MACHIAVEL LIVE

This concert was a legendary one in Belgium. I did not attend this one at the AB (Ancienne Belgique) and I am quite missing it. But in the meantime, I have done my best to witness several "Machiavel" concerts.

I saw the band twice live there (AB), but there are little comparison to this good live set. Lots of good songs do share the bill throughout their long career, and I guess that the magic of this great night can only be caught while listening to this album.

This double CD should please any fan from the band. The most prog songs from the band and truly very good ones are rendered in a splendid manner. "After the Crop" is really a great old tune and this version of "Jester" is just fantastic. And I'm not saying this only because I'm Belgian. And a fan of the band since 76. No. I am expressing my true and honest opinion.

This first part of this concert is by no doubt the best one they ever played. While you listen to these versions from "No Way To Heaven" or "Summon Up", you can only be charmed. I tell you. But since I am honest, "Mary" is of course far from being a masterpiece. Marc being on the lead vocals (sorry marc, I far much prefer to listen to your great voice during the excellent rock programme which you lead on each Sunday morning on the Belgian radio.).

Emotion sits at (almost) every corner of this live set (at least for the ones who know the history of the band). The introduction of "Cheerlessness" is sufficiently convincing. Marc introducing it as the oldest one from the band. Written by Albert Letecheur (their original keyboard player - RIP). I have to say that while I listened to this song a long, a very long time ago (some thirty two years ago), I already felt in love with it. The only minus being the vocals. But while you listen to the closing and instrumental part, it is so gorgeous. Have a try and contact me to share your thoughts..

This live album is so full of surprises, great tracks and wonderful guest STARS. Because Mister Toots Thielemans is a wonderful and world known harmonica player. Usually more on the jazzy edge, but so efficient here during the passionate and crowd favourite "Rope Dancer". This song closes the first CD is an extremely good manner.

Second CD is unfortunately not on par, I'm afraid. It starts with an average version of "Lay Down". I would have expected a more disjointed and wild rendition of this (originally) heavy song. Over extended as well.

"Fly" is of course a song that the band can't ignore during their live sets. Catchy, rhythmic, and even allowing some karaoke moments : it is one out the fave from the band live numbers. Take it or leave it.

I have always felt that this double CD set was dropping in quality during the second CD (which should have been reverse since this is really a "Machiavel" best of live). I would have loved a bit more of their earlier works.Either on the first or second CD.

"Solstice" is some sort of tribute to Hervé. And to be honest the next five songs are just average. The over-extended "Turn Off" does only matter thanks to the good guitar solo. But still, it is quite long.

Track list was not well thought of. All the best moments on CD one. Either you release only one CD, or you just decide to share the great numbers over two discs. But this was not the option chosen. Unfortunately.

Of course, one of the many encore (but the only one worth) is "Fly-O". As usual, "Fly" is being played twice (even "thrice" at times). This version is featuring the legendary and totally disjointed band leader from "Stellla" (three L's). He is extremely humoristic and so Belgian... Just listen to this joyful and closing "Fly-O". If ever you grab some French (and knows a bit about the Belgian sense of humour), you will be controlled by Jean-Luc fantastic sense of humour. Completely hilarious.

Three stars for this live album. If only the second CD would have been on par with the first one.