LIVE OUTSIDE

"Jadis" was not very prolific during the late nineties / early 2000's. Only a new studio album every three years. It was the occasion to release a compilation of "rare" tracks ("Medium Rare") as well as two live albums.

This one comes out their "Understand" tour and is almost a whole live version of this good album. Since "Jadis" is rather faithful to their studio work while playing on stage, there is no real added value in terms of music. The plus points being the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that can be felt while listening to this recording. My fave out of the "Understand" track is the energetic "Alive Inside". As usual, Garry is fantastic on the guitar ("Counting All The Seconds" being another emotional moment).

There are also two songs from their debut album "More Than Meets The Eye" which is their best one IMHHO and confirmed here not only because "Wonderful World" is my fave but if the at this stage of their career, the band decided to play two very old songs they must know that this feeling is wIdely spread in their fan database. Guitar work during this track is just somptuous. My highlight (but "Holding Your Breath" is only an inch behind, but still one of the best from this live offering).

This album features two songs already released live in "As Daylight Fades" ("Batstein", "Wonderful World"), two cover songs : the poppish "Weather With You" from a band coming from the Antipodes "Crowded House" from which two members came from the better known "Split Enz". The other one being "Comfortably Numb" from who you know (great guitar again of course). I also do not really appreciate that the version of "Hear Us" is cut by half in comparison to the studio version. A pity.

In terms of live releases, I would recommend more "As Daylight Fades". This one is more for a confirmed fan. And even if it is hardly essential, it provides about one hour of good music including great guitar soli. A good album. Three stars.

While Gary Chandler is of course the main man, and drummer Stephen Christey has been there for many a moon, there are many Jadis fans (myself included) that felt that Jadis without Martin Orford weren't really Jadis at all. With John Jowitt also back in the fold then the classic line-up were back together once again and while 'As Daylight Fades' was only released three years ago, it is fitting that another live album has been released featuring these guys.

Three songs feature on both, but when they are as good as "Wonderful World" or "Batstein" who cares? Jadis have one of the most instantly recognisable sounds in the prog world, due mostly to Gary's laid back vocals and guitar work. With JJ and Steve in perfect harmony, and Gary and Widge having one of the most understanding of partnerships then it is no surprise that they sound like they are having a great time.

Songs such as "Where In The World" are uplifting and powerful, while "Racing Sideways" is just clean plain fun. When Gary tells the crowd how long they are planning to play Widge also joins in. What do you want from an album: Great songs, musical ability, and harmony vocals? There is all this and much, much more. They even throw in a couple of covers for good measures ("Comfortably Numb" is awesome).

They may never have fully been appreciated in the UK, but this is one of our great prog bands.

Originally appeared in Feedback #64, Dec 01