Customer Reviews

Live

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applies most appropiately to this release. At least we have "1" commercially released "Live" album containing the music of the legendary "Sweet Soul Titans" Blue Magic, performing at the peak of the group's musical career. One is better than none! Whos'ever call it was to do a "Live" album (1976), with Atlantic Records label mates Blue Magic, Major Harris and Margie Joseph, we applaud that decision! If listening to urban radio during the time of the album's release, where would one think the oft-played live version of "What's Come Over Me", with Blue Magic & Margie Joseph masterfully trading off, was harbored? On this lp. The original two record album has increased in value for a mint- copy over the past several years, and as the cover depicts, all three are listed across the top with equal billing, as to why no picture here? Recorded at the famed Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, NJ, the writer, a Jersey native himself, was fortunate enough to witness a number of soul and r&b acts during the era at the legendary establishment. With this cd in possession, listening to the three doing solo, joint and medleys, is a treat. When listening then, to the origianl lp and hearing Major Harris perform "I Got Over Love", caused the writer to begin the search, til' found, of the studio release of the song, did locate on his "Jealousy" album. No need in focusing on the songs here, most are known standards of the performers, bubbling strongly throughout during this legendary live performance! The whole album's good. Oh-h, there should have been more...., but as Billy DeVaughn so aptly spoke in song, "Be Thankful For What You Got....", this one and only "Live" album (thus far released) is what we have. Current remastering technology brings the ambience up to levels whereas the listener (with a sufficient sound system) can close their eyes, and hear the sounds as if being there. A classic. One of the best "Live" albums to emerge from the era, it's Buy Time.

Lovers of classic Philly soul had reason to celebrate in 2006, when Collectables Records reissued Blue Magic's first three studio albums (Blue Magic, The Magic of the Blue, and 13 Blue Magic Lane) and this live recording on CD. Recorded in 1975 at Cherry Hill, NJ's Latin Casino, this two-CD set (originally a double LP) finds Blue Magic sharing the bill with two other '70s soulsters: Major Harris (an ex-member of the Delfonics and cousin of the late producer Norman Harris) and Margie Joseph (who is the only non-Philadelphian on the bill). Blue Magic soar on inspired performances of their hits"Sideshow," "What's Come Over Me"(a duet with the talented if underrated Joseph), "We're on the Right Track Now," and "Stop to Start," and Harris doesn't let listeners down on the congenial "Loving You Is Mellow" or his sexy 1975 smash "Love Won't Let Me Wait" (which was covered by the late Luther Vandross in 1989). Regrettably, Harris was a one-hit wonder as a solo artist; "Love Won't Let Me Wait" was his only major solo hit, but his contributions to Live leave no doubt that he was a skillful provider of Philly soul. Joseph, meanwhile, is quite enjoyable when she gives Paul McCartney's "My Love" the Northern soul treatment, although her performance of Morris Albert's "Feelings" is undeniably the low point of this album. Joseph tries to inject some soul into Albert's insipid,mushy ballad, but it doesn't work; Joseph, for all her talent, cannot salvage one of the most insufferable easy listening songs of the '70s. But the presence of "Feelings" should not discourage anyone from acquiring this generally rewarding, if mildly uneven, release. All things considered, Collectables did R&B fans an enormous favor by reissuing Live on CD.

I usually let the pros do the music reviews, and I stay the avid reader. But I'm compelled to review this CD since, oddly, there's only one current review for this fantastic recording. I'll just say briefly that the song selection, the vocals, the orchestra, and the engineering comprise a top notch Old School R&B listening experience. There's not a weak moment in the concert--only endless showmanship and heart. To listen is to wish you were there. This may be a classic recording that few people are familiar with, but a classic recording nonetheless.

If you are into old school music, this is the cd for you. Live concert recordings (particularly vocals) usually leave something left to be desired. That makes this cd all that more exciting. Classic soul vocals by Blue Magic, Margie Joseph ("What's Come Over Me"), their signature hit song and musical medleys will satisfy the harshest music critic. Let's not forget Major Harris, formerly of The DeLphonics, brings it! Enjoy little kiddies!

I have been looking for this for several years and finally someone put it on DVD. What a blessing!!! To any person who loves "Old School Music" this is a must have.

This CD is an all time favorite, just pop it in your CD player.. and you will not stop dancinig and remeniscing! I certainly enjoyed it!