Customer Reviews

Live at the BBC

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Incredible.

It does not matter whether you have been a fan of the SAHB around the time of their appearance on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert or just digging the group, this 2-CD set of recordings for the BBC is an important new addition to the discography of the iconic Alex Harvey.

Recorded in 1972-1973 and 1975-1977, Harvey is on top of his game as a storyteller - especially on Next and Give My Compliments to the Chef - with the mostly clean mix capturing the magical artistry of the band.

The two selections each of Midnight Moses and The Faith Healer demonstrate how Harvey meticulously tweaks the arrangements to deliver something fresh and vibrant. A gem is The Last of the Teenage Idols and the cool surprises are a hot rendition of Dance to the Music and Boston Tea Party.

The studio never did the band justice, but there remains a dearth of "official" live material available. But the dusty vault yielded these 18 cuts that are made loud to be played loud....early and often.

At last one of the Holy Grails of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band is released by the good old BBC. I've treasured the memories of Alex and the lads on the Old Grey Whistle Test and, dare I say it Top of the Pops?? (Yes)
The CD is a double with the first concentrating on Alex at the Paris Theatre and it is a stonking performance, well recorded and 11 wonderful tracks long. Believe it or not the stand out track for me has to be Dance to the Music which really shows how the band could really Rock. Every musician comes to the fore and it's just wonderful. The second CD has all the performances on the Old Grey Whistle Test that we just loved. I believe I am right in saying that the band recorded their tracks before BUT Alex sang live! Wonderful. The CD itself comes with a great and informative booklet by Sid Smith (Dec 2008) he describes the pedigree of all the tracks and I really must compliment him doing such a great job. These notes really add to the enjoyment of both CDS
The Price is an absolute steal. 18 numbers on a double Cd with a great cover, fab notes. If you wondering whether to buy the live Alex Cds I suggest you buy this. I'm sure that like me you will come back for more.
5 great stonking Stars!! Brilliant.
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i saw SAHB live twice when i was on a working holiday in London in 1973 - the first time they were touring the FRAMED album, second time it was NEXT -the level of excitement generated at each concert cannot be put onto disc, but the BBC tracks here sure took me back to the Dagenham Roundhouse.
if you've ever seen SAHB live - this is for you!

I originally had the single cd release but when i saw this double i knew i had to have it. It not only showcases the band but, also the slight personal changes. No one was better that Zal on guitar. for all you crazies, check out Zal with Nazareth. i never got the chance to see them because my city was to small to fit a big band into town. I watched all the IN CONCERT footage they had on TV. What a great band and a great live cd.