Customer Reviews

In Performance

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I can't think of'a soul singer from the '70s who could touch an' inspire an audience the way Donny did. He hadda a small, but loyal fanbase, an' they seemed to jus' ADORE e'ything he did. His previous live album set the bar for other live albums to come after it, an' it has yet to be surpassed in my eyes. But, Donny himself, came close right here. The dark, moody an' rugged sound of 'Donny Hathaway Live' has been replaced with a breezy, more spiritual, an' in someways more fulfilling sound as he delves into standards like the opener 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black' exuding so much passion in his voice an' playing it will bring a tear to your eye; this is an example of a live version completely BLOWING away the studio version. One'a my personal favorites 'A Song for You' he approaches with such calm an' heartfelt easiness an' builds it up as it goes along, bringin' out all the heartache, pain, an' redemption of an unfixable-relationship that can only be saved by two good souls willing to be there for one another; the way Donny sings this one, it jus' utterly buries me. After the extended lightly-funky instrumental 'Nu-Po' he brings the house down with the dour n' bluesy 'I Love You More than You'll Ever Know'; the high-hat on the backbeat jus' thumps an' thumps hauntingly an' hypnotically while Donny brings the song to it's crashing, thunderous climax, leaving the audience breathless. The real pinnacles of the album come in the final two numbers: on 'We Need You Right Now' he speaks volumes about the state of humanity an' the world, praising, beggin' an' pleadin' for spiritual intervention. Is' one'a the most powerful performances I've ever heard, an' is' not so much the lyrics themselves as it is the way he sings them. When he cries 'dem passionate cries about people goin' hungry an' not even havin' clothes to put on, an' man bein' outta hand with his evil ways, you jus' wanna stand up an' yell "TESTIFY!" 'cause you know is' the truth. Whether it be in the '70s or here in our time is' the truth, an' as long as there have been poets an' singers that have been urgin' for change an' love, is' a damn shame nothin' has been done about it. If you love this man's work, you'll wanna own this album for that number alone, 'cause is' only available here. He touches the audience one more time with the breezy, laid-back 'Sack Full of Dreams', a song that more or less explains the wonderful heart that Donny had. Is' the kinda song I hope one day when I'm dead an' gone, my friends an' family will hear an' think of me, an' know that all I ever wanted was to bring some harmony to my people. I've already told a lotta my peoples that I want it played at my funeral (along with 'Lord Help Me' also by Donny).

To me, this man spoke volumes about so many things an' is the most underrated talent music has ever seen. Is' tragic the way he died, an' when you listen to these beautiful, life-affirming songs, especially 'We Need You Right Now' an' 'Sack Full of Dreams' it makes me all the more sad that he went out the way he did. Luckily he left behind a brief, but powerful legacy of some'a the greatest music ever recorded, an' has inspired more of today's contemporary singers than most may realize. He is my ALL-TIME favorite singer, an' this album is yet another testament to his power.

This live performance recording even outshines the superb live album "Donny Hathaway" which was Donny's signature album. These gems further illustrate the remarkable power and the awesome musicianship of an artist who left us entirely too early. Standout cuts are "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black", a gospel selection which is substantial indication of Mr. Hathaway's musical foundation and a further illustration of how well he cultivated his art and the magnificent "Sack Full of Dreams", a jazzy rendition with masterful piano work. The audience is definitely in tune with Mr. Hathaway. This is pure genius and is a showcase for his talents. For those singers today who are serious about their craft, this is an excellent refernece point. His talent as an accompanist, arranger, and vocalist, extraodinaire made him one of the most sought after session men of the day. Listening to this just reminds you of what a definite loss to the music world he was but you immediately become thankful that we have performances such as these at our disposal. A DEFINITE MUST!!!!!!!!

In addition to his other albums, this album further solidifies the magical pureness found in Mr. Hathaway's voice. I remain mystified at the way his voice can reach and pull your heart and mind into songs such as " A Song For You", "To Be Young Gifted and Black", and "Sack Full Of Dreams"; it feels as though you're right there with him as he pours his heart into song. A man whose voice stands in a class of his own, Mr, Hathaway deserves much more acclaim than he's receiving, I recommend this album to those listeners who wish to hear and explore the intimate passion and LIFE that Mr. Hathaway gave to his songs. His delivery throughout the live session is sheer brilliance, and definitely can stand on its own.

One of the most thought provoking artists of all time. Donny Hathaway presents lyrics that bring out the innermost feelings and emotions in us all. You can almost feel the emotions he pours out in both his lyrics and his musical arrangements. "A Song For You", "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" and "Sack Full Of Dreams".... man! The lyrics are both calming, relaxing, and intimate. A perfect mood setter. Stock your cd changer with some of Donny's cds, put it on random, and sit back and relax. But just don't take my word for it! I've also recommended "Donny Hathaway Collection" to my friends and told them that I would reimburse them the cost of the cd if they didn't like it. Needless to say... I've kept my money over the years. If you appreciate powerful/thought provoking lyrics and romanticism from a true artist then this is the one.

I searched discographies high and low for this album, and I am absolutely grateful to Amazon for having this classic import. Not too many singers can do it like Hathaway, but this is one album that all Donny Hathaway fans and R&B enthusiasts MUST have! I first heard "We Need You Right Now" when it was first released in approximately 1980. I have never forgotten that song, which is a moving social commentary of American culture and I have been determined to own it. Let Hathaway's beautiful music continue to live on in these classic reprints.

How anyone can listen to this disc and not be deeply moved is beyond me. I love all of Donny's work, every bit of it, including his production work, but nowhere does he pull at my heartstrings like he does on this one. Donny gives us all of himself on this one and holds nothing back. For all true lovers of R&B this is a must have. Many have borrowed from Donny's work,Stevie, Peabo, and a host of others, but none have ever equaled him.

I had the cassette of this album for several years before I wore it out. Over the years I've purchased several other Donny Hathaway CDs with different performances of these songs, but I've never felt the same power as the renditions on this CD. The give and take betwen Hathaway and the rapturous crowd gives me goose bumps and makes me wanna shout! No matter how much Hathaway you own, you'll be glad you got this one.

Not enough people are aware of Donny Hathaway, which is a crime. This man influenced more great soul singers than one can imagine. He galvanized a whole generation of dissenfranchised young men and women through his music to stand up and be counted, be proud, tap into their spirit and love one another. With just his music and that unbelievable voice. With only just six tracks, this live recording will take you to that moment in time & I dare you not to be touched by this man!!!
The best tracks are To Be Young, Gifted & Black, A Song For You, I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know & his self-penned We Need You Right Now. Listen for earnest audience partcipation & frenzied enthusiasm from the crowd. On this recording, it really works and is not in the way. Magical night!! A must have. I would give this ten stars if I could!!

This album is second only to Donny's amazing "Live" album. That said the recording quality on "in Performance" is actually a step above "Live". Its as clear and pure as Donny's voice and a very pleasant surprise. I have no idea where this was recorded but the venue sounds like it is tiny - almost as if it were in a church judging from the intimate audience participation.

For me the standout track is "I'll love you more than you'll ever know" which has one of Donny's greatest vocal performances of all time. His band is in top form as well.

I also have all of Donny's studio albums, but to me, Donny's live material is just so much better. There's none of the corny strings or primitive synth sounds that plagued so many 70's soul productions. Also Donny's vocals just seem to be so much more soulful and raw in the live setting.There are very few artists whose live work surpasses their studio output but Donny is the ultimate example. There is a reason his "live" album was his best selling release.

I think this may be why he is underrated (and even overlooked) compared to his contemporaries like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Al Green. Without the gold and platinum album sales and radio hits that made the others household names, you had to hear Donny live to understand what a monster talent he was. Pound for pound he was maybe the greatest soul singer of them all and definitely my favorite.

I'm enjoying it!! Took me way back to my childhood days. Donny is a great singer, songwriter, musician and performer and it comes out in his music. It's too bad his life was cut short, but wonderful that his music lives on. You won't be disappointed!!