Tom Paxton
Album: The Compleat Tom Paxton - Recorded Live
Label: BGO
Tracks: 26
Website: http://www.tompaxton.com

A two-disc live set originally recorded at New York's Bitter End nightclub in June 1970, has been released for 2014. The remarkable thing is that it doesn't sound at all like it was recorded 44 years ago; nor does it have the irritating sound features sometimes associated with live recordings. As such it is a very pleasant listen, from start to finish, it is also a rather impressive collection of songs, covering Paxton's musical career, so a great choice for those only just discovering his music, or for his already loyal fans.

To name but a few, the collection. Includes; Talking Vietnam Pot Luck Blues, Wish I Had a Troubador, Clarissa Jones, Jimmy Newman, My Lady's a Wild Flying Dove, and The Last Thing on My Mind. Also inluxed is his children's song Jennifer's Rabbit; children's songs are of course something which would later become a regular feature in Paxton's music.

The arrangements are primarily live acoustic, although some tracks feature a semi-electric accompaniment. Overall, the CD has a very laid back easy to listen to, feel about it. Definitely well worth a listen

Neil King