Al Stewart, Uncorked (Live With Dave Nachmanoff)

Al Stewart’s first all-acoustic live recording since 1992’s Rhymes In Rooms is a little like reconnecting with an old friend. Although not entirely unexpected, it’s still a welcome reminder of just how fine a talent the one-time “Year Of The Cat” hit-maker really is. Especially when left alone in a room to do his thing unadorned by the strings and over-production of some of those records made back when Stewart filled arenas, rather than the smaller, folkier venues where he was recorded here.… Read...

Poco, Live At Columbia Studios Hollywood 9/30/71

Just released in The States (on Collector’s Choice label), a live CD from the band Poco, Live At Columbia Studios Hollywood 9/30/71. Poco first made their reputation as a live act—it’s no accident that their 1971 live album, Deliverin’, was the band’s biggest seller until 1978’s ‘Legend’. The discovery of this crystal-clear recording from 1971, then, is cause for rejoicing for Poco fans; it was actually recorded a year later than ‘Deliverin” was, with the high-flying line-up of Richie Furay,Timothy B.… Read...