CSNY Live 1974

Saw Justin Hayward this past Thursday at Rams Head in Annapolis, MD.

His voice was as good as or better than ever, at least this night. I was impressed! I think he has a vocal style that lends itself to long term preservation. No vocal theatrics for the most part. He could be hit or miss on any given day even when younger. He is on tour a good part of each year every year still pretty much. I suspect he has learned how to deliver the goods people expect without burning out along the way. Pretty amazing really. I hope I can still do things well at that age.

He had a amazing young guitarist with him named Mike Dawes who opened solo and played with Justin along with a young lady on keyboard and backing vocals. It all worked perfectly. Dawes has a bright future ahead of him I think. Check out his videos on youtube.

We all want to remember iconic artists at their peak performing ability. The important point to me is that they created the body of original work in the first place. I am a huge Bryan Ferry fan and he turns 70 next year. He can't sing as well as he used to, but I will go see him every chance I get, because he is a consummate entertainer. So you might have to change arrangements a little bit because you can't hit the high notes anymore (or at least all the time)- big deal. Sometimes I like the new arrangements better than the original versions because, guess what, I am getting a little older too. A couple of years ago, I saw Robert Plant on the Band of Joy tour. The most memorable songs were from the Zeppelin catalogue. We all know what Plant could do as a front man for one of the biggest rock and roll bands on the planet. I found the arrangement of "Gallow's Pole" with Patty Griffin on background vocals and Buddy Miller playing guitar to be excellent and Plant seemed to be having a really good time as well. It must get old to be expected to sing the same songs every night to standards established 40 years ago. I think that we are lucky to still have CSNY around today and hopefully the box set will be a glimpse into the past using improved modern recording techniques.

Maxnewid- +1, and very well said. Was listening to Houses of the Holy late in to last night. I seemed to appreciate side 1 alot more than 2 for some reason. Perhaps my mood or just the fact I'm not getting younger. I saw CSN about 4-5 years ago, and greatly enjoyed them. Was it clear they were past their prime? Yes, but it was CSN. This summer, it's Jackson Browne,
Can't wait!

I remember seeing CSN&Y, The Beach Boys, and Joni Mitchell (feat. Jaco Pastorious!!!) back in the day! WHATASHOW!!

That does sound like an amazing show. Reminds me of the tour some of us on Agon saw in the late 60's--Beach Boys and Buffalo Springfield (Stills and Young).