Pat Benatar/CA,USA 1991 Mike Millard Master Tape

Pat Benatar enjoyed stardom in the early 1980s. Even at that time, she was over 30, but as she approached her 40s, she sought to change direction from her previous path as a rock singer or pop star in order to show her maturity. Perhaps influenced by her senior Linda Ronstadt’s success with a jazzy big band in the mid-80s, Benatar tried to find a way to make a living in the blues route, even with a big band. The album that fully showcased this attempt was “True Love” released in 1991. At the time in Japan, it was undeniable that she was already treated as a thing of the past, and this album was not talked about at all, but the change of direction, reminiscent of Etta James for the new era, was welcomed in the United States and the United Kingdom, and despite being a 180-degree change of direction, it was a big enough hit to earn a gold disc. Naturally, the tour with this album was also called “TRUE LOVE RHYTHM & BLUES”, and in addition to the songs on the album, it was a show that did not include any songs from her pop rock days, consisting only of further blues covers. As it was a unique work in her career, there was almost no way to know about the tour at the time. However, there was someone who recorded this precious blues show with the best sound quality. The person who left this record was none other than Mike Millard! In fact, Millard must have liked her sound in 1991 much more than her Eighties Star period, so it was only natural that he went to record Benatar’s stage, which at first glance seemed unusual. Moreover, the venue was a small venue called the Wiltan Theater. It is also an impeccable theater for Millard to demonstrate his unique skills. That is why Benatar’s powerful stage is captured with a wonderful sound image this time as well. In addition, since the repertoire is only blues covers, there are actually many songs that rock enthusiasts are familiar with. I see… that’s why Millard was there. The songs are all ones that any enthusiast would have heard, such as “I Get Evil,” which the Rolling Stones covered as “Don’t Lie To Me,” “Help Me,” a longtime stage repertoire of Van Morrison, and “Don’t Start Me Talkin’,” which Bob Dylan performed on a TV show. What’s most surprising is that the venue was incredibly excited, even though the performance was an aggressive one with no old songs. This also shows that Benatar’s blues singer line was overwhelmingly supported in the United States. This is a fact that was almost unknown in Japan until now. Although it was a stage performance with a unique work, it was a shocking work that captured the best quality of a big band blues show that anyone can enjoy. This is a Millard album that we can’t help but recommend with confidence to all rock enthusiasts! Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, USA 22nd May 1991 TRULY PERFECT SOUND (72:03) 01 Last Night 02 I Ain’t Got Nobody 03 That’s What Love Will Make You Do 04 I Get Evil 05 Sweet Baby Of Mine 06 I Feel Lucky 07 Help Me 08 Paying The Cost To Be The Boss 09 Don’t Happen No More 10 True Love 11 Bloodshot Eyes 12 So Long 13 Evening 14 Don’t Start Me Talkin’ 15 Band Introduction 16 The Good Life