Customer Reviews

Live! Down The Road

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I hate live albums so why did I buy this one? Partly because I'm a huge Marcia Ball fan and partly because I own every other album she's put out. I saw her perform at a small venue in Vancouver this summer. Halfway through the show, a friend nudges me and says I feel guilty for only paying $22 to see this.
I've seen Marcia Ball at Slim's in San Francisco and at the New Orleans Jazz festival in 2001. In New Orleans she did a stunning version of Louisiana 1927. She performs it here as well and it rivals Aaron Neville's version. She has a great voice and the sax solo is tremendous. This track alone would justify the CD's price.
If you don't own any of her albums, this would be a good place to start. The sound quality is top-notch and she has a great band backing her up.
I feel guilty for only paying $15.00 for this disc.

Marcia Ball is one of those entertainers who falls below the radar until you listen to her sing. We saw her in concert bought this CD and are NOT dissappointed. Her songs bring the spitit of Louisiana to life. Listen to "Thats enough of that stuff, Louella and Louisiana 1927" and you'll be back for more!!

I own several of Marcia Ball's albums and am a great admirer of her talent. I've also been fortunate enough to see Marcia and her band on stage a few times. I can honestly say that the "Live! Down the Road" album accurately captures the excitement of what Marcia (and band) can generate at a venue. Everyone in the band gets to showcase their talent during the set and Marcia's vocals and piano work are just as awesome as ever! The thoughtfully varied repertoire of songs recorded has something to please everyone from slow ballads to heel kickin' Cajun tunes.
Bottom line: If you don't get the chance to see Marcia Ball in concert, this album is indeed the next best thing. On the other hand, if you have been lucky enough to see her live then this album would be a terrific souvenier to own. In either case, I highly recommend this album!
PJ Previte

I was hoping this live album would bring out all the energy Marcia brings to live performances and to a great extent it did. I find her studio albums burdened with ballads and just not the same as watching her pound the keyboard and sing. This is a generally consistent album of her best material, except for the puppy dog song but I may be in a small minority on that. GR

Marcia Ball's always been great, probably always will be. One of the most enjoyable, rocking, dancable acts you're likely to see. This new album captures much of that live energy. If you have the opportunity to see her band live, don't miss it.

We have heard Marcia Ball in person twice and were blown away by her performances both times. This live CD helps us relive those great evenings. She is such a talent, unlike some performers we have loved in person and not liked as well on CD. This CD proves that listening to her is about as good as the live show. Her diversity, from La-ti-da, to Louisiana 1927, makes for a great combination of songs. We discovered, also, on a long trip home from the airport in the middle of the night, that this CD is great for keeping a very sleepy driver awake! We highly recommend it.

I loved the product description of Marcia Ball's signature sound as being a combination of "Texas Blues, Louisiana R&B, and Gulf Coast swamp pop." It's all captured on this live CD, which is pure rollicking fun. Marcia Ball doesn't have the greatest voice, but it works for her music, and she does have great chops on the piano and a very tight band. This is really good stuff. Highly recommended.

It is hard to say this is the best she has done because Marcia rocks the house down on everything she does. "Down the Road" is full of down home music with hits such as: Down the Road - Louisiana 1927 - Crawfishin.
Its safe to say, buy it, listen to it and relish it. This will truly liven up a party when you plug this one in!

Marcia Ball, from Vinton, Louisiana, has such a unique style... this CD is a treat for anyone who enjoys New Orleans style music, and any type of music, actually. Marcia has phenominal range. It'll get you up and moving!

The first time I heard Marcia Ball was in downtown Dallas at the Farmers Market eating breakfast with my husband. A gentleman was playing music for those eating on the outside court. The music was so great that after we finished eating we went up to him to find out who that artist was and needless to say it was Marcia Ball...we enjoyed it them and still enjoy it. I love to listen to it after a hard day at work...it sooths my soul and brings a back a little piece of home life.