I need a live great recording

Several posters recommended eric claptons unplugged...I agree, and the dvd is dramatically better soundwise than the cd..try it and see..you wont be sorry

Benjamin Zander leading the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra in STRAVINSKY's Sacre de Printemps on Pickwick 1990 (now Carleton Records), live at Jordan Hall, Boston. The awaited revisit performance two years ago wasn't as good (alas).
This was the first recording of the Sacre at original tempo, as well, and has astonishing musicality and tension. You WILL be in the hall, on the edge of your listening chair in the Sacrificial Dance. This is a favorite gift CD of mine after I set up a budget system for a friend. A jaw-dropper everytime. Do NOT have an espresso with your dinner guests if you're going to play this, and plan to go for a walk afterwards to shake off the transferred chi!

Here are some of my best-sounding live pop/rock CDs:

1) James Taylor "Live (1992)"
2) Elton John "Live in Australia"
3) Eric Clapton "24 nights"
4) Grateful Dead "Without a Net"
5) Bela Fleck/Flecktones "Live Art"

Allan Holdsworth's CD called ALL NIGHT WRONG...a trio, so its very uncluttered. He had his hands even on microphone placement. Chad Wakerman on drums and I cant remember the bass player,,Its expensive though,,,from audiophile imports.

Oh! JImmy Johnson on bass...;-)

You will not be dissapointed!!!

I really enjoy a lot of Keith Jarrett's work on ECM, and much of it was recorded live. Highlights include: Up For It (the most recent Trio disc), La Scala (solo), Köln Concert (solo), Whisper Not (Trio in Paris, 2-disc), The Cure (Trio, Town Hall, New York), and so many more.

Also on ECM, Pat Metheny Group - Travels is excellent. The new release by the Dave Holland Quintet - Extended Play: Live at Birdland, is a great display of musical fireworks by the best current working band in jazz.

On the Telarc label, Ray Brown - Live at Scullers; beautiful and energetic straight-ahead jazz. Concord released a 2-CD set of 3 LP's from the 80's, featuring Brown's Triple Scoop trio, with guest John Frigo on violin, also very good.

Rush's Exit Stage Left was the soundtrack of my teenage years, although I don't know about the quality of the recording.