What we have here is a RSD release from April 2018. It’s called Live From The Vaults, but actually it should be called Live From CBGB’s 19th December 1989. Although Mick Jagger gets the credit for discovering them (as they supported the Stones in the US) they were around since ’84 as Vernon Reid’s Living Colour.
Most of the tracks here are from the bands debut album Vivid, which along with the follow up Times Up, won the band a Grammy. Not sure if any crowd mic’s were used as there only sounds to be about 12 people in attendance. Well those 12 people certainly got their monies worth as the band are on fire.
From the opening of Cult of Personality to the close out of Little Lies, every song is a killer rendition. Great rhythm section of original bassist Muzz Skillings, and drummer Will Calhoun holds down some serious grooves. With some really tight vocal from Corey Glover, and some incendiary guitar (whether it be rock, funk or Jazz ) from Vernon Reid, the band seem to be on a mission.
This is one of those shows I would have loved to have been there. This is a honest no overdubs recording – if you have any interest in this band, you will love it. Killer tracks? Well I really like the openness and groove of Funny Vibe, the amazing Open Letter to a Landlord, and Middle Man, but I’m sure you’ll have your own. Think there were only 3000 pressed of this so it might be hard to find now.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
