Monday, October 4, 2010

Roger McGuinn & Gene Clark - Paissac, NJ 1978


ROGER McGUINN & GENE CLARK

Paissac, New Jersey – April 3, 1978

1. Release Me Girl (3:39)
2. Silver Raven (3:39)
3. Don't You Write Her Off (2:52)
4. Jolly Roger (2:54)
5. Chestnut Mare (5:54)
6. Crazy Ladies (3:31)
7. You Ain't Going Nowhere (3:46)
8. Lover Of The Bayou (3:32)
9. Train Leaves Here This Morning (4:01)
10. Mr Tambourine Man (4:14)
11. Bag Full Of Money (3:56)
12. Knockin' On Heaven's Door (3:21)
13. So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star (2:35)
14. Eight Miles High (4:45)


7 comments:

Steve said...

Whenever I hear one of these late-70's McGuinn-Clark concerts, I wonder what that first record would have sounded like if Hillman hadn't joined the duo. There is a clear interaction between both musicians, with Clark re-arranging some vocals (Chestnut Mare) and McGuinn adding some moody guitar leads, reminiscent of his 5D days. Crazy Ladies showed that McGuinn could still play an interesting lead guitar, and his solos remind me of his 5D days and Everybody's Been Burned. Although there weren't many new songs at first, the duo began to write more and later concerts show a close and evolving musical relationship. So what would a McGuinn-Clark album have been like? Much different from the MCH debut, I'm sure. Not that Hillman ruined the group--he just changed its dynamic. McGuinn was pushed aside, and the new trio was less a group than three guys who were once the Byrds but weren't any more, so bye-bye 12-string and hello disco. I saw the trio in San Diego before this took place, and they sounded very comfortable together, as they did in later concerts. As for this concert, it's very nice, despite the sound quality (I first listened to rock music on a 2-transistor radio, so I'm not that choosy). The vocals are generally strong, with fine harmonies. McGuinn's 12-string shines as usual--or should I say chimes?-and the selection of songs is good. Thanks for these little treasures, R-B.

Mister Bill 593 said...

I concur with Steve. These McGuinn and Clark concerts are always very satisfying. I had the distinct pleasure of sitting through both an early and late show they did at The Cellar Door in Georgetown, Washington DC in March of 1978. Once of the best live concerts I ever went to. The interaction was obvious, every time I hear one of these recordings it takes me back to that concert. Clark's harmonies on the middle of Chestnut Mare still amaze me!

Rocking--Byrd said...

Washington March 1978 is here:

http://rocking--byrd.blogspot.com/2009/02/roger-mcguinn-gene-clark-washington.html

Steve said...

After listening to set 2 of the Washington concert, I'd have to agree that this duo was in the process of melding into something very interesting. McGuinn's lead guitar work, especially on Crazy Ladies and a brilliant 8 Miles High. The only disappointment was a totally pedestrian lead on Release Me Girl. Any more of these concerts around?

Rocking--Byrd said...

http://rocking--byrd.blogspot.com/2009/02/roger-mcguinn-gene-clark-queen-college.html

http://rocking--byrd.blogspot.com/2009/02/roger-mcguinn-gene-clark-salt-palace.html

http://rocking--byrd.blogspot.com/2009/02/roger-mcguinn-gene-clark-calderone.html

http://rocking--byrd.blogspot.com/2009/02/roger-mcguinn-gene-clark-new-york-1978.html

http://rocking--byrd.blogspot.com/2009/02/roger-mcguinn-gene-clark-new-york-1978_20.html

http://rocking--byrd.blogspot.com/2009/02/roger-mcguinn-gene-clark-brockport-1978.html

http://rocking--byrd.blogspot.com/2008/10/roger-mcguinn-gene-clark-bottom-line-ny.html

Steve said...

Thanks for the links, R-B--I didn't have most of these concerts. I wish I had been able to see one. I did see MCH before their first album came out and before they went disco, and it was similar to these concerts. But the 3 albums were something else. Ah well...

david said...

These shows are fantastic. I was lucky enough to see 4 shows by these two, and they were so good. It's too bad they didn't do an lp without Hillman, or at least not changed the song arrangements. Nice to see so many shows posted here.Thanks!