Search - New Riders of the Purple Sage :: Live in Japan

They Saved the Best for Japan

PHILIP S WOLF | SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA | 06/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like Mercury, The New Riders had Evolved & Morphed many times over between their Stunning First Release in 1971 to the release of: "Live in Japan" brought to us by the ever Funky Relix Records. This Version of our Favorite Desparadoes is led by; John Dawson, who is aided by Rusty Gauthier & Gary Vogensen who all Sing and Play on all kinds of 'Stringy Things'. If the band is having FUN on stage, it is pretty easy for the Audience to reflect that Energy Back. Well. Tripsters "Live In Japan" just plain Crackles with Heavy Fun, and it transfers to this CD just fine.



The Band is right outta the gate with a Fiddle-Rockin' version of "Henry" that Cooks, the vocal harmonies are Heartfelt, it's a JOLT, but, it's a good Jolt. Next up is the NRPS take on the G. Dead's Chestnut: "Dire Wolf", and the Band does this one Justice...Nice. After a Cool Version of: "Rainbow", Out of the Side Pocket, Somebody (Rusty?? Gary??) is Playing some Tasty Blues Guitar and things Slide Right into: "Early in the Morning", this one Burns! And, it also features some Nice (but, uncredited) Mouth Harp. The Dawson Classic: "Keep On Keepin'On" is my Favorite Track on this Disc, Again some Great Electric playing is featured, with Rusty recieving his due for his Crunchy Lead Runs on this One.



The Band hands in a Real Nice Version of "Ripple" that really Sparkles AND tastes better than a Bottle of that Lousy Wine. "I Don't Know You", really shines in this Acoustic setting and Showcases how well these Shows were Recorded. Next up is "Friend of the Devil", this one always Brings on the Smiles, this is a Good One with yet again some On-Fire Lead Guitar to bring it home. The Final track is: "Portland Woman", and it's a Long One at 13 Minutes and some Stellar Guitar that SOARS, another Highlight yet again.



This is one of the Best live Recordings of The New Riders out there Right now, If I had one Wish it Would be to Hear more of these Shows, (This CD Clocks in at 57 Minutes). This Version of the Band with these Three Guys really does Capture the Spirit and Energy of what The New Riders of the Purple Sage are all about. This is a GREAT CD...FIVE STARS !!!



{P.S.} I Was Stationed in the Persian Gulf Right after the first Gulf War, way back in 1993-94. And I ran into a Guy who was wearing the T-Shirt (Just Like the Cover of this CD) of the Japan Tour of 93, He had attended the Osaka Show, Small World, Ain't It?"

NRPS bids farewell

Aaron Gangross | Here and There | 06/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is apparently the last release by the NRPS. John Dawson retired a few years later, which is too bad. On this CD, Dawson leads a trio of guitarists (Rusty Gauthier and Gary Vogensen round out the group) through several NRPS and Dead classics. Again, this is not going to melt your brain like the original band did, but the group is tight and gives a relaxed, sentimental performance. The version of "Portland Woman" is nearly 13 minutes long, and every second is great. All tracks were recorded during their August 1993 tour of Japan before an ethusiastic and polite audience."