Live in Berlin [Live]

Willy Deville | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 25, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Eagle Records
• ASIN: B000089IZH
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,504 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Willy Deville is the founder, leader and principal songwriter of the band Mink DeVille. The band came out of the mid-70's New York punk scene but first broke in the UK with their hit Spanish Stroll in 1977. Their music belied their punk routes and mixed soul with R & B, blues and Cajun influences. The band continued to release albums through to the mid-80's when Willy began to perform and record under his own name. His solo single Storybook Love was nominated for an Oscar after it appeared in the film The Princess Bride.

Willy's latest incarnation is the Willy DeVille Acoustic Trio who have been receiving great reviews for their concerts across Europe this year. Willy is joined in the Trio by David Keyes and Seth Farber. This album, recorded live in Berlin in March 2002, is their first recording. As a bonus, there are eight tracks on disc two recorded by the still active Mink DeVille band in Stockholm.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautifully Aging Pirate, April 24, 2006

By 

C. Calabro (Sunland, Ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Live in Berlin (Audio CD)

If I was wealthy, I'd own everything with this man's name on it but "Live in Berlin" might be my favorite record. It is intimately produced; you can hear Willy's sniffs, giggles, finger snaps and guitar thumps. It's like being in his living room. Some highlights are "Spanish Harlem" where his brain slips into a special "handsome" gear and he flirts wildly with an unsuspecting microphone. His phrasing is deliberately reluctant and results in a super erotic delivery, which may be why I occasionally walk into walls while listening to him. (that's ok, Willy, I'd take a bonk on the head for you anytime). "All By Myself" has a tasty little breakdown after the 1st solo. There is a fierce ache to "Night Falls" and excruciating restraint in "Heaven Stood Still" where even the tough guys in the audience are momentarily humbled. "Who's Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot?" is a great treat and "Let It Be Me" could wrench loose a rusted bolt. Willy can tug at your heart like nothing else. Seth Farber (piano) is a treasure and master of finesse and with the ever-present David Keyes flawlessly manhandling an upright bass, it's no wonder Willy seems fearless. This feels like one of those moments that will never be duplicated again. I can't imagine Willy ever being in better voice. What a rare and perfect listen!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Willy DeVille in yet another incarnation, November 12, 2003

By 

Ralph Jas (Delfgauw, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live in Berlin (Audio CD)

I have been a fan of Willy DeVille from the get go: Mink Deville was one of my favorite bands, with their unique brand of romantic rock 'n' soul (for want of a better description). When he went solo it was even more difficult to label him, with such different recordings such as 'Horse of a different colour' and 'Loup Garou'.

And now the band has been brought back to its bare essentials: a piano player, a bass player (the big acoustic bass, not a bass guitar) and Willy's voice, occasionally accompanied by dobro or acoustic guitar and the odd accordeon. It must be said that his singing has never before had the impact it has on this recording. The joy each song brings to him is clearly felt, and the recording technique brings the trio right in your very own living room. It may be true that the voice is somewhat eroded by time and various substances, but his heartfelt rendering of this eclectic bunch of originals and classics more than makes up for that.

This is Willy at his most intimate, almost as if performing especially for you. One of his best recordings, and thank the producer with the vision to make this a double album. You just cannot get enough of it.

The bonus tracks by the original Mink DeVille band are a nice touch.

A must-buy.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, January 5, 2006

By 

B. J. Drwenski (Great Falls, Montana United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Live in Berlin (Audio CD)

I cannot remember when I have been so captivated by the raw emotion expressed when Willy sings.He lives each song .....I am new to the Willy Deville fan club but am adding to my cd collection as quickly as my budget allows.
To me his voice sounds like a cross between Joe Cocker amd Bill Medley with a sprinkle of Louis Armstrong thrown in,yet at the same time uniquely his own style.One cannot pigeonhole him to one specific style,at times it is the Blues,,,,then Rock but...always fabulous.When you listen to Willy sing you feel as if he is singing to you and you alone.This double CD compilation is a must for all Willy Deville fans.