Way back in 1964, The Rolling Stones arrived to absolute mayhem for their first show in New York City, after the release of their eponymous debut album. Cut to 2003, having played the city that never sleeps multiple times at several venues, it was only fitting that as part of their 40th anniversary tour, they made it a point to return to NYC’s most celebrated arena, Madison Square Garden.
Now, come June 10, Mercury Studios will deliver ‘Licked Live in NYC’ in multiple audio and video formats. The show will be available on DVD+2CD, SD Blu-ray+2CD as well as a standalone 2CD and 3LP set. Originally released in 2003 as an HBO special and as part of the “Four Flicks” package, the concert has been fully restored and remastered with four previously unreleased songs, including “Start Me Up,” “Tumbling Dice,” “Gimme Shelter,” and “Sympathy for The Devil.”
“New York City, top of the world…” comments frontman Mick Jagger after a raucous performance of “If You Can’t Rock Me,” before a wink and a nod to the cameras. “It’s great to see you here looking really beautiful tonight all dressed up. You think you’re on TV or something?”
Joining Jagger at the show were core Stones Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts along with a host of additional musicians, among them Darryl Jones on bass, Chuck Leavell on keyboards, Bobby Keys on saxophone and Bernard Fowler and Lisa Fischer on backing vocals.
Kicking off with “Street Fighting Man”, the Stones made their way through classics like “Angie,” “Midnight Rambler,” “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” and “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)” just to name a few, as well as “Honky Tonk Women” with a special guest appearance by Sheryl Crow.
Also included in the set is three bonus performances from Amsterdam and rehearsal footage that gives an insider’s view of the Stones gearing up for the tour. The SD Blu-ray package includes the additional 51-minute documentary ‘Tip of the Tongue,’ which captures the conception and preparation of the Live Licks tour’s innovative three show/three venue approach.
Inspired to switch up venues on a nightly basis between arenas, ballrooms or theaters, and setlists along with it, the band are captured preparing for this tour from the recording studio in Paris to the rehearsals in Toronto. Local fans will recall the band performing on the run in 2002 at Veterans Stadium, the First Union Center and Tower Theater over an exhilarating three-night stand, with the Pretenders opening the first two shows.
Incredibly, the Stones are still touring, now celebrating their 60th anniversary with shows across Europe. The last time they came through the region was in the summer of 2019 as part of their “No Filter” tour. Hopefully Philly gets another look at Mick and the boys before too long, but ‘Licked Live in NYC’ is the perfect holdover until then.
VINYL OF THE WEEK
Keep an eye on this spot as each week we’ll be looking at new or soon-to-be-released vinyl from a variety of artists. It might be a re-pressing of a landmark recording, special edition or new collection from a legendary act. This week, it’s the 60th anniversary of one of the most successful albums from a jazz great.
JOHN COLTRANE: ‘MY FAVORITE THINGS [60TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION]’
Rhino is celebrating the 60th anniversary of John Coltrane’s ‘My Favorite Things’ with deluxe editions on vinyl and compact disc. Released in March 1961, it was the first album to feature the jazz legend playing soprano saxophone in addition to his regular tenor.
Coltrane’s soprano takes the lead on two of the album’s four songs, including his unforgettable rendition of the title track, which Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote for ‘The Sound of Music’ musical. An edited version of the 14-minute original was a radio hit that spring. The song’s success helped introduce him to a broader audience, while the album went on to inspire future generations of fans.
The vinyl edition features new stereo and mono mixes of ‘My Favorite Things’ remastered from the original tapes. The mono mix, once believed lost, was rediscovered recently and will be available as a 180-gram double-LP set. The LPs come packaged in a replica of the original record sleeve with a booklet that features rare photos, ephemera from the period, and new liner notes written by acclaimed music journalist/author Ben Ratliff.
“For a record that so many people listened to, the LP version of ‘My Favorite Things’ travels impressively far; it demonstrably goes somewhere,” says Ratliff. “It also remains ambivalent through its juxtaposition of E major and E minor. It spins you around; it gives you enough of the pleasant impression, sometimes, that you don’t know where you are or what song you’re in. It is a remarkable cross of extremism and tact.”
Coltrane was introduced to the soprano saxophone in late 1959 and soon after started playing it in addition to his regular tenor sax. His first recorded performances on the instrument are included on ‘My Favorite Things.’ He recorded the music in October 1960 with the first version of the John Coltrane Quartet. John Coltrane Quartet.
Shortly before the sessions began, Coltrane discussed the soprano sax with Down Beat magazine and said, “I’ve had to adopt a slightly different approach than the one I use for tenor, but it helps me get away – lets me take another look at improvisation. It’s like having another hand.”
The 60th anniversary edition of ‘My Favorite Things’ can be found online and in stores from all respectable retailers who carry vinyl beginning May 20.
To contact music columnist Michael Christopher, send an email to rockmusicmenu@gmail.com. Also, check out his blog at www.thechroniclesofmc.com
Source: Berkshire mont
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