4.0 out of 5 stars
Steppin' It Up - performed live!, February 21, 2004
This review is from: One More Night (Audio CD)
Made in UK in 2002, Serial# CRP-1019, Playing Time 63:12
This CD, following closely on the footsteps of the "Steppin' It Up" album, is basically the same album, but performed live as recorded at the Mean Fiddler in London on 2002/05/22.
Even the running order is the same !!! And most of the tracks have a very similar arrangement than on "Steppin' It Up"; no song left out, no song added... It should in fact have been called "Steppin' It Up - Live!"
If you're a novice (or not an unconditional fan), I suggest you pick up this live "version" first; it seems to have more "life" than its studio equivalent, as it seems the presence of an audience has energized some of the arrangements. The biggest improvement, at least to my ears, is the rendition of "I'm Alive", which has been injected with some dose of vitality (the "Steppin' It Up" version lacked enthusiasm...)
A good effort, with Lawton in good form; if both "Steppin' It Up" and "One More Night" catch your attention, start with this live recording; if you like it, then expand your collection with the studio counterpart "Steppin' It Up", which is a bit more subdued (a strange notion considering they're both mainly unplugged)
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Closer to 2.5, February 14, 2004
This review is from: One More Night (Audio CD)
I generally prefer my John Lawton with a bit more oomph. Having thoroughly enjoyed Trick in the Tale I found this a little tame, but having said that it is a CD that is very easy to listen to and contains live versions of a some great songs. The band is very tight and JL sounds as good as ever, which goes without saying I guess. I don't think any fan of JL will be disappointed with this album, but don't expect too much flat out rockin'. It's well worth a listen though.
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