[Slowhand] Just got blueswailing

[Apurva Parikh]

...Hey Folks, well i finally got my copy of Blueswailing 64, the live 
yardbirds release.

Short Review:

1. Packaging:
Wonderful liner notes, really emphasizing the Keith and Eric's performance, 
and very good quotes from the bandmembers talking about Eric's blues 
influence and how even at that time he was destined for greatness. The Eric 
quotes seemed to have been pulled from past interviews with Rolling Stone 
and other publications, nonetheless a lot of good pictures and extensive 
notes about the concer itself.

2. Sound:
Much warmer and more of a "live"/ambient feel to this. The lower end is much 
more noticeable, and the entire recording, as opposed to Five Live Y'birds, 
doesn't sound reedy or tinny to my ears. This is definite headphone 
listening, to hear Eric's delicate playing, fiery arpeggio's, you can tell 
he was smokin' that night, playing his Tele or Jazzmaster. (the liner notes 
refer to Eric playing a newly purchased Jazzmaster I think, must have been 
very expensive at the time).

3. Performance, etc
Whjile i've only listened to the whole thing at once, I am impressed. 
Yardbirds were not jsut a blues cover band, but a band that could hold its 
own with any of its time, Stones/beatles included. The bass playing is 
wonderfully present, Keiths' singing while restrained at times is quite 
passionate. Eric's playing, for me is the centerpeice of course, being an EC 
fan, you can hear all the buddy guy influences (ala the Hoodoo Man album, 
quick pull offs, etc), and the freddy king influences as well.
I wonder what it must have been like to see this band rip it up first 
hand...

Good release all in all, must have for any EC or blues fan.

AAP

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