Search - John Sebastian :: Cheapo Cheapo Productions Presents Real Live

+ 1/2 stars...Sebastian's Aw-Shucks Persona Shines Through o

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 02/23/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"John Sebastian's troubles with his former label (MGM) continued when they also released an unathorized album entitled JOHN SEBASTIAN LIVE in 1971. To combat this "bootleg" release, Sebastian recorded several concert appearances in California and put out the Warner/Reprise album CHEAPO-CHEAPO PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS REAL LIVE JOHN SEBASTIAN. Listening to Sebastian perform old Lovin' Spoonful songs along with material that inluenced Sebastian throughout his career, you are immediately swept into the good-time vibe these performances provide.



Essentially these are solo performances with keyboards provided by Sebastian's longtime friend Paul Harris. Many of the songs are very short--"Lovin' You," "Rooty-Toot," "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Am'ys Theme" clock in at 1:30 each (and though uncredited on the track listing, Sebastian also does about 30 seconds of "Teen Angel" and "Ballad of a Teenage Queen"). Of course, Sebastian reprises "Younger Generation" from his Woodstock performance, along with Spoonful classics like "Nashville Cats" and "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind." My favorite is the moving version of Huddie Ledbetter's "Goodnight Irene" which closes the set.



Overall, Sebastian connects with his audience in this live setting and provides enough magical moments to make this a worthy addition to any Lovin' Spoonful fan's collection. [Running Time - 51:00] RECOMMENDED"

Great Memories

B. Eaton | Los Angeles, CA USA | 12/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album hightlights John's versatility and relives some great old memories. Takes me directly back to 1971 when I heard it live at 'Charlie Chaplin College' (see Good Night Irene). Combines the best of Rock, Country and live performance."

...cheapo-cheapo productions proudly presents...

rocky-o | 10/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"oh man...i can't ever forget the memory of listening to this album, over and over again, when it came out in the early seventies...i don't think there ever was another piece of vinyl that got as many 'turns on the table' as this one did, making it one of my all-time favorites to this day...from 'younger girl' to 'nashville cats' to 'did you ever have to make up your mind' and 'darling be home soon', and, of course, 'goodnight irene', this album just went from one cut to another, presenting you with a front-row seat to one of the most underated singer/songwriters of our day, or any day...truly a shame that america doesn't even see fit to have this in print...oh well, no one ever went broke underestimating the america public...so...for the few of you who actually might possess some form of intelligence, do yourself a favor (if you haven't already), and get this album, 'cause, even though there may be 1,352 guitar pickers in nashville, no one is quite as unique as john b..."