who surprised and who disappointed

Patricia Barber live was incredible. I figured she would be, but had no idea the talent of her musicians until I saw them first hand. Absolutely incredible.

Harry Bellafonte (okay I don't think much of his political positions currently--but his music is amazing). His voice was failing, but charisma was 110% on stage as were his musicians--again incredible.

Harry Connick Jr., really wasn't expecting much because I just don't think his albums are that great. On stage--different story he is brilliant, charismatic, and creative. Incredible musicians. Every night he changes the program--which I think lends itself to more creativity. He is a must see.

Janis Ian. Seen her a few times now and she is so funny on stage. I didn't know if I was at a comedy club or a music club. Can't remember having more fun at a concert.

Hey....don't forget Barry Manilow!

Buddy Guy: Rawked, dude!!!!!

BB King: Boring. I walked out about halfway through...

Don't go to many concerts anymore but here are a few from my archives. Hope you younger folks remember some of them:

Surprised:
Pink Floyd (saw them 3 times over 30 years ago and each show was stunning. I think the "medicine" helped)
Linda Ronstadt
Keb Mo
Emerson, Lake, and Palmer
Yes (w/Wakeman)
Deep Purple (w/ Ian Gillian)
Jethro Tull
REM
Billy Joel
Mountain

Disappointed compared to studio:
Led Zeppelin (Plant's voice blew out in 1971)
Rolling Stones (good show but marginal music)
Free
Fleetwood Mac (Buckingham/Nicks)
Moody Blues
Jefferson Airplane (w/ Marty Balin)
Crosby, Stills, and Nash

Surprising:
Perhaps the best concert I ever attended, The Who, just after releasing Quadrophenia, we had never even heard these songs yet. Cobo Hall in Detroit, I think the crowd was in shock, couldn't even make a peep of noise.
Alice Cooper, early 70's, the shows were fabulous.
Many of the SE Michigan bands of the late 60's, early 70's, Mitch Ryder and Detroit Wheels, MC5, Up, Sunday Funnies, SRC and others.
Cyndi Lauper, with Rick Derringer, pretty damn nice!
Disappointments:
Todd Rungren and Utopia, I've seen high school bands play better, perhaps a bad night?
Moody Blues, probably could never sound like their recordings.
Patti Smith, 1st half of the concert they were awesome, took an hour break and couldn't play, probably heroin and/or the coca with the alcohol chaser.