recently released showcase of a concert pete did during a tour promoting one of his solo records, ‘white city’. i have always considered that album one of his most underrated, and it is well represented here. featuring a full horn section and 5 back up vocalists, this is a big entourage and the set list is half pete solo selections, and the remaining balance is old who classics and r&b standards. guest guitarist david gilmour is a welcome addition to the overall sound. i was not aware that he was on the original album, but it seems obvious now. compare his unique intro to ‘give blood’ and u2’s edge of the same period. my guess was that the former was inspired by the latter, but i could be wrong. i really loved this period of pete’s musical output, and this is a very good snapshot of an artist at the peak of his career. i of course believe that the who’s overall peak was the quadrophenia era, but have always been struck by the outpouring of songs pete laid on us after stretching out on his own in the eighties. included in the package is a dvd of the concert from cannes, france. it was recorded for a german tv show. ‘give blood’ has always had a place in my ‘top ten songs to listen to real loud’. specifically simon phillip’s double kick bass drums emanating from my klipsch speakers in the man cave. it was good to see him in action on this dvd. pete is clearly inspired, sincerely embracing the role of frontman for a big band.

my only issue is the overall mix on some songs. too much high end when they try to get all the gang up front. but considering the elements they were dealing with (outdoor show, inclement weather), i can deal with it. trust me: pete is on it here.