John Denver - The Best of John Denver Live (1997/2000) [SACD]

This title is now out of print, although you may still be able to find a copy floating around. I am not a John Denver fan, although I am quite familiar with his hits. However, this recent purchase really pulled me into his music. On this SACD, JD gave an excellent performance that was both emotional & uplifting. Great backing from his band, including guitarist James Burton. The sound quality is very good, with production being done by Bob Irwin & Vic Anesini. Highly recommended!
John’s music has endured for more than 25 years. This new, striking & intimate collection, The Best of John Denver Live, captures the legendary artist’s greatest hits, such as the instantly recognizable “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Rocky Mountain High” & “Country Roads.” Like rediscovered friends, these songs are at once familiar, yet here, have a fresh new excitement. Echoes of jazz saxophone & driving percussion color a richer palette. The sound is more interesting, John’s voice more compelling . . . This special collection contains all of John’s best-loved songs, recorded at his Wildlife Concert in February of 1995. Included as a bonus are 2 previously unissued performances (“I’m Sorry” & “I Think I’d Rather Be A Cowboy”) from that heartfelt & magical performance.
By Barron Laycock – Published on Amazon.com:
This is a wonderful compilation of live versions of John Denver’s greatest hits even as he was continuing to make them. . Here we see the monster hits that propelled him into amazing popularity & superstardom in the early 1970s. In his heyday no one was outselling his albums or out-booking John for concert appearances, & considering the incredible talents on the scene at the time, that is a pretty good indication of just how popular he was, & just how universal John Denver’s appeal was. No one else sang of the wide-open possibilities & seemingly limitless prospects for a good life awaiting those who would free themselves from the bonds that confined them & just dare to soar along with him in the wild open spaces.
All the tracks here are terrific, from “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, the breakthrough country-pop hit that launched him onto the public stage, to “Rocky Mountain High, his paean to appreciating the beauties of nature & the natural life. He, more than any of his contemporaries, actively caught the public’s imagination regarding the wonders of the natural environment, & in a time when environmental concerns were splashed all over the headlines & the evening news, John’s vision of popular concern for & stewardship of the natural world was immensely important. I love all the songs here, including “Starwood In Aspen”, “Rhymes & Reasons “, “Sunshine On My Shoulders”, ” The Eagle & The Hawk”, & my own special favorite, “Poems, Prayers, & Promises”. This album represents a wonderful overview of the early work of John as he thrilled a whole generation with his own perspective of a meaningful life lived in the natural splendor of nature. I know you will enjoy this live performance of many of his hits as well as all the other 3 of his greatest hits albums. Far out!