Well thanks to Bob first of all. 3 Great Stimulants on Rock Master Class is simply astonishing. What a revelation. Joni's performance is intimate and soulful & Klein's piano is exquisite. Every fan of Joni needs to hear this. It takes my breath away.
I also like the Man from Mars rendition, but I think the TTT version is equally valid - and after listening to Joni's description of the sounds she was trying to capture (see Morning Becomes Eclectic 3/27/98) I think the TTT version is more successful in reproducing those sounds. Now on to Alexander Memorial; Atlanta 11/07/98. What a magnificent concert. Joni's voice is in top shape. I love the way she attacks Magdelene Laundries after the rude idiot screams. Chris Botti is fantastic - is he better than Isham? BSN (not a favorite of mine) is wonderful. It sounds to me as if she was already planning the subsequent orchestration by the way the accompaniment sounds in concert. Was Joan playing the guitar on that tune? And of course "HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JONI" Anyway this is all GREAT stuff. peace, david
