For more than 30 years, Ball has been delivering her signature brand of Texas blues, Louisiana R&B and Gulf Coast swamp pop to audiences all over the world. She has earned a huge and intensely loyal following through c... more »ritically acclaimed albums and continued non-stop touring. Live, she?s simply unbeatable LIVE! DOWN THE ROAD, a blistering set recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in 2004. The CD mixes songs from throughout her career, including longtime fan favorites like La Ti Da and Crawfishin? as well as newer material like Louella. Ball gives each song the workout of a lifetime, reinventing and reinvigorating every track with the immediacy and fire only a live show can deliver.« less
For more than 30 years, Ball has been delivering her signature brand of Texas blues, Louisiana R&B and Gulf Coast swamp pop to audiences all over the world. She has earned a huge and intensely loyal following through critically acclaimed albums and continued non-stop touring. Live, she?s simply unbeatable LIVE! DOWN THE ROAD, a blistering set recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in 2004. The CD mixes songs from throughout her career, including longtime fan favorites like La Ti Da and Crawfishin? as well as newer material like Louella. Ball gives each song the workout of a lifetime, reinventing and reinvigorating every track with the immediacy and fire only a live show can deliver.
"I hate live albums so why did I buy this one? Partly because I'm a huge Marcia Ball fan and partly because I own every other album she's put out. I saw her perform at a small venue in Vancouver this summer. Halfway through the show, a friend nudges me and says I feel guilty for only paying $22 to see this.
I've seen Marcia Ball at Slim's in San Francisco and at the New Orleans Jazz festival in 2001. In New Orleans she did a stunning version of Louisiana 1927. She performs it here as well and it rivals Aaron Neville's version. She has a great voice and the sax solo is tremendous. This track alone would justify the CD's price.
If you don't own any of her albums, this would be a good place to start. The sound quality is top-notch and she has a great band backing her up.
I feel guilty for only paying $15.00 for this disc.
"
Marcia Ball ROCKS!!
Karl Caribe | Southern California | 10/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Marcia Ball is one of those entertainers who falls below the radar until you listen to her sing. We saw her in concert bought this CD and are NOT dissappointed. Her songs bring the spitit of Louisiana to life. Listen to "Thats enough of that stuff, Louella and Louisiana 1927" and you'll be back for more!!"
Captured at her best!
P. J. Previte | 08/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own several of Marcia Ball's albums and am a great admirer of her talent. I've also been fortunate enough to see Marcia and her band on stage a few times. I can honestly say that the "Live! Down the Road" album accurately captures the excitement of what Marcia (and band) can generate at a venue. Everyone in the band gets to showcase their talent during the set and Marcia's vocals and piano work are just as awesome as ever! The thoughtfully varied repertoire of songs recorded has something to please everyone from slow ballads to heel kickin' Cajun tunes.
Bottom line: If you don't get the chance to see Marcia Ball in concert, this album is indeed the next best thing. On the other hand, if you have been lucky enough to see her live then this album would be a terrific souvenier to own. In either case, I highly recommend this album!
PJ Previte"
Marcia goes live
G. Ridley | Madison, WI USA | 03/22/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was hoping this live album would bring out all the energy Marcia brings to live performances and to a great extent it did. I find her studio albums burdened with ballads and just not the same as watching her pound the keyboard and sing. This is a generally consistent album of her best material, except for the puppy dog song but I may be in a small minority on that. GR"
Happy Woman Rock and Roll Louisiana Style
J. GOODMAN | NEW YORK, NY USA | 09/21/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Marcia Ball's always been great, probably always will be. One of the most enjoyable, rocking, dancable acts you're likely to see. This new album captures much of that live energy. If you have the opportunity to see her band live, don't miss it."