For any yet to sample the stunning playing of Jeff Healey this live set recorded back in 1999 is as good as any place to start. Sadly Jeff Healey and his very tight playing band have never really had the major success they deserve. Along with this live offering and his debut album, I’d personally recommend you check out his covers album ‘Cover To Cover’ for a rounded introduction to Jeff Healey’s music.

He really is a phenomenal player of the blues and puts lots of feeling and expression into his playing - just listen to ‘Yer Blues’ and ‘My Little Girl’ for proof. Singing wise Healey is no slouch either possessing an earthy blues vocal. Another stand out track has to be the cover of the George Harrison penned ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, simply a stunning version of this classic tune.

Forget your clinical, stockbroker blues of Clapton, Jeff Healey is where it is really at, and live is even better. There is also a companion DVD of this released at the same time as this CD.

****

Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly