SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TODD RUNDGREN – AN EVENING WITH TODD RUNDGREN – LIVE AT THE RIDGEFIELD

TODD RUNDGREN
AN EVENING WITH TODD RUNDGREN – LIVE AT THE RIDGEFIELD
CLEOPATRA RECORDS

Cleopatra Records’ ongoing series of 21st century Todd Rundgren live recordings continues with the release of An Evening With Todd Rundgren – Live At The Ridgefield CD/DVD set. The show was recorded at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT, on December 15, 2015. With this performance from the 2015 tour, Rundgren continues to demonstrate, with the re-release of these live performances, that he was and is a brilliant performer. This has been released previously, but this re-release does feature bonus tracks.

As with his other concerts and live albums, the hits are all here and well represented. He opens the show with a rousing “I Saw The Light,” following an interesting and far too short “Intro.” And, while it is always nice to hear a new live recording of “Hello It’s Me” (which sounds exceptional on this release), it is the deeper cuts that always prove the most interesting. His version of “Love Of The Common Man”, featuring his unique vocals, is wonderful. “Kiddie Boy,” a song he did originally with Nazz in 1969 sounds new and incredible in 2015. His vocals and the guitar just burst out of the speakers. “God Said,” deserves to be heard, and Rundgren is clearly having fun performing this gem.

An Evening with Todd Rundgren – Live at the Ridgefield is yet another example of Rundgren still being a potent force. He has assembled a brilliant backing band, and he sounds as energetic and strong as ever, here in Connecticut giving it his all, in front of a very appreciative audience. Rundgren has always given his audience the credit that, although they want to hear “Black Maria” (which sounds great on this live recording), they will also want to hear songs such as “Love In Action.” Rundgren is an incredible writer and performer and these lesser-known gems stand proudly beside the hits.

An Evening with Todd Rundgren – Live at the Ridgefield is another welcomed release in Cleopatra Records’ series. The fact that Rundgren carefully recorded these and other shows, demonstrates the seriousness with which he takes his live shows and the thoroughness in documenting his career, his shows, and his music. An Evening with Todd Rundgren – Live at the Ridgefield is well recorded and, although it may not attract new converts, it is an important release. Rundgren, as usual, gives the audience his all and in the end, there is another stellar performance caught on tape for future generations to hear.

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