Customer Reviews

Live

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been a fan of Michael Landau for a number of years now. He's another one of those west coast studio electric guitar masters who's played on a ton of albums by the who's who of popular music and is a musician's musician but still manages to evade the greater spotlight of popularity on his own. For whatever reason, the trend lately has been for guys like him and Scott Henderson (who also, coincidently, released a 2-disc live album on Tone Center records last year) to record their solo live shows to display just how talented they are. This collection is no exception. In my opinion, his previous solo studio efforts sound like a "Guitar Hero" trying to be serious, but this endeavor seems to be a bit more ambilateral. The new material (to me, at least) has a much wider scope of feeling and a more palpable appeal than his previous work. There are some interesting changes in arrangements to some of Landau's previously recorded material and his guitar playing, as always, is impressive. On the critical side, his vocals leave a bit to be desired but that is the achilles heal of a lot of instrumental "players" (me included) and it's a minor gripe because his vocal performance is, although imperfect, genuine and acceptable. If you are new to Landau's music this is a good introduction but you'll want to go back and listen to the Burning Water and Raging Honkies stuff (along with the hundred or so platinum albums he's played on) to get the whole "experience" (Hendrix comparisons always come up). I have to say also that in regards to the actual recording this is perhaps the best overall sounding record that I've heard come out of the Tone Center label. The recording, mixing and mastering were well done. If you are a new listener or a long time fan you'll dig this record.

This cd is pure tone paradise. Mr. Landau is a wonderful player, and the band is fantastic (I love the keyboards work from Scott Kinsey). The first cd is more rock/blues oriented, and the second cd have a more jazzy oriented side. Both sides sound great, and Michael Landau shows why he is considered a master with a guitar in his hands. A great live fussion cd.

I have read all the reviews here and must say that I have empathy for the lukewarm ones, for I've had similar initial reactions to this and many other albums by artists for whom my expectations are exceedingly high. But after having that first reaction pass - ("It's not THAT great" or more often "It's not what I wanted/expected to hear") - it is often the case that these albums' greatness slowly creeps into my subconscious once all expectations or preconceived notions have faded and I find myself coming back to them time and time again. Such is the case here.

Those looking for blistering chops cannot deny the all-to-few moments throughout this disc where Landau turns on the afterburners, but maybe are disheartened not to find more of them. Those looking for tonal perfection or elegant songcraft may find it here, but are often turned away before doing so by the stark truth of it's loose-live-dive setting and Landau's "living-on-the-edge improvisational approach. But that, to me, seems to hold the key to this disc's staying power. It may never give enough of what you THINK you want - but if you listen, you usually come away with the discovery of something unexpected in the music. That is a pleasure all too rare.

I have many albums that are like candy - pack a big sugary rush. I like them, they have their place. I have a few that are substantial, complex and mysteriously satisfying.

This is one and my opinion of Michael Landau as a musician is all the better for it.

Having grown up near The Baked Potato in North Hollywood, some of the best guitar players in the business (Carlton, Ritenour, Lukather, Gambale etc. etc.) were my everday neighborhood players. Needless to say, I got very spoiled listening to the caliber of talent that regularly plays there. I started seeing Mike Landau play there almost 20 years ago and I was immediately hooked. Although not a well-known a name, Mike is legendary in the "real" guitar player circles and he has legions of loyal fans around the world. Having played with everyone from Pink Floyd to Pavarotti, he might just be the greatest all-around, yet unknown player in the world. Anyone who has seen Mike play live will tell you about that incredible swelled tone, feel, taste and just plain bluesy-gritty strat heaven. Mike has great ears, and always seem to play just right for the music, while still pushing the boundaries. When you get familiar with his style, you just won't settle for less. Although he has such a diverse range of styles and can't be hemmed in, this disk does as good a job as any capturing the feel of one of his live shows. To hear more of Mike's playing, I'd also strongly recommend you check out either of the two Live at The Baked Potato disks from Greg Mathieson, or either of Stolen Fish's great alternative rock CDs, featuring Mike's playing and led by his wife Karen. For reviewer "Michael", who wants a more rocking Landau, check out his classic rock bands Burning Water or Raging Honkies. Their disks are still available online.

If you 're a guitar player or simply if you are a music lover this live performances must be added to your collection . Mike moves easily from a Hendrix like sound to a modern jazz ( a la Abercrombie , to give you an idea ..) playing in both of cases wonderful guitar things . This is the typical cd that you uneasily take off from your player .

Wow. Amazing and unpredictable note choices. What can be said about Landau's tone that has not already been said? Is Landau from this planet? Purchase this unit and ask the same questions for yourself... Landau's supporting musicians put in solid performances as well. This reviewer is partial to the work of Toss Panos, truth be told. Buy/Enjoy/Spread the word! Suggestion to Landau: Please tour in the Midwest Region of the U.S. of A., when budget permits. Thanks for reading this --

His guitar play is very good as it has always been but his singing is ordinary. That reduces the value of the recording. If you can forgive that, then it is worth picking it up for the delightful guitar work.

I think this cd is excellent.The only weak area is the vocal.I'm not sure who is singing on this cd,but this person schould never sing,not even in the shower!Micheal's guitar is fantastic.The remainder of the music is great,but again the vocals ruin this cd!With a good vocalist this cd is 5 stars all the way!

While many compare Landau's guitar work to Hendrix I would offer a STRONG Zappa influence regarding tone shaping. This guy can coax unbelieveable sound out of six-strings.

Also check out Karizma's "Document" and Burning Water's "Live and Lit" for more tasty Landau treats!

Being a diehard fan of Landau for several years now -- this is a MUST OWN cd, if you claim to be a "Micheal Landau Fan". Rooted in his blues / rock mojo Landau delivers, cool collection of tunes -- add this to your collection immediately!!!