Otis Redding - Live On The Sunset Strip '1966/2010

Tracks list

Otis Reddings now historic four-night stand at Hollywoods Whisky a Go Go in
April of 1966 has been selectively documented on two previous releases. The
first was 1968s In Person at the Whisky a Go Go, which included ten selections
chosen from the run. Good to Me: Recorded Live at the Whisky a Go Go, Vol. 2,
released in 1982 and expanded for CD release in 1993, was also assembled from
various nights. This release is very different. No mere attempt to milk a few
more gems from a legendary set of gigs, Otis Redding & His Orchestra Live on the
Sunset Strip contains three full sets on two discs from that stand. Its a
warts-and-all, rowdy, magical set of performances that reminds the faithful of
Reddings singular gifts as a singer and performer, and will open the ears of the
uninitiated. A new revelation here is just how much Reddings own band played a
role. He was recorded often with the Bar-Kays or Booker T. & the MGs. This set
showcases the talents of the orchestra reflected in the CD title. This band, ten
pieces strong with a backing chorus, was handpicked by Redding, and the
bandmembers understood instinctively what he was about more than any other
musicians he played with. One need only go as far as the first discs third and
fourth tracks, where These Arms of Mine gives way on a dime to the impromptu,
largely lyrically improvised cover of Satisfaction. One minute is a pure
begging, gritty, Southern soul love song; the next its the church in full
revival mode, though the expression is purely carnal. That vibe is continued on
Cant Turn You Loose, quickly counted off and stormed into. Reddings rapport with
the audience is easy, yet commanding. He just turns himself loose and they all
follow. The lockstep groove quotient on these performances is unending, no
matter which set theyre playing, and no matter the track. The rhythm section is
near flawless, though the band -- and Redding -- flub a little on occasion,
which adds to the riveting excitement that unfolds here. Each disc has moments
when youre listening and can become so captivated that you forget where you are,
what time, or even what year it is. Check disc two, where A Hard Days Night
moves into These Arms of Mine, or Destiny as it shifts gears rapidly into
Security; there are no jerky transitions, just a seamless shift into power
glide. Ashley Khans liner notes -- which quote extensively from Taj Mahal (who
was present for the entire run because his band the Rising Sons were the opening
act) -- are priceless; they are an exciting counterpart to a captivating
listening experience that completes a portrait of this run that the previous
live Whisky volumes merely trace


Tracks:

Disc 1
 01. Security (3:08)
 02. Just One More Day (5:21)
 03. These Arms of Mine (3:11)
 04. Satisfaction (6:44)
 05. I Cant Turn You Loose (6:20)
 06. Chained and Bound (4:53)
 07. Respect (2:36)
 08. Im Depending On You (4:47)
 09. I Cant Turn You Loose (6:19)
 10. Satisfaction (6:07)
 11. Chained and Bound (7:32)
 12. Just One More Day (4:34)
 13. Any Ole Way (4:04)

Disc 2
 01. Ive Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) (3:56)
 02. Satisfaction (5:02)
 03. Destiny (2:56)
 04. Security (2:57)
 05. Good To Me (3:35)
 06. Respect (2:13)
 07. Chained and Bound (6:58)
 08. Mr. Pitful (2:18)
 09. Satisfaction (6:28)
 10. Ole Man Trouble (2:40)
 11. I Cant Turn You Loose (4:51)
 12. A Hard Days Night (4:14)
 13. These Arms of Mine (3:35)
 14. Papas Got A Brand New Bag (10:08)
 15. Satisfaction (3:31)

Rec.: live at the Whisky A Go Go, West Hollywood, April 9 & 10, 1966.

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