The Concert for New York City

by

Various Artists

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One of the eeriest moments of this splendid, live recording is Billy Joel's performance of Miami 2017 in which the terrible events of September 2001 seemed to be foretold. The performer's voice breaks on the highs but it only seems to add to the pathos of his delivery. Like any live album of this sort, there are highs and lows. The highs, which include Mick Jagger and Keith Richard's powerhouse delivery of SALT OF THE EARTH, and Roger Daltrey's vocal on BABA O' REILLY, are some of the most passionate performances you've ever heard. And Daltrey's voice hardly sounds different from the one we heard thirty years ago. The great sanity and gentleness of James Taylor's performance will, in the historic context of this event, draw tears from more than one listener. Even Destiny's Child delivers beautifully in a Gospel Medley that will send shivers up your spine. Amidst all this grandeur are more lackluster moments,including David Bowie's opening cover of Paul Simon's AMERICA, Adam Sandler's very odd performance of OPERAMAN and Backstreet Boys' surprisingly sleepy rendition of QUIT PLAYING GAMES WITH MY HEART. There are also some blisteringly fine performances that are plopped into the middle of the performance -- such as HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN performed by Eric Clapton and the beloved Buddy Guy, that are so damned good, we want to hear another cut or two from the duo, but must settle for one. Live performances are always a dog to record, but the four producers of this landmark recording did all they could to create a wide soundstage, balanced accoustics and minimal rolloff distortion during the loudest cuts. Most of all, the audience is a living, breathing part of the recording; they react to the music, join with it, cheer it, even boo it once or twice. All of net Sony's net proceeds on the album will benefit the Robin Hood fund, so it's an especially satisfying purchase too. Over all, I loved this album, warts and all. It is one our children will share with their children. It proves that music can be unbelievably healing. And who knows, you may even get up and dance to it once or twice. I did, and it felt great.