Billy Paul – Live In Europe (1974) [Reissue 2018] [SACD / Vocalion – CDSML 8546]

Title: Billy Paul – Live In Europe (1974) [Reissue 2018]
Genre: Soul
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

A really majestic live set from Billy Paul – recorded in the UK at the height of his greatest fame – but in a way that features plenty of longer tracks that really let Billy stretch out and do his thing! Given this expanded setting, there’s a surprisingly righteous feel to most numbers – a sound that continues the groove of Going East and War Of The Gods, and also features a bit more of Paul’s presence as an entertainer on the stage. The album’s a beautiful illustration of the fact that Billy was easily one of the hippest artists working for Philadelphia during the early days – and it offers up some tremendous transformations of the tunes “Thanks For Saving My Life”, “Your Song”, “Me & Mrs. Jones”, “War Of The Gods”, and “Brown Baby”.
Former jazz vocalist Billy Paul found R&B success in the ’70s on Philadelphia International doing a mix of anguished ballads, sophisticated originals, and reworked standards. But Paul was not a great live vocalist either as a jazz or soul singer, something that was evident on this mid-’70s set. No matter how polished or well-rehearsed the backing band, Paul’s flaws couldn’t be covered as smoothly in a concert setting, and they’re revealed along with his strengths – timing, a good delivery, and decent range and interpretative skills.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

Tracklist:

01. War Of The Gods Introduction
02. Brown Baby
03. Thanks for Saving My Life
04. Me And Mrs Jones
05. Your Song

Note:

Arranged by Billy Paul & Caldwell McMillan.
Recorded at Hammersmith Odeon, London and Central Hall, Chatham, England in December 1973.
Mobile recording facilities provided by The Rolling Stones & The Manor.
Remastered from analogue tapes by Michael J. Dutton.

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