Live

Originally recorded in 1983, Live at the Beverly Theatre was not released until 1990, and, for a long time, remained the most extensive live release from the P-Funk crew. The lineup is impressive, bringing together such P-Funk legends as guitaristEddie Hazel, bassist Bootsy Collins, and keyboardist Bernie Worrell. The sound quality is crisp and clean, and the songs, which represent virtually all of the classics, are preserved in extended versions. Unfortunately, even with such positives to recommend it, the record isn't an unqualified success. During the first three songs, Maceo Parker, acting as MC, talks over the grooves, introducing the band and pumping up the audience. This may have worked during the show, but on record it quickly becomes grating. And, for a two-CD set, the record is rather short, lasting barely 97 minutes. It would have been nice if the CD version had been filled out with more tracks from the show, especially since P-Funk shows are legendary for lasting upwards of three hours. This set is still worth getting, but, since the release of the multiple P-Funk box sets of live music, it is not nearly as essential as it used to be. ~ Victor W. Valdivia