Let Me Down Easy: in Concert [Import, Live]

Rarely, we have the opportunity to enjoy the "Real Thing", on recordings as well as live performances. Bettye LaVette is the "Real Thing"!!

'Let Me Down Easy' is a wonderful Concert. All the songs are great. ("Damn Yours Eyes" and "My Man" ARE REAL KNOCKOUTS)

If possible, it is a must to see her perform 'live'. If not, her recordings will demonstrate the tireless energy she puts in every song. Truly, soulful and refreshing.

Now, Bettye LaVette, one of the great soul, blues, r & b singers ever, has a new CD, recorded "live" in Holland in 1999. This after her astonishing performance at New York's Columbia University where she garnered standing ovations and new admirers.

This CD captures some of the excitement of a singer who loves to sing and is determinded to give her audience what it came for...a great show.

There is no holding back with LaVette. When she hits the stage, she give 110%! That's why they love her throughout Europe and pack the clubs and blues festivals to see her perform. She opens with her first hit record, "My Man". It's faster here than on the original, but it's still hot and Bettye tells the truth as only she can. This song was also covered by Tina Turner when she was with Ike and by Ann Peebles when she was on HI Records. The song was so hot, it became a staple with practically every female r & b singer at the time, just like Wilson Pickett's "Midnight Hour" which was picked up by soul singing men and rock groups world-wide.

Bettye's version of Etta James' "Damn Your Eyes" is a highlight of the set. An original, Bettye doesn't copy Etta's version, but gives it new life and a fresh and exciting interpretation.

LaVette's renowned "Let Me Down Easy" always brings down the house. The original recording is now considered a classic, but the other covers of the song don't match Bettye's original. In concert, LaVette has given the song "wings" and she soars like a Phoenix leaving her listeners exhilerated. One of my favorites is "Almost", an early hit for LaVette. It's an easy-going swinger which wowed the audience at Columbia with Bettye adding a few choice dance steps.

With all of the non-singing that is dominating the airwaves lately, it's a pleasure to hear a singer that can still make you sit up and listen. LaVette's voice is unique in that she dosen't imitate anyone and gives everything she sings, guts and soul. If she feels like shouting, she'll shout, if she feels tender she can break your heart with a whisper...and if she get's "happy" she might do a little screamin' for ya. But, one thing, she does all of this with CLASS.

To me, she is among my favorites like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Etta James, Ann Peebles, Shirley Brown and Loleatta Holloway.

And, if you ever get a chance to see Bettye in person. Do.