Customer Reviews

An Evening With Jimmie Spheeris

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I was turned on to Jimmie Spheeris in 1971 by a friend who'd seen him in concert (opening for Taj Mahal). She sat me down and played his first album, Isle of View, and I was hooked.

But I always regretted that I never got the chance to see and hear Jimmie and his band play live. Until now. Because An Evening With Jimmie Spheeris captures everything a Spheeris fan could ask for and presents it in one of the most enjoyable live CD experiences I've ever heard.

It's a double-CD, so the set is nice and long. The band is in top form, and since the concert was recorded by an FM radio station for broadcast (remember when that was a common thing?), the sound quality is quite good. Jimmie and the band cover most of what was then his latest release, Ports of the Heart, as well as nearly all of the best tracks from his three previous albums.

And perhaps best of all, the dialogue between Jimmie and the audience is left intact, so you not only get to hear his intros to each song, you really get to experience the full atmosphere of an intimate concert experience--and it's obvious, from the DJ's introduction at the beginning of track one to audience reaction throughout the recording that not only does everyone very much appreciate the great music that's goin' down, but that this evening's performance was a much-anticipated event.

An Evening With Jimmie Spheeris not only captures a live band at its peak playing wonderful music, but a point in time when we all still dreamed big dreams, believed we could really change the world, and that better days were ahead. What more could you ask for in a concert CD?

If you were lucky enough in the middle of the seventies and survived the Disco period you may have come through it by connecting into artists like Jimmie Spheeris. I saw Jimmie Spheeris at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado back in 1976. and became converted instantly. This CD brings back memories of those days. Jimmie plays classics from his first album "ISLE OF VIEW" as well as material from the "DRAGON IS DANCING", mixed in with a few unreleased cuts and songs from his forth coming album "PORTS OF THE HEART". The material is excellent the recording is good but not great. That said this CD is still worth having in your collection.There is real magic here.

The editorial review on this page eloquently describes the person and music of Jimmie Spheeris. His wonderful recordings are filled with a variety of styles from pop to folk to rock to jazz, many of his songs combining these styles in a unique way that is filled with feelings running the gamut from joy to wonder to humor to horror. Once heard he is never forgotten.

Unfortunately, following Jimmie's death in 1984, his music had little chance to expand its audience, and when Rain Records finally fought its way through red tape to rerelease his stuff, old fans like me bought them and treasure them like gold. Limited printings have dried up, and are now rare. Better grab 'em while you can.

Listen to the snippets of tracks provided on this page and you can hear the quality of this recording, a "new" live two-CD release since it was never put out until Rain Records came along. It's complete joy to hear this magic man perform his beautifully fascinating music with his band in a club setting, and despite apologetic liner notes about the quality of the recording, only a couple of times is any minor problem noticeable. (The recording was made for a "live" radio broadcast on the East Coast and had been shelved in Johnny Pierce's vault for all these years, thank God!)

Live versions of most of his best recordings are here, mostly at least adequate and often inspiring in their newness as compared to the well-worn studio versions. The major prize here, however, is the biographical "It Ain't No Use In Walkin'," which is about his mother's life and their relationship. Absolutely fabulous track, which alone could win new Spheeris fans. It's an anthem.

Re-releasing CDs has become a way for artists who were once obscure to find a new audience. It has also become a way for fans to update their libraries of artists whose music was out of print. Spheeris falls into the latter category more than the first, unfortunately. His life would make a wonderful motion picture, and I dearly wish the project would be undertaken by some talented soul with a passion for this brilliant musician. Until then, this CD makes up for the passage of years, in spades.

Jimmie Spheeris was a favorite of mine in the early 70s, but I never got to see him live. Somehow I stumbled onto Rain Record's website just before they re-released Jimmie Spheeris' albums on CD (unfortunately cut short by the subsequent deal with K-Tel-entered just before K-Tel went bankrupt and ruined it for everyone) but I never got a copy of this album until recently. It's an interesting experience-this was a radio broadcast but the recording is definately below par. It doesn't matter though, as in a few minutes the magic of Jimmie's performance takes over and you barely notice the subpar sonics.

Great band, great atmosphere, great show. One question thoough-this was supposed to be recorded at the "Uptown Theater" in Willimantic, CT in 1977. I don't recall any Uptown Theater in Willimantic and towards the end of the show Spheeris mentions the Shaboo Lounge. The Shaboo was a now legendary nightclub in Willimantic that burned down in the late 70's, it held maybe 100-150 people. I'm betting that the Shaboo was the venue.

i love Jimmie Spheeris. In the seventies there was only devote following that really appreciated his music. This record set shows all the fecets of jimmie music accross the board. The performences are top-notch however we are dealing with the recording technology of 1978 and though a good recording, it is done in a small club in Conneticut.
I definate must for true Spheeris fans but if you can find The Dragon is Dancing You will be better served. A must for collectors! ThiS is the only know live recording of the man and his music. ExcelLent spin!

one of the best reissues in absolute ages. if you remember spheeris from the "old days", you really want this album- it brings back good times with friends.

Excelent quality for a live concert. Good vibes when Jimmie talks with the audience. Good selection of songs. 2 dic set pleasantly surprised me.