Live At The Capitol Theatre
BMG, 2022
8/10
Listen to Live At The Capitol Theatre
It’s actually pretty surprising that the folk-rock legend David Crosby hadn’t released a live album until this. A collection of 16 cuts, Crosby is alongside Becca Stevens, Michelle Willis and Michael League, i.e. The Lighthouse Band, for the guitar filled and very eloquent set where all the players sing, too.
“The Us Below” starts the set with warm acoustic guitar and Crosby’s inimitable storytelling alongside soulful backing vocals in the cautious opener, and “Things We Do For Love” follows with a dreamy climate that recruits much beauty to the breathy delivery.
Further along, “Laughing” emits a darker approach, where Crosby hits some pretty high notes and pays close attention to mood, while “Glory” makes for a stirring duet that’s poetic and intimate.
Approaching the end, “Janet” finds plenty of grooves to reside in amid its R&B nods, and the Joni Mitchell tune, “Woodstock”, exits with much care and sophistication, as Crosby keeps the classic gentle.
Crosby has gifted us his work in the legendary bands the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, and his 7 solo albums certainly don’t disappoint, either. He found an undeniable chemistry with this new band, but he passed away shortly this project was released, so we’re left to marvel at how consistently great his output was even at 80 years old.
Travels well with: Jackson Browne- Downhill From Everywhere; Paul Weller- Fat Pop (Volume 1)