Solomon Burke - The Last Great Concert

by Carl Bookstein

published: 27 / 8 / 2012

Label: Floating World Records
Format: CD

Enthralling live album recorded in 2008 towards the end of his career from late soul giant, Solomon Burke

Review

Solomon Burke, alias “The King of Rock and Soul” delivered his concerts from a red velvet and gilded throne. Witnesses saw a literally huge man dressed to the nines, belting out his signature rhythm and blues tunes. He delivered the pinnacle soul concert experience with a band of up to 21 members. Burke performed live throughout his career, from promoting his first recording on Apollo records in 1956, until his death on October 10th, 2010 at 70. ‘The Last Great Concert’ took place in Switzerland in 2008 and includes both Burke classics and his latter day material. The two disc recording begins with the easy dripping soulful notes of ‘That’s How I Got to Memphis’. With his deep rich resonant vocals, this concert finds Burke in peak form- one of soul music’s all time great singers. Next is ‘Fast Train’, written by Van Morrison from Burke’s great comeback album ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’. With a rollicking R&B beat, it is another powerful vocal. ‘Diamond In Your Mind’ written by Tom Waits is soul soothing to the core- an uplifting performance. Also included is an over the top version of Burke’s early hit ‘Cry to Me’ which had been notably covered by the Rolling Stones. A lovely energized ‘Georgia On My Mind’ showcases the singer turning the classics into Solomon Burke tunes. The New Orleans jazz-inflected ‘Down in the Valley’ features inspired instrumentals from the band, including a stinging guitar solo and a fine work up by the horn section. A medley of love songs includes ‘Almost Lost My Mind’, performed with just the right tender vocal touch. Burke’s version of ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ would do Sam Cooke proud, and later there is a kicking straight ahead charging cover of ‘Proud Mary’. “If one of us is chained, none of us are free.” Burke sings in an anthem that speaks the truth. Burke concludes with a rousing version of his classic hit ‘Everybody Needs Somebody to Love’ in a concert recording that captures the singer late in his career, yet still at his best.

Track Listing:-

1 That's How I Get to Memphis (Live)
2 Fast Train (Live)
3 Diamond in Your Mind (Live)
4 Cry to Me (Live)
5 Georgia on My Mind (Live)
6 Like a Fire (Live)
7 Down in the Valley (Live)
8 If You Need Me (Live)
9 Tonight's the Night (Live)
10 Almost Lost My Mind (Live)
11 He'll Have to Go (Live)
12 I Can't Stop Loving You (Live)
13 Detroit City (Live)
14 A Change Is Gonna Come (Live)
15 None of Us Are Free (Live)
16 Band Introduction (Live)
17 I Will Survive (Live)
18 Misty Blue (Live)
19 Got to Get You off My Mind (Live)
20 Don't Give up on Me (Live)
21 Atta Way to God (Live)
22 Proud Mary (Live)
23 Lucille (Live)
24 Good Golly Miss Molly (Live)
25 Tutti Frutti (Live)
26 Rock This Joint (Live)
27 Johnny B. Goode (Live)
28 Shake Rattle and Roll (Live)
29 Lucille (Reprise)[Live]
30 I Give My Heart to You (Live)
31 I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free)[Live]
32 What a Wonderful World (Live)
33 Silent Night, Holy Night (Live)
34 Everybody Needs Somebody to Love (Live)