Search - Tim Buckley :: Dream Letter (Double CD)

Buckley's Best

Jim Doss | Sykesville, MD United States | 01/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dream Letter: Live in London finds Tim Buckley at the height of his powers. Recorded October 7, 1968 at Queen Elizabeth Hall when he was 21, this musical chameleon, whose short but prolific career took him from folk to improvisational jazz to white hot funk, is captured here between his folk and jazz phases. Live albums either tend to be dull and uninspired efforts or bright, vibrant affairs filled with spontaneity and excitement. Fortunately, this album falls into the latter category. Buckley delivers a soaring two hour performance that surpasses just about all of his studio material, and the sound quality is the best I've ever heard on a live recording.



The main instrument in Buckley's repertoire has always been his 3 ½ octave voice. It's full range is on display from caveman-like guttural growls to high notes held longer than one can imagine. His tenor is not something that would be described as angelic; rather it is earthy, experienced, twisting and turning with emotion as he rides the roller coaster of melodies from one song to another. The sound quality of the recording is so good its easy put the headphones on, close your eyes, imagine yourself in a smoky nightclub watching the spotlight on the famous Buckley trance as he immerses himself totally into the music, delivering phrases in flowing laments or waves of joy.



The band consisting of Lee Underwood on lead guitar, Danny Thompson on base, and Dave Friedman on virbraphone provide a perfect complement to Buckley's vocals and keep the songs lively and fresh. Album standards such as "Dolphins," "Buzzin' Fly" and the medley of "Happy Time/Dream Letter" are delivered with an energy unmatched in the studio. But more interesting to me are the songs that are unique to this album such as "The Earth is Broken," "Carnival Song/Hi Lily, Hi Lo," "Troubadour," an inspired "Wayfaring Stranger/You Got Me Running," and the Supremes' "You Keep Me Hanging On."



If you buy only one album by Buckley, this is the one to get."

Want to hear a great singer?

Nathan Pease | Asheville, NC | 02/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tim Buckley is a voice to be reckoned with. There's no two ways about it: it's his voice or it's the highway. Well, this recording covers the complete, unbelievable range of this talented singer. The concert is whole, warts and all. There are VERY few warts, but they're there in all their glory. That's the great thing about this album: it reproduces every single moment from that one night. You feel like you're there. The voice, the instruments, they sound like they're in your living room. His voice is so clear, it fills every room.



Tim Buckley is a psychedelic troubardour with a voice that can reveal your innermost feelings. It's exhilirating."

Phantasmagorical....

S J Buck | Kent, UK | 08/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This makes a great introduction to the mercurial talents of the late Tim Buckley. A live concert recorded at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1968, this double CD contains many of his best songs up to this date, including "Buzzin' Fly", "Morning Glory" and "Troubadour". The band is quite unusual Buckley plays 12 string accoustic Guitar, Lee Underwood Lead Guitar, Danny Thompson Bass and David Friedman Vibraphone. It this last instrument thats adds something completely different to the overall sound.



The performances are impassioned and Buckley's vocals are frequently astounding. No more so than on his magical cover of Fred Neil's "Dolphins". When he starts singing the song "Sometimes I think about Saturdays child" you know are listening to something very special (of course it helps that it is a great song). I never get tired of listening this performance.



The CD's come with some interesting notes by Lee Underwood which are well worth reading.

"