BBC SESSIONS

It holds most of the great songs that the band has written during their golden era and they are impeccably played here. It is always a pleasure to spend two hours listening to these wonderful songs, even if "Trip To The Fair" is not included here.

It could have replaced some songs which probably don't have the caliber of "Can You Hear Me", "Sheherazade" of course, "Mother Russia" etc. Because, I have never been charmed by "Carpet Of The Sun" or "Touching Once".

One does have the opportunity to listen to an excellent live version of "Vultures Fly High". Full of rhythm, melody and harmony. I quite liked this short and popish song from "Sheherazade.". And last not but least: "Ashes Are Burning". The band converted this eleven minutes original into anything between eighteen and twenty-five minutes long while layed live.

Both versions from the Carnegie and the Flower Hour held a dull and useless long bass solo and even if this version also features one, it is smoother and hopefully shorter (two minutes or so). So even if I never understood their approach, I have to admit that it is bearable during this BBC Sessions and it is my preferred one of the whole (even if unlike the Flower Hour one, we won't have the great vocalize during the final part).

It is a very good live album with an impressive set list and one can appreciate the fact that all these songs are played without the support of an orchestra which is rather interesting. Four stars.

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