Customer Reviews

Live in Japan

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

 

 

I was wondering if this would ever be released on cd. "Live In Japan" was released by Polydor only in Japan in 1978. "Live In Japan" documents Buchanan's tour of Japan in 1977 and was his gift to his Japanese fans. This disk was supposed to be Roy's favorite among all of his releases. Buchanan's live disks tend to be much more explosive than his studio albums. The standout cut is a great live rendition of "Hey Joe" with "Foxy Lady" as a coda. The disk begins with an excellent cover of Booker T. & the MGs instrumental "Soul Dressing". The disk also includes the upbeat "Sweet Honey Dew" a cover of Larry Williams' "Slow Down" and an inspired version of "My Baby Says She's Gonna Leave Me". "Sweet Dreams" one of Roy's personal favorites is also included. Roy's playing shines throughout and if you are a fan this release along with the new "American Axe" another live set from 1974 are essential. My only regret is that the disk is only about 46 minutes long. A number of other songs were played during Roy's tour of Japan including a smokin' cover of Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love". Maybe at some point this will be released stateside in an expanded edition with some of the outtakes from this tour! Until then enjoy the master of the Telecaster!

I said it in my other Roy Buchanan reviews and I'll say it again, Nobody before or since has played electric guitar with more power than Roy. By "power" I don't mean volume or distortion,etc., I mean emotional weight. In the world of classic Black gospel groups of the 1940's and 50's (Soul Stirrers, Pilgrim Travelers) this kind of musical-emotional intensity is called "house-wrecking" and "pew-burning". Roy Buchanan definitely knew how to wreck the house like no one else. As many reviewers have pointed out, he used nothing more than an old Telecaster straight into his Fender amp. But most importantly he used his awe-inspiring technique to pour his soul into every note. Just as on his other live recordings, on this night in Japan, he scorched the place.

ROY BUCHANAN has been described as `The greatest unknown guitarist in the world'. He never had the deserved recognition until he passed away. It is very difficult to make up a list of the top guitarist in the world of Blues and rock music but for me Roy is one of the best guitarist in the world together with a selected list of luminaries like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, T-Bone Walker, Freddie King, Ronnie Earl, Magic Sam, Magic Slim, Elvin Bishop, Tinsley Ellis, Dave Specter, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Otis Rush or Duke Robillard among others, I also think is good to know than Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck ask Roy that he explained something to them about his accuracy technic.

`LIVE IN JAPAN' is another of his great records, It is worth to listen every bit of his soul more and more he is hitting his guitar, all the songs recorded in there are very good although I have a little complaint, I prefer That's what I'am here for's `Hey Joe' cover than Live In Japan's cover so I give it 4,5 stars and not 5 but I recommend it highly.

A concert within a concert, this cd has the best in which Roy himself has dubbed his finest. I agree. Roy went to extra lengths and finely tuned the songs, this cd will make you an instant fan. The only downfall is the songs in which you do not hear. The concert itself was much longer that the cd.

This was recorded during a tour of Japan in the late 70s. Roy stated that of all the albums he released this was his favorite-many of the others he refused to acknowledge. Listening to this CD helps the listener understand why Roy thought so highly of this album- Roy was on that night and the band was tight. My only complaint is that the whole show isn't available. This is the editted show, some 46 minutes of the two hour event. Still if your a fan of this amazing guitar player you owe it to youreself to pick this CD up along with American Axe to hear this guy make that guitar cry!