RE: Hathaway Live (was 'Valdez in the Country')
Jon Jung (jjung@mail.summer.hawaii.edu)
Thu, 10 Apr 1997 13:12:21 -1000
While, we have been talking about Donny, I always wondered why, in a historical
sense, he was never considered one of the true greats. He had a beautiful
voice, could play a mean piano (or organ or any keyboard) as any of the greats
(Marvin Gaye, Al Green, et al.). The only thing I can point to is that his
record sales weren't as good as other artists and, even by his admittance, he
wasn't the most appealing looking guy in the world (he was kind of a husky
looking guy with a round face). I consider him every bit as great as Marvin
Gaye and none of his albums or collaborations IMO are disappointing even into
the late '70s, early '80s when some of Gaye's work was a bit stagnant.
Hmmm...anybody else feel similiarly?
--Jon
_______________________________________________________________________________
I just picked up this live album (just called Donny Hathaway 'Live',
available as German import) recently and it blew me away ... way soulful.
It's bits of two concerts, one in Hollywood, one in NYC. Includes a great
version of The Ghetto (clockin in around 11 min), and covers of What's Goin
On, You Got a Friend and Jealous Guy which are all great. Plus the
record's worth grabbing just for the crowd ... they're up in the mix, very
enthusiastic, soul clapping and screaming and singing along. In fact on
You've Got a Friend, Donny has them singing the chorus while he improvises
over the top. Cool
Kurt