Search - Nektar :: Live in New York

Get the double CD / Avoid the single CDs

KEVIN C. DELAHANTY | Newburyport, MA United States | 09/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My goodness, but what a difference. I have both versions of this release: the original separate CDs & the re-mastered double CD. The sound of the re-mastered vesion is so far superior that it made me question whether this was the same concert. If you're questioning your need to replace your earlier CDs (or LPs) rest assured, it is worth the expense. I've purchased other NEKTAR re-issues, only to be disappointed. This release is exhilarating!"

A couterweight to other opinions...

eric_the_redder | Los Angeles | 05/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sorry, I have to contradict the below reviewer. I've heard this in houses, cars, and boomboxes and the sound is NOT awful. It's not the cleanest live recording I've ever heard, but nothing from that period is. Yes, the band perspective is somewhat distant and the (I think small) performance space has a certain kind of echo.

But the band are quite energetic, and especially "King of Twilight" really hits a groove.

The disc would be good if that were the only decent song, but the others are good as well."

Flawed Masterpiece

Todd E. Carper | Edgewood, Md United States | 07/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nektar are a band that has to be caught live to be fully appreciated. This is a live recording of the band in its prime from 1974 in a city where they always seem to play at their best, New York. It is also the band in its original line-up with Roye Albrighton on guitar and vocals, Ron Howden on Drums, Mo Moore on Bass and Vocals with Taff Freeman on Hammond Organ and vocals. The band is young and hot, its chemistry obvious as its technical prowess and hooks. There are several versions of Live in New York, this is the best since it is all the songs, the complete show. The band hit the stage on fire with Astral Man and rock it hard. They hit a small snag on their hit Remember the Future part one when the power goes out but it is barely noticeable and the band does the right thing and keeps on going; in fact the band never slows down after that as they groove on Marvelous Moses, slowing ever so slightly for It's All Over and then hit the gas again for their hyper driven rocker Good Day which is searing. Again they let off the accelerator slightly for a fantastic rendition of That's Life and then punch it again for Show me the Way and then take things to the fever pitch that is Day in the Life of a Preacher. Through it all, the melody is all over every song with amazing interplay between the players; the intricate pieces fall together beautifully and flow one into the other as the set builds to its climax. Roye is in great voice, the solos on his guitar fit perfectly in every song in fact each of the players shine in turn in each and every song so there is no time lost. What is evident is the band work well together and each song is a hilight. Want something groove laden and Jazz flavored, try Desolation Valley which is superb. Want a rocker? Try out the previously mentioned Good Day, the equally smoking Day in the Life of a Preacher, or Crying in the Dark/King of Twilight or the closer Fidgety Queen. Then there is the Remember the Future Parts one and two which have all the moods rolled into 2 intricate suites of music; personally my choice is part two which has a brilliant guitar solo woven into the "Lonely Roads" part of the suite. The Rock and Roll and bluesy side are represented as well as this band shows it can do it all. There is something here for everyone, give it a listen and you WILL be rewarded. Rock on Nektar!"