Customer Reviews

Live at the Roxy

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4 star:		(1)
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...peak form Gladys and the boys in a high powered live performance from the 80's. I had to have it because it has one of my all time favorite songs, "Still Such a Thing" and Gladys' torch-y version of "I Will Survive". "Bourgie, Bourgie" breaks down to a gospel vamp in which Gladys seems to be enjoying herself as she spews out 'superduper, superduper bourgeoisie'...I never was all that crazy about "Landlord", but here with surprise vocalists Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warrick, I found myself at least groovin' to it. GK&TPs classics like "Midnight Train to Georgia," "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" and a superduper melody from the Motown & Buddha years are highlights of this nice CD..

Having seen Gladys in concert solo, this concert proves that she could never lose her touch. With her family behind her, Gladys and the Pips pack a punch time and time again. I can't keep myself from singing along every time I listen. Guest appearances by her friends Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder add a nice touch to this awesome album. If you've never seen Gladys and the Pips in concert, this collection of their best performances at the Roxy will give you a front row seat to a fantastic show.

This collection of performances from a 1980 Los Angeles engagement will probably be appreciated most by the diehard Knight fan for it's inclusion of lesser known favorites like "Still Such A Thing", "Bourgie Bourgie" and "Taste of Bitter Love". The liner notes, which describe Knight's appeal with perception (and include rare photos), claim these selections were culled from five nights of performances. However, the fatigue in Kinght's voice, which the discerning fan will hear, makes one wonder if this were perhaps the last show on the last night. The concert isn't Gladys Knight & The Pips at their live best, but it has its moments. Listen for audience members Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick to join Gladys briefly on "Landlord". The somewhat obscure disco-era "You Bring Out The Best In Me" may be a plus for some listeners.

After an unusual choice of start for Gladys,the tempo quickly picks up
through "Grateful",to a fantastic build up for "I don't want to do wrong" and a well compiled "Medley".As always she makes "Midnight Train" so natural and has a great ability to make songs like"I will survive",to her own unique style.On to a beautiful "Still Such a Thing",then finding energy for the classic "Heard it through the Grapevine".This would mke a great DVD,especially to give some well deserved credit to the Pips for their dance routines.