Montreux Jazz Festival

Brilliant. It arrived on time. No damage. Packed very well.

Though the sound is a little quitter than the Brilliant Live Adventures collection , with a slightly more dull mix, the sound is nevertheless very good. But if put in a playlist with other albums, you may have to adjust the volume.This is an incredible live performance. Bowie’s voice is at its most controlled. Life In Mars, for example, will send chills. The last high note of the chorus sounds a little hoarse (unlike versions in the Live Adventures set) and you wonder if it will break, but he miraculously holds it together. If you compare these later versions with those of the 70s & 80s, it’s clear that his technique has improved. No longer having to switch octaves or use a harmony when the high notes get difficult. His breathing is better and the songs are sung with incredible focus and emotion.I principally wanted this one for the politically incorrect “I would be your slave” - one of my favourite later Bowie’s songs and it doesn’t disappoint. There are a few other excellent Heathen songs, like “Everyone Says Hi” that are not available through the official releases.While I enjoy all eras of Bowie, I felt his later work, from Outside onwards to be his best (perhaps excluding Hours). This maybe because I have heard his earlier albums too often and I returned to Bowie after a long gap. Bowie also benefitted by resting his Greatest Hits after the Sound and Vision tour. The old songs sound fresh again and I especially enjoyed the live version of Low.

really enjoyed the set.

10/10 for sound quality. Bowie bootleg releases can often be pretty ropey when it comes to sound but not here. Great stereo with clear sound at volume which stood the test of listening through decent quality headphones which is always a reliable barometer with regards to picking up faults. Great mix of tracks from the Heathen era of Bowie’s career with many songs from Heathen promoting that album at the time, mixed in with some Bowie classics along with tracks from the Low album. Image wise 2002 wasn’t my favourite Bowie era being a fan since 72 and growing up with Bowie’s 70s golden era and all the on stage and public personas and timeless music that went with it, but what this release does remind you is this period of Bowie’s was excellent when it came to the music arrangements and the tightness of the musicians Bowie worked with in the latter years of his career. After all it’s the music that really counts and this CD is one of the best from that period which proves Bowie was still at the top of his game as a music artist. If your a Bowie fan then this unofficial release is a must buy until those in charge of Bowie’s music legacy see sense and get things like this released officially. However they need to get a move on before all the 70s fans book their places to see Bowie performing up amongst the stars. In the meantime buy this release with confidence because you won’t be disappointed with the sound quality of this CD.

Until we get ‘More Brilliant Adventures’ with official recordings covering 2000-2004, (hopefully) this unofficial recording from 2002 will do nicely. Sound quality acceptable, given its provenance. Great to have live versions of the music from Heathens and Low. Two of my favourite Bowie albums. I would recommend to those who want a live recording from the Heathen tour.PS I have found a decent recording from 1990 - Toyko FM Live - would also recommend on the same condition as above

Brilliant

Excellent sound quality. No edits, no gaps between songs. Perfection.

Real Bowie fans should love this. He's really enjoying the occasion himself. My only criticism is that one of the keyboards is too low (no pun intended) in the mix. This is how it was broadcast. Maybe separate tracks are not available to remedy this unfortunate error.