Search - Janis Ian :: Janis Ian Live: Working Without a Net

Super Live Set

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 01/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've enjoyed some great 2 CD live sets such as Bonnie Raitt's "Road Tested," Laura Nyro's "The Loom's Desire" and the James Taylor "Live" set. Janis Ian's "Working Without A Net" ranks right up with the best. First of all, a prerequisite for me, the sound quality is excellent. In the excellent notes in the booklet, she details how this was recorded on two-track, not multi-tracked and edited and cleaned up in the studio. What we hear is what happened live. From the opening drums on "This Train Still Runs" and the train whistle blowing, we can tell we're in for a great bash. "Fly Too High" was not one I was familiar with, but it's great jazzy rendition written with Giorgio Moroder makes me hit repeat. The hits "Jesse," "Stars," & "Society's Child" shimmer like familiar jewels in new settings. The humor songs "Boots Like Emmy Lou's" & "Cosmopolitan Girl" are great fun. "Honor Them All" which I first became acquainted with on the Mothers Against Drunk Drivers CD works well as recorded in Japan. Janis talks about feeling sad when listening to "Silly Habits" because she injured her hand & will never play piano again as she did that night in Holland. The CD concludes with the wacked out version of "These Boots Were Made for Walking" which is great fun.

Janis writes, "The relationship between performer & audience at a live show is fascinating, energizing, amazing. A good audience feeds you, makes you want to exceed your best. And a good performance feeds the audience, making them feel that you're speaking to them directly." Janis indeed accomplishes this on "Working Without A Net." She & Oh Boy Records have picked some blockbuster performances from her many live tapes. Bravo!"

Who needs a net when you can soar like this?

Paige Turner | Los Angeles, CA | 04/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stop reading these reviews and order this CD! If Janis isn't coming to your town, this is the next best thing to seeing her live. She is authentic, warm, funny and amazingly gifted.Her songs have a social consciousness without being preachy. Who do you think paved the way for Suzanne Vega, Alanis Morisette, and the rest of those female singer-songwriters? Janis wrote the book on great writing. She knows how to weave a lyric that lingers for days around your heart.This is a woman whose had an amazing 40 year career and shows no sign of slowing down. With age usually comes wisdom. Janis was wise beyond her years as a teenager. I think she has many great songs left to write, but this CD gives you a great overview of her music.You walk into her show wondering how you'll be entertained by a four foot nothing middle aged Jewish lesbian. Buy the CD and you'll understand. JANIS ROCKS!"

What Janis Ian fans have waited for

Bobby Newman | Long Beach, NY USA | 01/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a CD that captures the experience of Janis Ian in concert. Those who know Janis' music and concerts understand the depth of her writing and performances. From the inspirational This Train Still Runs through the power and emotion of the classic Society's Child and Tattoo, this CD shows the range of talent and hard work that have made Janis Ian one of music's most worthwhile listens."