Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of genres, styles and time periods. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album or view the full album index here.
TERRY CALLIER | Alive
Mr. Bongo (2001)
Selected by Patrick Corcoran
The late career rejuvenation of Terry Callier is one of the most heartwarming stories in music, but even that doesn’t compare to the sheer glow of joy of seeing and hearing the man live. Recorded in 2000 at The Jazz Café in Camden, London, Alive came five years after his triumphant return and showcases a man in his element.
Taking in material from both his classic 1970s albums (“Dancing Girl”) and his comeback albums from the late 1990s (“Lazarus Man”), it reveals a man happy to share the limelight with his band and basking in the warmth of the crowd’s adoration. As an introduction to his genius it works well, but as a testament to his ineffable humanity, it is perfect.
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