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| Jazz; NPJF 1001 (62:51) | ||
| 6 July 1969; Newport Jazz Festival; Newport, Rhode Island | ||
| Track Listing: Train Kept A Rollin', I Can't Quit You, Dazed and Confused, You Shook Me, How Many More Times, Communication Breakdown, Long Tall Sally. | ||
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Recording Quality: The more complete of two audience tape sources
featured here sounds *almost* very good. The audio has a microphonic
quality that limits response and fullness. Other negatives include the
festival's low PA volume that undermixes Page, hiss, and some crackles at
the end of How Many More Times. However, all the music is here and the
instruments are all audible and clear. Some slight cuts after some songs,
probably while the band is tuning - most of Plant's comments remain.
Comments: The once famous Newport Jazz Festival has devolved into a pop-rock gig. Louis Armstrong and other contemporaries of the original "Yardbird", Charlie Parker, made this a famous jazz date in the 50's. Newport grew commercial, and a group of artists led by Charles Mingus splintered off into their own "jazz festivals" in protest. By 1969 the New Yardbirds take the stage... at least they display some links to jazz in their blues roots and featured solos. The mic picks up audience excitement: shouts of "Sit down!" as Train Kept A Rollin kicks in. And the audience demand "Louder!" during I Can't Quit You, while Bonham drums exciting variations on the standard blues shuffle beat. Plant confidently ad-libs, leading the band through the opening segments of Dazed And Confused Now unafraid to steer the band, his sustained moans lead to the fast guitar solo with some "Talkin 'bout my baby" lyrics. Unfortunately, Page's guitar sounds distant and the audiene complains about the sound. Plant, always a man of the people, makes the soundman turn it up, and asks the crowd "Can You Hear It?" With his voice and harmonica now louder, Plant overpowers the band with his harp solo. The singer's exuberant performance through You Shook Me features alternate lyrics, "You can rock me baby, rock me all night long." He pushes himself to the end- his voice is gold. Someone at the mixing desk finally boosts Page's fader before How Many More Times. Plant adds many lyrics, improvising passionately until Page leaves him alone to scream, then answers his panting with the guitar. The audience scream for "More! More!" and get a Communication Breakdown with some riffs from "As Long As I Have You" and some nice stalls from Bonzo. Feeding off the crowd, Plant tears into "Long Tall Sally," but he only knows the first verse and half the chorus. Still, he incites the audience to frenzy and they sing with him, "Have some fun tonight!" Packaging: The plain photos in barfy office colors give an indistinct look to this generic label's product. Sound Rating: 5-6 Bottom Line: The bluesy set showcases Plant's aggresive vocals and harmonica as he turns in a classic performance. His powerful voice, the raw recording, and the great crowd atmosphere preserve all the excitement of this concert. I recommend it. Eric Romano (7/10/97) The review for "Jazz" is ©1997 Eric Romano, and may not be reproduced in any media, electronic or otherwise, without the express permission of the author. |
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