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Frustrated with Bonamassa Live CDs

Several years ago the wife heard and liked Joe Bonamassa, and then we saw him in concert -- a talented guitar player with a solid band. We are very partial to live recordings and have his (i) Live at the Beacon in NYC and (ii) Live at Royal Albert Hall (the CD not DVD). Both are very good performances, but unfortunately both CDs sound bad in our system. Almost no separation of instruments, overall veiled and muddy, etc. Basically (and disappointingly) they sound like the many crap rock/pop recordings that just do not qualify for high-end listening. To be clear, great quality live CDs (e.g., Allmans, Pink Floyd, various Big Swing Bands) sound awesome in our room. Are these two Bonamassa CDs' just examples of a high-end system highlighting poor recording? Anyone else experience this with these two CDs? Alternatives or recommendations appreciated.
whitecap
rhanson739
269 posts
 
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I like Chazro's take: "Are you in it for the music or the sound?"

We're big JB fans, and see him live every chance we have. His shows are always a good time, but he can rock you back on your heels.

I agree that the recordings are not nearly optimal, but they always remind us of his performances. We'll spin him if we're out on the back deck or working in the kitchen -- his music has "reach" -- but for critical listening, umm... not so much.

Doesn't keep us from appreciating what he does, though. He shreds.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
And the eternal answer is both.
saki70
907 posts
 
Well , here is where I am coming from ...
I have several of his concerts recorded on my cable box , and for so-so quality I am happy with them .
But , for some nice quality recordings I would be willing to spend some cash which would give Bonamassa some royalties .
Most everything that he has done is available somewhere for free to the end user , meaning he is not receiving any royalties ! Sure he made something for the performance that is being recorded . But he is not getting anything for all of the individuals listening to it outside of the original venue !
So what is the smarter decision , make a recording that everybody will enjoy and revere or make a recording that only a part of the market will enjoy ?
Good recordings are accomplishable because others do it !

Happy Tunes
rhanson739
269 posts
 
Saki70 -- Perhaps that's why Joe is "Always on the Road." Could be his business model.
jperry
2,450 posts
 
Try "Live from Nowhere in Particular". I have the two LP set. There is also a 2 LP set with the same title. I think it sounds good, but I can't comment on the CD as I only have the vinyl pressing. Nice rendition of Slow Gin on the album.
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