The Band/Tokyo,Japan 2.25.1987

Recorded with the best audience recording of the Tokyo performance on the second day after the reunion of The Band’s second visit to Japan in 1987. Since it uses a taper that has been used in many famous recordings by Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Billy Joel, etc., it provides high sound quality that everyone from beginners to enthusiasts can listen to with confidence. I guarantee it. Originally, the reunited The Band tended to be overlooked because they performed without Robbie Robertson, and even though official videos were released for their first performance in Japan in 1983. However, the reality is that it is being overlooked. When it came to Japan in 1987, it was even less well-known, with enthusiasts barely remembering that there were performances or TV broadcasts. The February 25th performance to be released this time is the day the TV recording took place, but it was broadcast in an edited version where only the hit songs were extracted. However, depending on this title, you will be surprised to find out that there was actually a very wide selection of songs, and a truly wonderful performance. One of the reasons why the reunited band was not well received was the large number of support musicians added in addition to the original members. In particular, the fact that the drums were not just Levon Helm, but always twin drums, was more unpopular with fans than Robbie’s absence. However, at this time, The Band faced the misfortune of Richard Manuel’s suicide exactly one year ago, and took the opportunity to reduce the number of members and perform live with a simple composition.It was a very unusual time. Of course, Levon is the only drummer, and Rick Danko also concentrates on the bass, and the sound emitted from the stage configuration as if returning to the basics can be called the best of the reunited band. What’s more, Jim Weeder joined the group from the previous year as the guitarist, and was recognized by fans for his sound directly descended from Robbie and his even more skillful playing, and he continued to serve as Robbie’s replacement after this. Another guitarist, Fred, Carter Jr. was a supporter only at this time, but he was an ally from his time with the Hawks, so he plays with no discomfort at all. And in 1983, there were three keyboard players, but it was simple: Garth was the only keyboard player. When you listen to the performance that unfolds with this configuration, you are sure to realize that “Levon is the only drummer in the band”. Furthermore, the great appeal of this recording is that the sound image is really on, and Rick’s bass sound is captured very clearly. In Chest Fever, I can’t listen to him singing the part of the late Richard without crying. It’s rare that the opening song is Ain’t Got No Home from the cover collection “Moondog Matinee,” but I also take a closer look at how this small group performs the cover songs that are scattered throughout the album, including this one. I would like you to hear it. Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane served as the opening act for this tour, but there was also the surprise of him joining Up On Cripple Creek. Live at Shibuya Kokaido, Tokyo, Japan 25th February 1987 PERFECT SOUND (from Original Masters) ) Disc 1 (70:54) 1. Intro. 2. Ain’t Got No Home 3. C.C. Rider 4. Battle Is Over But The War Goes On 5. It Makes No Difference 6. Caldonia 7. Mystery Train 8. The Weight 9. Stage Fright 10. Evangeline 11. Chest Fever 12. People Would Think 13. The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show 14. Ophelia Disc 2 (27:56) 1. Java Blues 2. Up On Cripple Creek 3. Every Night & Every Day 4. Willie And The Hand Jive Levon Helm – Vocals, Drums, Mandolin Rick Danko – Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Guitar Garth Hudson – Keyboards, Saxophone, Accordion Jim Weider – Guitar Fred Carter Jr. – Vocals, Guitar Jorma Kaukonen – Guitar ( special guest on “Up On Cripple Creek”)