Customer Reviews

In Concert: Best of

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have had this albumn since 1976 when it came out. This is the same year I saw Jimmy Cliff perform these songs in the summer Schaefer Music Festival at Wollman Rink in Central Park. It was great. Still love this music.

I was privliged to have seen three of the true superstars of reggae during their peak years. In 1979 I was blessed to have seen Bab Marley at the Beacon Theatre in NYC. Words do little to describe that experience. I also saw the great Toots and The Maytals at a small club called My Father's Place on Long Island in 1976. And in 1975 I caught Jimmy Cliff at Carnagie Hall.

This recording is almost a carbon copy of that wonderful show I saw. Jimmy Cliff is perhaps the greatest reggae vocalist ever, at least that's my humble opinion. His voice is as pure and soulful as the waters of Dunns River Falls. Here he takes you on a trip through his gretest hits, You Can Get It If You Really Want, Many Rivers To Cross, Sitting Here In Limbo and The Harder They Come. Cliff is a born showman. He works the audience with confidence and delivers an inspired performance. This is positively a "no-risk-disc".

I typically hate live CDs, but this one was my introduction to Jimmy Cliff, and I've loved it ever since I first heard it. The band sound great - kind of rough of times, but it just gives the music more character. It's also great hearing the audience singing along to Jimmy's classics. The liner notes don't give any info about when or where the songs were recorded, and it kind of sounds like it's not all from one concert, but perhaps the best recordings from a variety of concerts. Some of these songs really seem like they were made to be sung live, especially "You Can Get It If You Really Want It," which has such a catchy chorus you may find yourself singing along with it. If you're a reggae fan and want to hear something aside from the ubiquitous Bob Marley music, or just a fan of great music, you'll probably love this CD. Enjoy!

Why are there so few reviews? It stings.

I'm tired of worshipping Bob or defending Matisyahu for his chassidic shmata. Try something else maybe?

I hope you are online looking for reggae. If you are, here's the skinny:

Jimmy Cliff had the best voice in reggae. This is vocal range not affected by ganja or tonsolitis--the man can sing. His voice is spot on in a live performance. Give thanks.

This range gives Jimmy options though. Remember my friends that black music at this era was fusing -- jazz, soul, funk, gospel, rock, cubano, blues, traditional, etc. Fusion is NOT overt in this album because he uses all these influences without seeming awkward in the least. In other words, you have all these different music styles but they all belong to Jimmy in this concert.

Example: The man sings a Cat Stevens song, one of the whitest whities of the whiteness, and nails it. I didn't know it wasn't Jimmy's song until I was past twenty-years old.

Second: Jimmy wrote one of the best protest songs, called Vietnam, and the version on this album is outstanding. I think one of the hot shots of that era, maybe Bob Dylan, said it was THE best protest song. And you can dance to it. Give thanks!

Jimmy gives us gospel without even mentioning G_d's name. Spiritual but not in your face. Finally!!! What am I talking about finally? Kanye West is now representing Jesus walking as far as so many kids are concerened.

Seriously, Jimmy Cliff just has a universal appeal during this concert and on film (see "The Harder they Come." I love this CD. I loved the tape.

I listened to this album (tape) at the age of nine during a trip (car) from Ohio to Florida--24 hrs. I slept most of the time but when the side ended I switched over quickly, pressed play, and went back into the chill.

That's what I got for those looking for reggae.. so start here. Check out Mr. Marley also and maybe Toots and the Maytals and you'll have much nice to compare. Jimmy, if you are reading this, you are wasting your time, but great concert!!
Gabriel Elias

I saw Jimmy Cliff play at the Belly Up Tavern, a small club in Solana Beach, north of San Diego in the late 1980's. I had his "Harder They Come" and "I Am The Living" albums, which are great, but nothing prepared me for the energy of his live performance. I've seen some good acts play at that club, and seen good reggae elsewhere, but I never saw anyone lift an entire audience off their butts and infuse them with energy like Jimmy Cliff did that night. It was amazing. This CD can only capture a portion of that energy, but that's enough to make this a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Great songs and recording. Two entheusiastic thumbs u

Of the hundreds of albums I own, this is my favorite.

I own it on Vinyl, and haven't played it since my turntable bit the dust maybe 8 years ago. I'm glad it is out on CD - I would have bought it earlier if I'd known.

Jimmy Cliff's best :-) album

UNFORTUNATLY THE SOUND IS OVERPRODUCED. THE SOUL IS TAMED TO THE MAXIMUM. RAW NO. STRINGS YES.

I was only able to listen to a clip lasting a few seconds so how can I do a thorough assessment on the music?