Live: The Loom's Desire

Beware! Now only pressed as a CD-R. If you're ordering this direct and not from a re-seller, it's most likely that what you're going to get is a CD-R, not a silver-pressed CD. And although the original record company hasn't replied to my queries, I believe this is even sanctioned by them. Artwork looks copied and somewhat blurry but still retains the original barcode. CDs are definitely CD-Rs. It's such a shame that a) this incredible Laura Nyro performance is no longer available on a legit-pressed CD set; b) that the product description doesn't indicate this is a CD-R and/or MOD (manufactured on demand). Performance and artistry, 5 stars. Presentation? 0 stars (except the lowest score available to choose is 1 star). Caveat emptor.

Laura Nyro was known as a bit of a mystery, yet she was one of those performers whose evolution was transparent through her music. This two-CD set is composed of consecutive Christmas eve performances at the Bottom Line in 1993 and 1994. It is at once a holiday album, Laura at her vocal prime, and a mature reminiscence. Compared to the fire of her youth, these performances seem almost mournful (premonition?). It's only towards the middle of 1994 show that she seems to pick up some of the earlier spirit, on Louise's Church, Wedding Bell Blues and Ooh Baby, Baby, in particular. It's also on the 1994 set that the smaller harmony group more often comes to life. Laura seems to have used the backup voices as a surrogate for an orchestra, and I found the vocal arrangements weak and overwhelming on the 1993 set. I think many of her songs would have done better - were made to be sung - without them, most of all Emmie.I preferred and still prefer Nyro of the '60s and that's why the four stars. Had I listened to it in full before buying, I probably would have passed and stuck with the 1971 Fillmore concert. However, this is a beautifully recorded set - if only Spread Your Wings were as well captured! - and wonderfully intimate. As such, it rounds out a Laura Nyro collection very well.

This 2CD set is a revelation to me. This is Laura Nyro singing with grand piano and a superb vocal harmony group of three and six voices. What differentiates these 1993 and 1994 concerts from a few years earlier is how Laura's voice actually grew stronger and more assured in the middle and low ranges and she brings full emotion and depth to each of her songs which is reminiscent of her early years.Laura's voice is best accompanied with acoustic piano, not electric, and she treats us to it here. The clarity of the piano in "My Innocence/Sophia" and her trademark beautiful changes in pace is compelling. You can actually hear this slowing cascade of notes near the beginning of the song, then she grabs the tempo and leaps it forward again. In "Let It Be Me" the deep, resonant notes of the piano rises to meet her voice, slowly, deliberately, in a harmonious choir of sound.There is a really great rendition of "Blowin' Away" where Laura sings, "My well meaner, my day fancy dreamer", a choir of voices follow, repeating the words a bar behind, then finally meeting and joining Laura's voice. It is actually more enjoyable than her 1st album version, and in way I think Laura had always envisioned it, spare, true, fun, and in great harmony.Yet, upon hearing this CD twice in one sitting, one is fully aware that they are Laura's last times she will ever sing in New York City. The upper notes in her voice in "Wedding Bell Blues" and "Broken Rainbow" are suggested rather than sung, and the previous, almost wailing power of "Wild World" as heard on her Live from the Bottom Line album is now subdued to an inner, personal, reflection. Laura has also come full circle, with the (Primal Heartbeat Songs of her youth) in "Dedicated to the One I Love" and "Ooh Baby Baby". Laura always gave her soul and her entire voice when she sang these, as though she would transport herself to the bustling New York city streets at night, and we would hear magic. Somehow, everything changes, and the voice becomes powerful and assured, and the rhythms deep and clear.But to me, the most emotional moment is the song "Emmie". This is the song that Laura sang to close her performances, and the versions she sang changed throughout her ages. From a rocking, burst of youth (Eli) to a long, heartfelt remembrance (Season of Lights), to a deep, personal, memory of life, here.For those of us who love the words and music of Laura Nyro, she will always be with us.

BEAUTIFUL.Her music has inspired so many and will live on forever.

My favorite female artist of all time!!

Great CD

Awesome CD! Classic Nyro and NOT overproduced like some of her recordings (e.g. Live at Carnegie Hall). Love it! 2-volume set is a great value.

Love it, listen to it over and over again.

all has been said earlier on this album.. sound is very good, Laura as usually fantastic !!! to get in his collection if it is not done yet

晩年は本当に母の優しさに溢れていたんですね。最後の日本ツアーもきっとこんな感じだったのかな・・・