Live From San Francisco [Live]

Etta James | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: RCA Victor
• ASIN: B0000000LS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,351 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Powerful performance, June 22, 2008

By 

T. McCool "old married guy" (Lafayette, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Live From San Francisco (Audio CD)

Although this was released in 1994, it was actually recorded in March 1981. Etta and friends financed the recording but were unable to release it. Thankfully, this was pulled out of the vault. Obviously, this recording was a labor of love and it shows.

I have to admit, I was not entirely ready for the growling vocals, and even at times it sounds like Etta is gargling water! But it's apparent she's just having fun and doing it on purpose. When she launches into a devastating cover of Take It To The Limit (my favorite track), you know you're in the hands of a pro.

The backing band is tight and stripped down. One guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and a minimum of horns. The audience obviously LOVES Etta and their enthusiasm drives the performance. Etta delivers a great set of blues, soul and R&B that is guaranteed to satisfy. Signature songs Tell Mama, Sugar On The Floor, and I'd Rather Go Blind are followed by a three song Otis Redding medley. Etta wraps it up with an exquisite song titled Born Blue.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Etta James -Live as I can get, January 6, 2001

By 

booknblueslady (Woodland, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live From San Francisco (Audio CD)

Having never seen Etta James live, I am thrilled to have in my possession her cd Live from San Francisco and I play it often. I love the live vitality that this recording displays. Until hearing Etta's version of "Take it to the limit" I wouldn't have believed that the Eagles wrote anything close to a blues song. Her version is fabulous. Etta also does wonderful versions of such classics as "I just want to make love to you", 'Baby What you Want me To Do' and "Tell Mama".

I recommend this cd for capturing the spirit of a live Etta James performance.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely the best I've ever heard her - not to be missed, August 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Live From San Francisco (Audio CD)

From the opening track, you know you have hit upon something unlike any other Etta James recording. She did this one herself and was about as comfortable as any singer has ever been. Every track belongs, there are no 'throw aways' on the entire album. The band is cookin' and the very end when the audience is chanting 'Etta - Etta - Etta' you just want to join in and scream her name too. I wish there were more like this out there. "I'd Rather Be Blind" is the best version she ever did. and "Sugar On The Floor" makes you want to cry!