Rickie lee jones TEMPLE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER PHILADELPHIA PA DEC. 04, 2010



Singer/ Songwritter


taped by Tony (IMAGEMAN2005)

Audience recording

recorder Edirol R-09HR/ microphone SONY ECM-719



Sound edited by by ANE (FLIPP022)


flac level> 6

19 TRACKS


the sound is very good hifi stereo +++++++++++++++++++++++

RICKIE LEE JONES
DEC. 04, 2010
TEMPLE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
PHILADELPHIA PA.

PERFORMING HER FIRST TWO ALBUMS LIVE

Rickie Lee's self-titled debut album is essential listening for anyone who considers themselves a fan of jazz, female singer-songwriters, or plain old good music.
When this album hit the marketplace at the tail end of the 70's it was truly an oasis in what had become a rather boring era of music. Punk and disco had both burned themselves out, and the California singer/songwriter movement was on its last leg. There wasn't anything that could be considered "fresh" on the radio. And then, out of nowhere, came "Chuck E's In Love", heralding the advent of the most original artist of the era.
"RLJ" is primarily guitar based (Pirates, released 2 years later, would confirm the multi-instrumental power of Rickie), and the songs are so brilliant that as I write this, 25 years after this album was released, I can still play this music and think how fresh the sound remains. That's a testament to Rickie's writing and playing, which remain unmatched by any modern singer.
"Weasel And the White Boys Cool", a song about an acquaintance (Sal Bernardi), who would later become a lover remains my favorite from this disc. The guitar work on this song is incredible, and Rickie's vocals are playful and gorgeous. And her lyrics, while sometimes unintelligible upon first listen (the hiccuppy nature of her vocals, and her habit of eliding full syllables may turn off some listeners, but they are one of her most endearing traits), are as strong as any writer of popular music.
"Company" is a cabaret classic, and songs of longing like this tune fit Rickie's voice perfectly. This song has been covered many times since its release (Melissa Errico being the most recent), but nobody can capture Rickie's emotions while singing this tune.
"Danny's All Star Joint" is a genuine romp - its a shame Rickie doesn't play this song (and it's sister pieces, "Woody and Dutch" from Pirates, and "Juke Box Fury" from "The Magazine") more often in live shows. Rickie has an incredible way with uptempo pieces of this nature, and they are sorely missed on discs such as "Flying Cowboys".
"Last Chance Texaco" will break your heart if you ponder its meaning, and musically, it has to be one of the saddest uses of the guitar ever recorded. There is genuine heartbreak in this song, and no one conveys this type of feeling as well as Rickie.
"Coolsville" and "Easy Money" are wonderful songs, with what sound at first listen like incredibly simple arrangements. It is only after repeated listenings (and this album deserves such repeated listening) that the subtle complexities in the instrumentation, vocals and harmonies are revealed.
It still amazes me that an album this perfect was a debut release. And amazes me even further that she was able to avoid a spohmore slump by offering up the even more brilliant "Pirates". She is, in my opinion, the best singer of my generation, and a must-own for any serious music fan.

Rickie Lee's self-titled debut album

Song Title Time
01. Chuck E's In Love 3:30
02. On Saturday Afternoons In 1963 2:33
03. Night Train 3:18
04. Young Blood 4:07
05. Easy Money 3:17
06. The Last Chance Texaco 4:09
07. Danny's All-Star Joint 4:06
08. Coolsville 3:48
09. Weasel And The White Boys Cool 5:59
10. Company 4:52
11. After Hours (Twelve Bars Past Midnight)





PIRATES

Song Title Time Price
01. We Belong Together 5:03
02. Living It Up 6:25
03. Skeletons 3:40
04. Woody And Dutch On The Slow Train To Peking 5:17
05. Pirates (So Long Lonely Avenue) 3:54
06. A Lucky Guy 4:20
07. Traces Of The Western Slopes 7:59
08. The Returns 2:19