Roger Waters,Eric Clapton/Illinois,USA 1984

Speaking of Roger Waters’ first solo tour in 1984, “The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking,” he not only participated in the entire album but also collaborated with Eric Clapton, who also accompanied the tour, and last year, for the first time in about 40 years, he performed with King・It became a big topic at the time because Mel Collins, who had returned to Crimson, participated. A number of audience recordings (*hereinafter referred to as AUD) appeared from the same tour, which entertained fans and enthusiasts, but among them, the performance in Chicago, USA on July 26th was recorded one day in 2013. A stereo soundboard (hereinafter referred to as SBD) sound source that was not even known to exist until then suddenly appeared on the Internet, causing a stir among enthusiastic fans around the world. This was released by Wolfgang’s Vault, and is a real stereo SBD sound source that must have been leaked by some related person or staff, and is different from other Hitchhiker sound sources that were mostly AUD recordings. It boasted overwhelming quality that set it apart. As mentioned above, this album does use the master version released by Wolfgang’s Vault at the time, but the 2013 version of “THE GUNNER’S DREAM” released by Sigma at the time was not a direct drop of that Wolfgang’s Vault version. Because there wasn’t. Although the SBD original sound of this Wolfgang’s Vault version basically has excellent sound quality, the overall sound is slightly closer to the midrange, so some adjustments were required. At that time, the engineers at our Sigma label applied their own professional-grade mastering, and succeeded in pushing the vocals to the front and greatly improving the separation of each instrument, improving the tom and snare sounds that lacked clarity. By reviving the sharp sharpness, that well-balanced, miraculous sound image was realized. In other words, the 2013 version was a brushed-up, highest quality disc with the great advantage of Sigma label’s unique professional-grade mastering, which had a more polished sound than the Wolfgang’s Vault sound source released online at the time. Although they were the same, the Sigma version boasted a much higher quality of sound quality. However, if I was going to release it again, I wanted to release it as a remastered version, so I actually tried remastering it several times, but no matter what I tried, it ended up with an unnecessary feeling of equalization, and I couldn’t find any room for improvement. There wasn’t. I was reminded of how good the 2013 version was, and how perfect the sound image was at that stage. So this time, we thought of it as a special project for those who have been asking for a re-press for the past two years, and although it has the same title and contents as the 2013 version, it has a newly designed new jacket and has been given the Sigma number 131. This is a reissue of the album. Therefore, if you already have the old version, it is the same except for the jacket, so you can basically ignore it unless you have completed the full version of the Sigma version (which is surprisingly common). However, we have absolute confidence in the sound quality, and we guarantee unparalleled high quality!! After all, the opening song “Taiyou Hymn” is amazing, and if you listen to the first 20 seconds, you will be amazed at the exceptional sound quality. I’m sure you’ll be stunned. In the introductory section, which features phrases not found in the original song and a female chorus part, Roger’s singing voice appears from an unusually close distance, and the saxophone played by Mel Collins has a clear tone with no blurring or clouding in the slightest. “It comes out as “. Clapton’s guitar that enters from the middle is full of surprises as his unique graceful melody pops out one after another from close range, and you will be amazed by the sound that permeates your heart and soul. “Money” has a very good blend of Roger’s clear singing voice and the exciting overlapping of the female chorus. The saxophone also breathes new life into this song with a taste reminiscent of ISLAND-era Crimson, and I think you’ll be thrilled by the luster and extension of its tone. “If” is a famous scene where Clapton’s guitar really sticks in your heart. The emotional performance of the acoustic guitar that can be heard in this song is astounding, and in fact, the guitar solo in the second half (although it was only picked up to a moderate degree in other songs) made the audience laugh. The loud cheers were so loud that the microphone was picking them up. This is a must-see scene even if you are not a fan. “Welcome To The Machine” is a song where the sound effects of SE come and go from left and right, and the stereo SBD quality is particularly well expressed. We hope that you will enjoy the joy of highly creative performances that sharply provoke the listener’s imagination, in a sound image where you can feel the dense transparency between the sounds. “Have A Cigar” has an attractive arrangement that expands the possibilities of the original song.Roger’s passionate singing from close range enhances the music, and in the middle where the saxophone takes the lead, The vigorously moving bass and cutting guitar in the background will evoke a brand new thrill. “Wish You Were Here” has a very interesting phrase in the piano intro (*and also during the song) that is slightly reminiscent of the introduction of Floyd’s song “Paranoid Eyes”. It becomes. In addition, there is a solo by Clapton using a Roland guitar synthesizer in the middle of the album, and the flowing melody has a dignified sound that will soothe your ears. In “In The Flesh”, before the song starts, Roger shouts “…Silence!!” and transforms into the main character of that world, saying, “This is the sound of THE WALL that I will be conducting!” The amazing ensemble explodes with a satisfying sound. Also, pay attention to his bass here, and it is also notable that there is a scene where he is doing tremolo picking, which he did not do during Floyd’s era. “Nobody Home” also shows Roger’s unique sound world with a beautiful sound, and with Clapton’s guitar flowing in the best tone, you can enjoy the special impression that the sound is released from something that is trapped. On the other hand, in contrast to Clapton’s guitar scene, Mel takes a long lead on the saxophone in “Hey You”, but in each of the three consecutive THE WALL songs, the main members of the band The fun of the composition, each with its own highlight, is unique to this gorgeous lineup. In “The Gunner’s Dream”, there is a wonderful scene in the second half of the song where Clapton’s unique witty phrases soar one after another at close range. When that sensual melody is delivered to your ears in perfect stereo SBD, you will surely see in your mind the vision of THE FINAL CUT tour that never came to be. Disc 2 is the second half of the show including reproduction of all Hitchhiker songs. This is also an SBD sound with a full stereo feeling from “4:30 AM”, and the closeness of Roger’s real voice and the vivid tone of SE appear colorfully from the beginning. From “4:33 AM”, where a full-fledged ensemble develops, the good sound output of each instrument stands out, and it will be nice to be able to follow the movement of Clapton’s characteristic guitar perfectly. It is also noteworthy that the sound of the motorcycle driving away and the alarm sound that are displayed on the back screen are clearly heard. The saxophone that enters in the middle of “4:39 AM” creates a fascinating sound while intertwining with the lustrous female chorus, and this is taken over by the guitar, piano, and Roger’s singing in “4:41 AM”. Since each tone is clearly produced, the sound image has a three-dimensional feel, and you will be able to feel the wide range of expression with a more solid response. Also, in this song, the feverish guitar melody that comes out from the middle of the song blooms with a clear sound, and I think you can enjoy the magical excitement of the song being dramatically colored by Clapton. “4:50 AM” stands out in the middle where the song’s thoughts develop dramatically, and Roger’s passionate singing stands out, and the melody that connects the guitar to the saxophone (*around 3 minutes 43 seconds to around 4 minutes 46 seconds) is unbelievable. A high level of musical excitement has been recorded. Similarly, in “4:56 AM”, the three sounds of Roger’s singing, the female chorus, and the saxophone intertwine with heavenly reverberations, passing by in a supremely transparent sound, but the tranquil sound image here is also rich. It is very attractive as it seems to make you feel the charm between the lines is spacious. In “5:01 AM,” the guitar solo that enters the middle of the song conveys the movement of Clapton and Renwick with wonderful closeness of sound output, and in the flow toward the end, the sounds bloom one after another, and each instrument gradually comes together to make a loud sound. The appearance of becoming an ensemble comes out with surprising stereo sound. Even in the final sections “5:06 AM” and “5:11 AM,” Clapton’s guitar solemnly sings a hot melody with a hook, adding flair to Roger’s singing from beginning to end, leaving a high-quality listening experience. You will be trembling as the music awakens you from your dreams. The encore songs “Brain Damage” and “Eclipse” have sounds close to the original songs, and the SE is also a captivating sound that is perfectly captured. You can enjoy the varied expressions of Roger’s singing version, and how Clapton gives new life and color to the song at key points with a different sound and approach from Gilmour’s, with exceptional sound quality. . Due to the high basic potential of stereo SBD, the blending of the sounds of each instrument is at its highest level until the last note where the sound fades away, so the hot aftertaste and emotion after listening to it are exceptional. It can be said that it is exactly the solid feeling and sense of fulfillment that came from listening to the official live version that was not left at that time. What is interesting about the tour during this period when Clapton was accompanying him is that he did not play any of his own songs and devoted his skills and talent to this performance as a lead guitarist. And of course, the fact that he plays Floyd’s songs in the first half of the show is also a very big topic. While cherishing Gilmore’s large-scale phrases, he brilliantly brings out the multifaceted musicality of the song, and makes it his own.The guitar is very interesting and worth listening to no matter which scene you cut it out. That’s all. However, on the other hand, Roger’s talent as an arranger who reworked this song structure cannot be overlooked. If you listen carefully to the syllable structure of each new song, you can hear traces of Roger carefully reconsidering the ideas he had when he wrote the song, and it’s clear that he’s focusing on Clapton. However, I’m sure you can also feel that the arrangement was attempted from a total perspective that was not just about Clapton…The reason why I feel like writing such a harsh thing is that this work has such an excellent finish. This is because it is a proud stereo SBD, but a major feature of this work is that even if you listen to it with your shoulders relaxed, you will naturally notice various discoveries because it is a truly excellent high-quality record. Live at Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL. USA 26th July 1984 STEREO SBD Disc 1 (66:20) 1. Intro. 2. Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun 3. Money 4. If 5. Welcome To The Machine 6 . Have A Cigar 7. Wish You Were Here 8. Pigs On The Wing 9. In The Flesh 10. Nobody Home 11. Hey You 12. The Gunner’s Dream Disc 2 (59:27) The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking 1. 4:30 AM (Apparently They Were Traveling Abroad) 2. 4:33 AM (Running Shoes) 3. 4:37 AM (Arabs With Knives And West German Skies) 4. 4:39 AM (For The First Time Today Part 2 ) 5. 4:41 AM (Sexual Revolution) 6. 4:47 AM (The Remains Of Our Love) 7. 4:50 AM (Go Fishing) 8. 4:56 AM (For The First Time Today Part 1) 9 . 4:58 AM (Dunroamin, Duncarin, Dunlivin) 10. 5:01 AM (The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking) 11. 5:06 AM (Every Strangers Eyes) 12. 5:11 AM (The Moment Of Clarity) 13. Band Introductions Encore 14. Brain Damage 15. Eclipse STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING Roger Waters – Rhythm Guitar, Bass & Vocals Eric Clapton – Lead Guitar Michael Kamen – Keyboards Andy Newmark – Drums Mel Collins – Saxophones Chris Stainton – Keyboards Tim Renwick – Guitar & Bass Doreen Chanter – Backing Vocals Katie Kissoon – Backing Vocals