a class of his own, Mr, Hathaway deserves much more acclaim than he's receiving, I recommend this album to those listeners who wish to hear and explore the intimate passion and LIFE that Mr. Hathaway gave to his songs. His delivery throughout the live session is sheer brilliance, and definitely can stand on its own."

Donny Hathaway

D. A. Martin | Lanham, MD | 04/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most thought provoking artists of all time. Donny Hathaway presents lyrics that bring out the innermost feelings and emotions in us all. You can almost feel the emotions he pours out in both his lyrics and his musical arrangements. "A Song For You", "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" and "Sack Full Of Dreams".... man! The lyrics are both calming, relaxing, and intimate. A perfect mood setter. Stock your cd changer with some of Donny's cds, put it on random, and sit back and relax. But just don't take my word for it! I've also recommended "Donny Hathaway Collection" to my friends and told them that I would reimburse them the cost of the cd if they didn't like it. Needless to say... I've kept my money over the years. If you appreciate powerful/thought provoking lyrics and romanticism from a true artist then this is the one."