Wednesday, 2 March 2022

Live - DONNY HATHAWAY****

What's Goin' On/The Ghetto/Hey Girl/You've Got A Friend/Little Ghetto Boy/We're Still Friends/Jealous Guy/Voices Inside (Everything Is Everything)

Donny Hathaway Live was the only major hit album by this soul singer and keyboardist. It was divided between sessions at New York’s Bitter End club and the Troubadour in Hollywood. He is best remembered for his duets with Roberta Flack. (US:18)

“Easily one of the greatest live experiences ever captured on wax. The group backing Hathaway is absolutely phenomenal. Donny was blessed with one of the all time great voices for soul music. He sounds a bit like Stevie Wonder with a more gospel edge, but there's a certain level of pain and sadness to his vocals that is unmatched by anyone else.”

“A terrific live recording. With the sound quality, and the interaction between Donny Hathaway and the audience, you feel like you are there. The band nicely show off their talent during some jams as well.”

“This is how a live album is supposed to be: easy-going, groovy, funky, an entertaining experience for the audience as well as for the players. Not only is Hathaway's voice great, he plays the keyboard like a demon. That, plus some fine percussion work makes this album a must for soul seekers, a timeless gem.”

“Any fan of live 1970s soul recordings will love this album which fuses funk and soul with touches of jazz, and extended bouts of improvisation with social commentary. The instruments used are both typical of 1970s soul: electric piano and organ, congas, electric bass, electric guitar, drums, and, as in other forms of funk and soul groups, horns.”

“This really has everything a live album should have. There's a competent backing band, the singer doesn't mess everything up like some do, good choice of material, and the execution of the material is different enough from the norm to be exciting. Donny has a great voice and also great keyboard skills, necessary considering there are about fifteen minutes for keyboard soloing on here.”

“Donny Hathaway was an amazing singer; there is no doubt about that. This has got to be on of the greatest live albums ever. It is amazing how much the audience plays a part in making this a great album.”

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