Adios, Farewell, Goodbye, Good Luck, So Long: On Stage 1964-1974
Omnivore, 2025
9/10
Listen to Adios, Farewell, Goodbye, Good Luck, So Long: On Stage 1964-1974
Fans of Buck Owens will be delighted to see this assembly of 78 live performances spanning 3 CDs that documents his patented ‘Bakersfield Sound’ across 10 years of selling out venues.
A set from Richmond, VA in 1964 opens, where the warm spirit of the emotive “Together Again” tugs on the heartstrings, and “I Don’t Hear You” appears later on with harmonic vocals and aching pedal steel via plenty of classic country nods.
A night from New York in 1967 follows, where the raw recording of “Sam’s Place” comes with Owens’ signature energy and will get you on the dance floor, and “Catfish Capers”, recorded in 1969 in Vegas, continues that liveliness with animated violin, frisky drumming and the swift bass plucking.
Further along, in 1971 from Reno we’re treated to the scrappy duet “We’re Gonna Get Together” that invites singing-along, while “Big Game Hunter” is signature Owens, where the band’s frisky playing complement the smooth vocals from Bakersfield in 1973.
Close to the end, the rowdy interpretation of “Johnny B. Goode”, from 1973 and also in Bakerfield, rivals Marty McFly’s version, and “Orange Blossom Special”, one of their most requested songs, comes to us from Tokyo in 1974 and showcases furious string interaction and a festive mood.
An incredible project that comes with a full-color, 56-page annotated book with an extensive essay from Grammy-nominated writer and set co-producer Scott B. Bomar, Owens’ influence on popular music and culture is unmatched, and documented here with a decade of concerts.
Travels well with: Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- Bakersfield Gold; Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- Ain’t It Amazing, Gracie