Don't Forget The Feeling: Complete Live At Fillmore West [Limited]

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The four CDs in this Rhino Handmade set -- available only over the Internet unfortunately -- contains the complete concerts of Aretha Franklin and King Curtis' stand at the Fillmore West in March of 1971 (not February as identified on the original LPs). Franklin's performances at the Fillmore were her first, and producer Jerry Wexler came up with the idea of using studio players in lieu of her regular band. Franklin had worked with Curtis previously in the studio and the players he brought to the table included Cornell Dupree, drummer Bernard Purdie, Pancho Morales on congas, bassist Jerry Jemmont, and electric pianist Truman Thomas. In addition, the band enlisted Billy Preston to play organ and also enlisted the aid of the Memphis Horns. In other words, this was a group that could actually push the Queen of Soul out onto a ledge and was a match for her vocal power. The Mermphis Horns introduced the shows each night and then brought Curtis and his band out for an opening set. And from night one, as compiled and heard on his Live at Fillmore West album, these sets were smoking, in the pocket, and greasy, with highlights like "Whole Lotta Love," "Them Changes," "Whiter Shade of Pale," and a burning cover of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)." When Franklin does walk onto the stage, she struts and goes into high gear with "Respect." Her performance on that opening night includes amazing renditions of "Spirit in the Dark" (with Ray Charles guesting), "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Love the One You're With" (also with Charles), and "Dr. Feelgood." The original album is augmented with tunes that didn't make the cut, including the oft-bootlegged "Call Me." In listening to these shows, what is striking is realizing that the majority of the Live at Fillmore West LP was taken from the last night of performances. The previous two evenings here then are startling in contrast, often in intensity and sometimes in sheer grit. The opening night's read of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is superior to either of the others, though sonically it's a bit thinner. Another gem is the version of Bobby Bland's "Share Your Love With Me." That was left off the original album. In all there are 42 unreleased performances! In addition to wonderful between-song banter and inside jokes, the true flow of the shows, the enthusiasm of the audiences, and raw, in-your-face performances put this set in a league of its own. There are also a few decent photographs and an authoritative yet friendly liner essay by British critic David Nathan. This is a limited edition and most likely won't be on the Rhino Handmade shelves long. Aural history can be dry at times and of interest to those who have a penchant for such things. Aretha Franklin and King Curtis' Don't Fight the Feeling is as saucy as it gets. ~ Thom Jurek