Rick Danko - Stage Fright: Live Collection (2015)

With The Band, bassist Rick Danko was one of a triumvirate of vocal angels that included pianist Richard Manuel and drummer Levon Helm. All three have passed on now. Band songwriter and guitarist Robbie Robertson and organ virtuoso Garth Hudson alone remain. The Band is responsible for some of the richest roots rock and Americana ever recorded. Their depth of talent is unsurpassed. This four disc set gets off to a percolating start with an acoustic guitar strum and a pepped up live version of 'Java Blues' from Danko’s excellent self titled 1977 solo album. Bassist Danko is often on acoustic guitar throughout 'Stage Fright Live Collection'. “Kind of like being in your living room,” Danko says, describing this intimate live gig.

Additional welcome disc one selections include the Band’s seminal track 'The Weight' and Danko’s signature Band vocal moment 'It Makes No Difference'. A stinging 'Brainwash' is also notable.

Disc two features 1984 sessions from New York’s Lone Star Café with Danko and his great Band mate Richard Manuel, plus blues artist Paul Butterfield. Manuel begins in the forefront, taking the lead vocal on his signature Band number 'The Shape I’m In', delivering with passion, alongside fine harmonica accompaniment by Butterfield.

Manuel’s vocal reading of Ray Charles’ 'You Don’t Know Me' is gorgeous- an absolute stand out number and rich, resonant soul music. Manuel and Danko again shine on the stately Band number 'Across the Great Divide' and the touching soulful Danko-led 'Unfaithful Servant'.

On disc three, another Manuel-led vocal 'Just Another Whistle Stop' from the Band’s 'Stage Fright' album offers ample rewards - a truly magnetic Manuel vocal turn.

Some tracks are repeated throughout this collection, but always with alternate and varied live versions. A smoking Danko and Manuel duo treatment of 'King Harvest' is a strong choice indeed.

On disc four, the opener 'Book Faded Brown' is a touching and personal Danko ballad. 'Blind Willie McTell' follows - the potent Dylan cover. The lyric resonates: “I know one thing/Nobody can sing the blues like Blind Willie McTell,” Danko sings intensely.

This four disc live Danko collection has plenty of gems and should be of particular interest to Rick Danko fans and fans of the Band alike.

TRACKLIST

CD 1

01. Java Blues
02. Christmas Must Be Tonight
03. My Friend
04. Stage Fright
05. C.C. Rider
06. Twilight
07. Oh Baby (Watcha Gonna Do)
08. Jimmy Crack Corn
09. Long Black Veil
10. Caledonian Mission
11. My Love
12. The Weight
13. Bartender Blues
14. It Makes No Difference
15. Mystery Train
16. That's How I Love You
17. When You Are Awake
18. When I Get My Rewards
19. Sunny Side of Life
20. Brainwash
21. Blaze of Glory
22. My Baby Left Me
23. It Makes No Difference (Reprise)
24. Once Upon a Time
25. What a Town

CD 2

01. The Shape I'm In
02. C.C. Rider
03. It Makes No Difference
04. Walking Blues
05. My Baby Left Me
06. You Don't Know Me
07. I'm Just Your Fool
08. Long Black Veil
09. Chest Fever
10. Blaze of Glory
11. Crazy Mama
12. Across the Great Divide
13. Java Blues
14. Walking by Myself
15. Unfaithful Servant
16. She Knows

CD 3

01. Intro
02. C.C. Rider
03. My Love
04. Whistle Stop
05. Unfaithful Servant
06. She Knows
07. Honest I Do
08. King Harvest
09. It Makes No Difference
10. Banter
11. Chest Fever
12. Everynight and Everyday
13. Caledonian Mission (Live)
14. The Weight
15. Blaze of Glory
16. Makes No Difference
17. Sick and Tired
18. Honest I Do (Alternate Version)
19. The Shape I'm In

CD 4

01. Book Faded Brown
02. Blind Willie Mctell
03. Stage Fright
04. It Makes No Difference
05. Girl Like You
06. Twilight
07. Long Black Veil
08. Ophelia
09. Crazy Mama
10. Walkin' Blues
11. The Shape I'm In
12. Wheels on Fire / Book Faded Brown (Reprise)