Aretha Franklin
'Live' at Filmore West
Rhino/Atlantic
UK Release Date October 2006

I've never been into live albums and only a handful grace my vast collection most notably James Brown's 1968 live set at the Apollo theatre in New York and also the fabulous Maze live in New Orleans from 1982. I've always ben a stickler for the original studio takes over and above those 'souped up' versions of classic songs played at at break neck speed - they never quite sounded the same!. This latest offering from Rhino/Atlantic brings back to life one of the all-time great 'live' sets from the queen of soul most notably Aretha Franklin when she sold out the famous Filmore West venue for three nights back in 1971.

I admit to knowing the albums existence as a single LP at the time but further admit at that time I ignored it and having heard it some thirty years on I regret that I didn't pay more attention to it's content especially as I was a casual collector of Aretha's superb Atlantic output at that time. This remastered two CD set finds the lady of soul at her simmering best on these shows and although the opening track 'Respect' is played at break neck speed it captures an eager audience who were lucky enough to have been there. Surrounded by an array of musicians who were masters of their craft including the late King Curtis on saxophone, the late Billy Preston on organ, and the memphis Horns who had graced many an Atlantic side during the glory years as side kicks to Otis Redding and Booker T & the MG's.

Aretha had a magical touch that was the envy of all other female diva's at that time and no matter what song she sang she delivered it with a soul and passion that made her the household name that she eventually became. Listen to her rendition of Steven Stills' excellent early seventies classic 'Love The One Your With' as well as her bluesy deliverance of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' which had seen success for the originators Simon & Garfunkel back in 1968.

She had found some success in the UK during the early 1970's with cover versions of 'Eleanor Rigby' and 'Make It With You' both of which are included here, the first of which is performed here as a pacey and soulful take on the Beatles song with some fabulous horn work from the Memphis Horns, whereas in contrast the gentler cover of David Gates' classic song is for me one of the highlight's of this recording and apart from being a fabulous arrangement of this great song it gives the musicians a chance to show their talents too. Diana Ross' classic 'Reach Out And Touch' was a major song during the early 1970's and finishes side one with Aretha thanking her eager audience with a part spoken, part sung rendition of this classic song and we also find some great organ work from Mr. Preston. However, the highlight of the set has to be 'Spirit In The Dark' a duet with fellow Atlantic artist Ray Charles who just happened to be in the audience that night, and the minute he hit the stage the crowd went wild!!!. A long and drawn out rap between two of soul music's greatest names was the icing on the cake at this prestigious gig.

Disc two on the face of it appears to be a duplication of the first set but in fact transpires to be alternative takes and unused songs used over the three night's including her single 'Your All I Need To Get By' which had seen success for Motown's Marvin & Tammi in 1968, but has also seen some chart action on both sides of the Atlantic in 1971. I'm surprised that 'Call Me' had not been used on the original LP release as this song must surely rate as one of her best outings displaying a cross between soul and jazz to maximum effect complemented by some gorgeous backing vocals making this an all-time classic. Choose between either CD to pick out your own favourite versions of these songs and simply mix and match!

Soul music at it's very best and an opportunity to experience a master at work during the peak of her career and is further evidence of her deserved title of the 'The Queen Of Soul', but I guess you didn't need any convincing.

Rating 10/10 nothing less does it justice - BUY IT!!