Before his untimely death in 2008, Jeff Healey was regarded as one of the most talented guitarist of our time. His unique style of playing with his guitar across his lap produced a sound that was very much his own. I had the pleasure of witnessing his talents twice on stage and this document to his live performance is a very real and dynamic view of his abilities. I only wish that we all could have the opportunity to see him flex his musical muscles still as he was one of the best. He has always been one of my favorite artist and his music will live on. This album only further exemplifies how much the world of music lost when Jeff lost his battle with cancer.
On this live disc you get Jeff and his band doing a show that is very much a celebration of the blues and early rock and roll that Healey is able to add his own touch to and make into something that is totally his own. The reverence he has for this music is abundantly clear as he doesn't try to recreate the songs but only enhance them with his guitar mastery. From the scorching Alvin Lee instrumental "I'm Going Home" to the closing number, an amazing 11 minute version of Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower" Healey pays his respect to the roots of rock and roll with such feeling that it not just a cliché to say that he really makes you feel the blues as much as hear them.
With stops at the Chuck Berry songbook ("Ain't That Just Like A Woman"), The Beatles ("Yer Blues"), Robert Johnson ("Crossroads") and Elmore James ("Dust My Broom") among others, Jeff gives the audience a very special treat with his treatment of these classic songs. This is much more than just cover tunes, they are a celebration of music performed by an artist who loves this style as much as those who are watching him play it.
This disc is a no-brainer for the blues music lover. It is as good as it gets when Healey puts his fingers to the fretboard. You will not be disappointed with this terrific slice of blues/rock that only Healey could deliver in such a manner. He was a special talent and you will hear why with this disc for sure!
Track listing:
1. I'm Going Home
2. Killing Floor
3. As The Years Go Passing By
4. Ain't That Just Like A Woman
5. Yer Blues
6. Who's Been Talking
7. Crossroads
8. Dust My Broom
9. All Along The Watchtower