Live

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This impressive record of Sade's 1994 live performances reminds us of just how much her distinctive sound combines languorously emotional pop with lightweight but musically fulfilling cocktail jazz. As fine as the voice is, we can never forget that Sade's backing band are sidemen rather than mere accompanists, and in several of the 18 numbers here we get solos of real virtuosity. The selection of songs includes many of Sade's hits--"Cherry Pie," "Smooth Operator," "Your Love Is King" - and some less well-known songs from the albums, such as "Red Eye" and "Jezebel." - Roz Kaveney, Amazon.co.uk Recently Sade ended their seven-year hiatus with the fine year 2000 LOVER'S ROCK album, which is musically so-close-yet-so-far from their 1984-1993 recordings. SADE LIVE (recorded in San Diego, October 1993) closes the book on the first decade of their/her musical career, presenting live versions of eighteen songs culled from the first four albums. Obviously this is a must-have for fans, but anybody who wants to hear these memorable songs again periodically should be happy with either this collection and/or the simultaneously issued videoclip compilation (LIFE PROMISE PRIDE LOVE). All of the hits are here, plus a few choice album tracks. The remastered 5.1 sound is excellent on this DVD release, capturing their live sound with clarity and fullness. The DVD has a few minor extras besides the surround sound, such as chapter access, a discography, a brief biography (basically a press release for LOVER'S ROCK), and offering the option to display lyrics karaoke-style on the screen in several languages. For the most part, the group sticks closely to the original studio versions in these performances, although occasionally the group's subtle jazz touches become more overt (particularly on SMOOTH OPERATOR). Mostly though, vocalist Sade Adu is in the forefront, singing with a quiet fire and at times physically moving within the flow of the music. Never demonstrative either vocally or in her stage mannerisms, she nonetheless is a captivating presence both to hear and to look at, and her voice is in top form throughout this concert. Track Listing 01 - The Sweetest Taboo 02 - Keep Looking 03 - Your Love Is King 04 - Feel No Pain 05 - Love Is Stronger Than Pride 06 - Smooth Operator 07 - Red Eye 08 - Haunt Me 09 - Like A Tatto 10 - Kiss of Life 11 - Nothing Can Come Between Us 12 - Cherry Pie 13 - Pearls 14 - Bullet Proof Soul 15 - Hang On to Your Love 16 - Keep Hanging On 17 - No Ordinary Love 18 - Is It A Crime 19 - Cherish the Day 20 - Paradise 21 - Jezebel Personnel Sade: Sade Adu – vocals Andrew Hale – keyboards Stuart Matthewman – guitar, saxophone Paul S. Denman – bass Additional musicians: Gordon Hunte - guitar Leroy Osbourne - backing vocals Trevor Murrell - drums Karl Vanden Bossche – percussion Rick Braun - trumpet.

via Last.fm