It has become a rare occurrence for The Choir to be seen live. Other commitments and financial concerns mean that it is not viable for them to tour regularly. This release can only go some way towards filling that gap, but it makes a valiant attempt.
Featuring Tim Chandler on bass, Wayne Everett (late of the Prayer Chain) on percussion, Bill Campbell (of The Throes) on second guitar, and Dan Michaels on lyricon and saxophone, as well as the omnipresent Derri Daugherty and Steve Hindalong on guitars and drums, this disc presents 11 songs from the Choir's repertoire. (Or, at least, it nearly does-"Circle Slide" and "Sled Dog" are combined into a medley, and parts of "Sled Dog" are missing.)
The Choir's sound has always been difficult to pigeon-hole, and so it continues here. The delayed sounds emanating from Daugherty's guitar are one of the most obvious hallmarks, as are the saxophone riffs presented by Michaels. "Alternative" is the usual genre to describe them, and while the band doesn't fit into the current mainstream definition of alternative, it is the only description for their essentially artsy rock sound.
The bias here is toward newer Choir material-only one of the songs dates from the eighties-but since it was recorded as they were touring their previous record, this is not surprising. The mix sounds good to me, although I have heard questions raised about it. A large, powerful sound is produced, and everything we've come to expect from this intensely artistic band is present.
It is difficult to pick favorite tracks, as the album is very much a complete experience, but while listening to it, "Beautiful Scandalous Night" from At The Foot Of The Cross is particularly moving. Daugherty's voice is in particularly good form, and the band sounds tight with the crowd getting into the material.
This disc also contains multimedia material. My computer was not able to display all the video footage, which was disappointing, but this is certainly an interesting addition to the disc. There is a good, consistent interface for the CD-ROM section, which is straightforward to use. Included is live video footage, a discography, interview footage, and a slideshow of the band through the years.
This is an excellent album. Despite a few problems with speed of the CD-ROM, it is one of the best live albums I have heard recently.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #12Reviewed by Scott W. ChristopherThere is special sentimental value for me with Let it Fly, the new live record from The Choir: Although the different recordings come from several different concerts, the opening and closing remarks were made at a St. Louis show by my friend and mentor, Brian Quincy Newcomb (whom some will remember as the founding editor of Harvest Rock Syndicate, may he rest in peace). Fortunately, there is much…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinLive albums are frequently disappointments. They seldom capture the energy of the actual events, and they're usually dubiously produced--failing to reach the polish of studio efforts. My expectations for Let it Fly were particularly low since The Choir is not much of a live band in my estimation. Sure, their albums are highly recommendable, brilliantly crafted works of musical art, and their…Similar sounding releases
2003The Prayer ChainHere Comes the Rust
1994Sunday BlueBreathe
1997Common ChildrenDelicate Fade
1997Michelangelo & the DifferenceUnder Rower
1999Michael Knott / L.S. UndergroundDefinitive Collection
1998Poor Old LuChrono (1993-1998)More from The Choir
2000Flap Your Wings
1993Kissers and Killers
1990Circle Slide
1994Speckled Bird
2005O How the Mighty Have Fallen
1996Free Flying Soul
