The Live Record (CD - 2001)

Personnel: Charlie Daniels (vocals, guitar, fiddle); Bruce Brown, Chris Wormer, Mark "Sparky" Matejka (guitar, background vocals); Taz DiGeorgio (Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards, background vocals); Charlie Hayward (bass); Pat McDonald (drums); Jimmy Hall.

Recorded at various locations in 2000. Includes liner notes by Charlie Daniels.

Making music involves two very separate but integral worlds: the electronic environment of the studio and the high-octane world of the stage. Even though Charlie Daniels and his band have proven that they can move recorded merchandise, it has been the group's energetic live performances that have marketed them as one of country-rock's hottest commodities. The two musical worlds unite to spawn the digitally mastered adrenaline rush that is The Live Record. Recorded live in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, the extended play truly captures both the energy and musical genius of a live Charlie Daniels concert, at least as close as humanly possible without the huddle of bodies dancing in their seats. Perhaps best of all is the chance to enjoy over an hour of Daniels favorites, such as "In America," "Still in Saigon," and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" without the muffle that might occur at a large outdoor venue. Each guitar lick and fiddle assault is crystal clear and is especially laudable on Daniels' seven-minute instrumental, "Sidewinder." Lynyrd Skynyrd's Southern classic, "Freebird," is another set-list sizzler, featuring the electronic wail of the lead guitar. As live albums go, this one deserves kudos. The added bonus is that the listener gets not only a rousing good time, but a greatest-hits collection of one of country's greatest entertainers. ~ Rick Cohoon minimize