Customer Reviews

Live in San Francisco 1966

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

 

 

Recorded somewhere in San Francisco (the liner notes don't say where) in the Summer of 1966, these thirteen live tracks document the bond that Joplin had formed with Big Brother after only a couple of months practice. Big Brother drummer David Getz's liner notes (written in the mid-80s, perhaps for the original vinyl issue of this material) provide an evocative description of how the band's early communal living helped forge their unity as performers.

By the time they released their second album ("Cheap Thrills") two years later, the band would have more original material, but at this point in their career they were still relying heavily on R&B and blues standards. Covers include "I Know You Rider" (a favorite of the Grateful Dead), Shirley & Lee's "Let the Good Times Roll," Howlin' Wolf's "Moanin' At Midnight," and Jimmy McCraklin's "Blow My Mind." Joplin's take on Willie Mae ("Big Mama") Thornton's "Ball and Chain" was still developing into the full-blown showstopper she'd deliver a year later at the Monterey Pop Festival, and the single "Coo Coo" is presented in early form.

The band would later be recorded in their more famous form on "Live at Winterland '68." This earlier tape shows off the band's formation, including their transition to, essentially, a backing band for Joplin. Though she's front-and-center for the lion's share of the vocals, her presence is occasionally diluted by other band members' vocals.

The tape, from a source uncredited in the liner notes, is hissy, though very listenable. A bonus track, recorded at San Francisco's KQED in April 1967, provides a higher-fidelity 7-minute instrumental freakout on "Hall of the Mountain King." Most of this material was released in 1984 on a Rhino Records LP titled, "Big Brother & the Holding Company Live," and by other labels as "Cheaper Thrills." An import CD of the latter is available from the UK on Acadia, but it costs more and offers no extra material.

Those looking for an introduction to Joplin and Big Brother are probably better served by "Cheap Thrills." Those wishing to look more deeply into the band's history will find this a compelling document.

Chronlogically this was recorded before their first album on Mainstream Records in 1967. Some of the tracks here also appeared on that first studio album. So how is it? The Monterey performance was a little more polished but this disc is a nice addition although the playing is a little more ragged. The track "Coo Coo" appeared on the "Cheap Thrills" album with new lyrics as "Oh Sweet Mary". If you have all of Janis's other discs I would pick this one up; you won't be disappointed and it is interesting to hear the band in their formative stage.

The sound quality is poor, its the kind of record that sounds like a blur after you have listened to it for more than fifteen minutes, and the kind that disrupts any mix CD or playlist because of differing levels. The recording has a lot of highs and no separation. The bass is practically inaudible. The highlights are the first three songs, particularly Moanin' at Midnight which is more of a Howlin' Wolf potpourri than a straight cover. But as Janis screams, mimicking Howlin' Wolf's famous cry, you can see how much talent she really had. Overall it's an album for serious fans interested in a complete collection or the development of the band.

Sure, the sound quality isn't perfect, but do you love Big Brother and the Holding Company? If you said yes, you should own this disc. This is a concert from early '66, a mere two months after Janis had joined, making it a must have for historical reasons alone, but the fact of the matter is that this a good concert. It consists mostly of covers done in that wonderful slightly sloppy rockin' style that characterized the early Big Brother sound. This is a blast from start to finish and I smile and bob my head with the music every time I listen.

This wasn't originally recorded with official release in mind, so sure, the fidelity's not up to many people's gold standard. For fans like me who weren't even in school yet when this was recorded, it's as close as I'm ever going to get to being there, and I'll gladly buy all these Big Brother, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and Jefferson Airplane concerts I can get my hands on. The band rocks on every number. I can hear the bass guitar just fine, and I'm not one of those people who cranks the bass, so I'm not sure what that other reviewer's problem is. I've had this CD for six years now, and my appreciation has only grown stronger with time. Grab this or Lost Tapes (Featuring Janis Joplin) which also contains this material and enjoy! This is a good concert and essential listening for fans of this band.

Some great vintage Janis Joplin, heart and soul of the blues. Kids playing with drugs robbed us all of years of watching her grow and develop as an artist.