Superstars Of Seventies Soul: Live CD

The phrase on the back of the disc reeks of terror: "Recorded on December 17 and 18, 2003, at the Borgata Casino, Hotel and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey." Surely these performances must show each performer as mere shadows of themselves, stumbling through the old hits to obtain a check for a new refrigerator or a past-due car payments. That turns out not to be the case. Some performers -- including George McRae, Yvonne Elliman, the Emotions, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Bloodstone, and McFadden & Whitehead -- are in better shape than others, but the set should be enjoyed by just about any seasoned, noncynical soul fan. Plus, the crowd is eating it up the whole time. There's no way that these renditions could ever take the place of the original studio versions; that much is obvious. However, there's also no denying that this is an energetic trip down memory lane. ~ Andy Kellman

Patti Labelle/Chi-Lites/Commo- Dores/Yvonne Elliman/Stylistic

Audio Remasterer: Keith Blake.

Recording information: Borgata Hotel Casino And Spa, Atlantic City, NJ (12/17/2003/12/18/2003).