Various Artists: The Concert for Bangladesh (Remastered) - Disc 1 of 2 CD Track Listing

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Various Artists The Concert for Bangladesh (Remastered) - Disc 1 of 2 (1971)
The Concert For Bangladesh (Remastered) - Disc 1 of 2\n2005 Apple Corps Ltd.\nVarious Artists\n\n1971 Apple Records, Inc.\n\nRecorded August 1, 1971\nOriginally Released December 20, 1971\nCD Edition Released April 2, 1995 (??)\nRemastered + Expanded CD Edition Released October 25, 2005\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: Hands down, this epochal concert at New York's Madison Square Garden -- first issued on three LPs in a handsome orange-colored box -- was the crowning event of George Harrison's public life, a gesture of great goodwill that captured the moment in history and, not incidentally, produced some rousing music as a permanent legacy. Having been moved by his friend Ravi Shankar's appeal to help the homeless Bengali refugees of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, Harrison leaped into action, organizing on short notice what became a bellwether for the spectacular rock & roll benefits of the 1980s and beyond. The large, almost unwieldy band was loaded with rock luminaries -- including Beatles alumnus Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Badfinger, and two who became stars as a result of their electric performances here, Leon Russell (the medley of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Young Blood") and Billy Preston ("That's the Way God Planned It"). Yet Harrison is in confident command, running through highlights from his recent triumphant All Things Must Pass album in fine voice, secure enough to revisit his Beatles legacy from Abbey Road and the White Album. Though overlooked at the time by impatient rock fans eager to hear the hits, Shankar's opening raga, "Bangla Dhun," is a masterwork on its own terms; the sitar virtuoso is in dazzling form even by his standards and, in retrospect, Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Alla Rakha amount to an Indian supergroup themselves. The high point of the concert is the surprise appearance of Bob Dylan -- at this reclusive time in his life, every Dylan sighting made headlines -- and he read the tea leaves perfectly by performing five of his most powerful, meaningful songs from the '60s. Controversy swirled when the record was released; then-manager Alan Klein imposed a no-discount policy on this expensive set and there were questions as to whether all of the intended receipts reached the refugees. Also, in a deal to allow Dylan's participation, the set was released by Capitol on LP while Dylan's label, Columbia, handled the tape versions. Yet, in hindsight, the avarice pales beside the concert's magnanimous intentions, at a time when rock musicians truly thought they could help save the world. [The Concert for Bangladesh was reissued as a deluxe edition in 2005. It was packaged in a small, CD-sized box bearing different artwork (a photograph of George from the concert) and containing an expanded booklet, good remastered sound, and a bonus track of Dylan performing "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" tacked onto the end.] -- Richard S. Ginell\n\nAmazon.com Editorial Review\nRavi Shankar planted the seed, but it was George Harrison who turned this historic benefit concert into reality. The publicity-shy former Beatle could've easily written a check and forgotten all about the matter--impoverished East Pakistani refugees stranded in India--but instead recruited some of his most talented and compassionate friends and created an event remembered as much for the quality of its music as the purity of its intent. (The two-part engagement itself raised $250,000.) The players include Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, and Bob Dylan, while the backing band includes Jim Keltner, Klaus Voormann, and the up-and-coming Apple band Badfinger (Phil Spector and Harrison produced). The concert took place on August 1, 1971 at Madison Square Garden and was released as a triple-album boxed set that December and a feature film in 1972. That year, it won the Grammy for best album. The program begins with Shankar and his trio ("Bangla Dhun") and ends with a song Harrison wrote for the occasion ("Bangla Desh"). Highlights include Billy Preston's rousing "That's the Way God Planned It" and Dylan's heartfelt five-song set, starting with "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall." The remaster adds an additional Dylan track, "Love Minus Zero/No Limit," from the afternoon show. Although the cover art has been changed to a picture of Harrison, the original iconic image of a sad-eyed child remains prominent in the CD and DVD packaging. As with previous versions of The Concert for Bangladesh, all artist royalties go to UNICEF or, as Harrison notes in his band introduction, "Nobody's gettin' paid for anything." --Kathleen C. Fennessy\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nI Had Forgotten How Good This Was, January 20, 2004\nReviewer: mayfayre "mayfayre" (New Jersey USA)\nI've got the LP set of the concert but just had to get the CD version. The (pardon the new-agey bit) postive energy comes shining through in the music. The concert starts off with the music of Ravi Shankar and it's just so nice to realize that the audience appreciates it, and doesn't grow restless because the "big acts" didn't lead off the show. So different from concerts today. For me, the price of the CD is the Leon Russell medley of "Jumpin' Jack Flash/Young Blood". I loved it when I first heard it, and it's stood the test of time. For a lot of people, the draw is Bob Dylan, but not me. For me the joy is hearing George Harrison play his beautiful music in a concert setting with excellent musicians backing him up. This CD is a time capsule that all will enjoy.\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nRemembering George, October 5, 2003\nReviewer: "kwgthacher" (Union, WA)\nThere is a lot of nostalgia here, but lets not get weepy. These must be the pre-rehab years for Ringo, as "It Don't Come Easy" must mean remembering the lyrics. And Ravi Shankar, though a hit in India, was only liked by westerners if they had what Ringo was having. That said -\nClapton gives a great performance, George Harrison shows emotion in his playing as well as having fun with his mates, and Bob Dylan's performance is as good as he gets. Leon Russell and Billy Preston show why they were every bit as good as showmen as they were sought after studio musicians (too bad John didn't make it, but he was SO full of himself). \nGeorge was the unsung Beatle and I for one truly miss him.\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nDylan/Beatle Fan Must have, April 4, 1999\nReviewer: Robert Hanifin (Boston area, United States)\nWhat started out as a near Beatles reunion (John actually showed up for rehearsals but was told by George that he wanted him only, without Yoko, on stage resulting in John's departure) nevertheless resulted in one of the best live albums of all time. The set opens up with Ravi Shankar playing 20 or so minutes of traditional Indian Music (Shankar was the one who actually asked George to stage the concert to aid his war-torn homeland). The Music is listenable and interesting but little else. For the remainder of the set George assembles an all star band including Ringo, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, and Leon Russell. George plays tracks from his classic album "All things must Pass" along with some Beatle classics and gives Ringo, Leon (his Jumpin' Jack Flash/Youngblood medley is a must listen), and Billy Preston turns at lead vocal Perhaps the best part of the set is Dylan's side (I bought the set on LP and side 5 was the Dylan set). With himself on acoustic guitar, George on Electric guitar, Leon Russsell on Bass, and Ringo on Tamborine Dylan makes his tightest live recording ever. Dylan takes Just Like a Woman in a totally different direction from his studio version resulting in a superior track. In short this set is a must have for any Beatle or Dylan fan and is one of the best live albums of all time.\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nBrilliant Remastering and Performances, December 27, 2005\nReviewer: Todd and In Charge (Miami, FL)\nI don't have much to add to the thoughtful reviews below, but I did want to highlight the improved sound of this remaster. The sonics are superb -- Phil Spector's production is detailed and meticulous -- to me the songs from All Things Must Pass sound even better and more vital here than on the original. "Wah Wah" really rocks and is majestic, "Awaiting on You All" has a depth and clarity I never heard before, and "Beware of Darkness" is moving and deeply spiritual. Add to that a fantastic set from the Dylbird in his countrified "New Morning" mode, a great cut from Billy Preston and Leon Russell, Badfinger joining George onstage for "Here Comes the Sun," Eric Clapton onboard for "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," Jesse Ed Davis, Ringo, the Klausmeister on bass, etc., this one is a keeper of a concert, all for a good cause. \n\nOne final word on Ravi's introductory set, "Bangla Dhun." The crowd's raptuous applause after his band finishes tuning up (and Ravi's quip about same) is one of the highlights of the album. Sure the piece is long, but as Ravi says it takes "concentrated listening," and I'm glad it's there and was not removed from the re-release for commercial purposes. All in all a substantial and impressive re-release.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\na title, December 11, 2005\nReviewer: A fan of George\nI agree with those who have objected to the deletion of some of the between song comments George Harrison made to the audience, as well as the changing of the cover art. These changes may seem minor, but this is not just a recording of a concert, it is a document of an important musical and cultural event. As such, though I approve of the improved sound quality, the original content of the recording should be preserved in its entirety. That aside, it is a great concert, and Dylan's set is magnificent.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nLiving In The Remastered World, December 6, 2005\nReviewer: bob "frankendino" (Mendham, NJ United States)\nAs most of you know, The Concert For Bangladesh is the seminal relief concert that was the springboard for all future relief concert efforts such as Live Aid, Farm Aid, Amnesty and so on... However, although we celebrate the anniversary of this historic concert which reminds us of the struggle that still exists in this part of the globe, it must be pointed out that this digitally remastered version is far superior than the original release and the difference is as stunning as the spotlight hitting George in his white suit during the opening of Wah-Wah. \n\nThe intricate guitar work of both George and Eric Clapton, the majestic Hammond B-3 of Billy Preston, that seemed to get muddled on the original recording as well as the vocals and crafty drum work of Ringo and Jim Keltner is really brought out with a new clarity that revives this disc and really adds a new vitality and excitement to this recording. But no where is the sonic difference more apparent than on the Dylan tracks where the intimate quartet of George, Ringo, Leon and Bob played some soul stirring versions of some Dylan nuggets. \n\nFor years we have all replaced various discs in our collections with new versions that have been "remastered" only to strain to hear the difference, if we could hear any at all, sometimes to find the only difference was that we had less money in our pockets after our purchase. This remastered version of The Concert For Bangladesh is every bit remastered, every bit enhanced (and I have listened to both side by side) and worth every penny. \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nAged well and Sounding Great, December 3, 2005\nReviewer: Donald R. Labonte Jr. "donlbjr" (WALES, WI USA)\nAlthough some people are miffed that the cover has been changed, and others long for the obnoxious crowd shouts like, "Do something Ringo!" audible on previous versions, this remastered version of Concert for Bangladesh excels where it really matters - the music. It's wonderful to finally hear the acoustic guitar work of Badfinger, which was all but inaudible in the original mix. Harrison's material shines, and the mix of "Something" is so much better here than it was on the original that it alone is worth the price. Well, maybe - this two disc set is pretty expensive in that the two-DVD set is going for $7 - $10 less than the cd at local stores as well as at Amazon. However, listening to this CD start to finish is a treat indeed, and it contains the best rendition of "Just Like a Woman" you are ever likely to hear. Buy this.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nDifferent version of Leon Russell's songs, November 27, 2005\nReviewer: R. Kashden (NY, NY USA)\nThe remastered edition actually has a different version of Leon Russell's songs. It must have been from the other show. Both are good. I like the original version a bit better because the chorus really got into the interplay with Leon. In the remastered, it's a bit more subdued. It also explains the lack of introduction by George Harrison.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nOne of Harrison's Finest Moments, November 12, 2005\nReviewer: Juan Mobili (Valley Cottage, NY USA)\nNot only was this album, the live recording of a musical event inspired by the suffering occurring in a country in serious need of aid, but a statement of compassion and deep spiritual kinship, the work of a contemplative man who have been part of the greatest group of all time, and was not above his times. \n\nAll that said, the music contained here represents one of the best Rock concerts ever recorded, and hardly need any further significance attached to it, to be worth repeated listenings. Harrison, performing for the first time, since recording All Things Must Pass, is in excellent form, and so is Eric Clapton who provides a solo for My Guitar Gently Weeps that is even better for his White Album contribution. \n\nThe material leans on George's first, and triple album, with Isn't It A Pity, Wah-Wah, Something, Beware Of Darkness, and a beautiful version of My Sweet Lord being standouts. In addition to them, Leon Russell's presence throughout is, perhaps the most unexpected gem. His rendition of Jumping Jack Flash is simply stunning, as it is his harmonies with Bob Dylan in Just Like A Woman. \n\nYes, because then there was Dylan, offering a set of classics -now augmented by one song, Love Minus Zero/No Limit- accompanied by Harrison, Russell and Ringo's tambourine, who would be worth purchasing by itself. \n\nOther than Dylan's addition and the sound improvement on this remastered version, there may be no reasons for those who already owned the original CD release, to own this edition. But if you do not have it, this is a must, Rock history, tremendous music. \n\nThe only thing I'd wish is that they maintained the original album cover, which not only conveyed the purpose of this concert unequivocally but was an icon in its own right. \n\nIf nothing else, this release is thoroughly worthwhile because in reminding a large number of people like me who basked in the great music contained here, that it's time to listen to Concert for Bangladesh again.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nConcert For Bangla-Desh, November 1, 2005\nReviewer: R. S. TAYLOR (S.C. USA)\nI agree with most of the reviews so far. I'd like to add a few comments. \nI was also kind of peeved at the removal of the background vocals at first, but after several listens I actually like it better that way. \nI don't always agree with remixing classics (The John Lennon catalog is a good example of what NOT to do). \nIn my opinion, the background vocals made the recording sound dated. Don't forget that George himself remixed All Things Must Pass and removed a lot of the "out of date Phil Spector sound". \nWhat I really miss are George's comments and the between song "incidental noises" (like the drum roll before Something). \nAll in all it's great to have this CD out and remixed. The overall sound is definitely superior to the old version. You can actually hear each individual instrument including Badfinger's acoustic guitars and tambourine. \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\n"No One is Gettting payed For Anything", October 27, 2005\nReviewer: Anthony Accordino (Massapequa Park, New York United States)\nOne can argue that the "Concert For Bangladesh", is one of the single most important events in rock n roll history. George Harrison, along with Ravi Shankar invented the pop star benefit concert, Without realizing at the time, that they would influence a whole charitable movement that has continued for decades, for various causes. This reissue CD of that historic concert, proves to be a time capsule that brings one back to an era when for one day, some of classic rocks most gifted musicians put on a show for the ages. The remastered sound quality is out of this world. The first thing I noticed was being able to clearly hear acoustic guitars and some keyboards clearer then ever. The vocal clarity is like night and day compared to the original release. One really notices a major difference during Leon Russell's performance of "Jumpin Jack Flash", and "Youngblood". Of course, Bob Dylan never sounded better during a live acoustic set. It is quite obvious that a lot of care and thought went into the packaging. Although the cd sports a new cover that is different from the original, I felt the packaging still held the historical presentation of the original. Each cd is housed in a slip cover, that has the original cover photo, as well as the same orange color of the 3 LP boxed set. The booklet has both original and new liner notes, and the booklet has a healthy serving of photo's, some not seen before. The only real negative that I found with this set, is the deletion of some of George Harrison's verbal interaction with the audience. Gone is the introduction of Leon Russell before his set, as well as George announcing that he is going to try one with just the acoustic guitars before he played "Here Comes The Sun". Also, removed was the long thunderous ovation he received after playing "Something". When George returned to the stage for his finale "Bangladesh", he told the crowd "Thank-you you're so kind". That was also deleted. I feel that when producers alter the original, they are messing with art. Those verbal interactions with the crowd, were part of the historic final product that we all remember so well and are now a thing of the past. All put aside, the cd is fantastic, with crystal clear remastering, but I sure wish they would have left the entire concert intact and away from the cutting room. Anything missing, can be heard on the full length DVD movie, or the original CD.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nRewriting history, October 26, 2005\nReviewer: Blues Bro "bluesbro" (Lakewood, Colorado USA)\nThe Bangladesh benefit concert was the first of its kind. Before any other rock aid concert, George invented how to do it here. The album that followed has always been a classic, the cover image one of the most striking and immediatley identifable of all time, to have that non-commercial shot as the cover of the album required a lot of guts from George, and it says more than a 1000 words about why you had to buy that album. So, WHERE IS THE ORIGINAL ALBUM COVER!!!??? Why change it??? Ill tell you why: Putting the recently deceased George on the cover to sell more copies to the younger generation. George would be mad and embarrased at this shameless excercise of capitalism. \n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\n"We've got a lot of singers here ..." where?, October 25, 2005\nReviewer: J. A. DeSilva (San Jose, CA USA)\nAs a previous reviewer already stated, the remaster job on this landmark concert album has one major flaw - the background singers are in many cases completely erased from the CD. "That's The Way God Planned It" is a gospel song that has its gospel essence severely restricted by the excising of the background vocalists. It's really a shame as they did a fantastic job on the remastering of the instruments and lead vocals - you can hear the many guitarists distinctly for the first time. If not for the background vocalists having gone missing, I'd give this at least 4 1/2 stars. \n\nI have to agree - I'm keeping my original "Concert for Bangladesh" CD (I still have the original LP as well) because it's a more realistic depiction of those great concerts. \n\nAt least you can hear Badfinger on acoustic guitars for the first time with the new CD ...\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nLong ago and far away......, October 25, 2005\nReviewer: o dubhthaigh (north rustico, pei, canada)\n... maybe it was in a land quite like Pepperland, there came four men, good men all, who redirected what music could do, what music could stand for, what songcraft could accomplish, and one of them was particularly enlightened. \n\nThe likes of George we'll not likely see again, and this is one of his truly shining moments: Doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Having already been one of the four reasons why everyone else wanted to be in a band, Harrison had shrugged off the mantle of celebrity-fetishization and become something of a disdaining recluse. Yet when the horror of a global tragedy descended upon his consciousness, he responded. Immediately. Got that, Yanks? \nThis is the concert that corrected all the misdeeds and corruption of what had passed as benefits prior thereto, and reset the bar for what benefits should and could do, especially if everyone did the right thing for the right reason. George brought out the best in his colleagues and a night of music brought the Western World to an awareness of how interdependent we all are. There would have been no Bob Geldof, no Imperial Bono without George Harrison. \nThat said, this is p[ossibly the best concert recording of the best concert ever. Maybe you have to have understood the context: 2 Beatles who had last played in public in 1966, Dylan who had dropped out of sight after dropping off his cycle, the very best session players in the world, a few up and coming stars, and the deified Eric Clapton, who with George also reset the bar for what a guitar solo could do, mean and accomplish. The songs were terrific. Harrison for his part, would never be this confident again, but no matter, he was in full command of all of his protean guitar powers and all of them delivered the goods as no one before had and no one since has. \nThe amazing thing is, that the first edition on CD years back was absolutely terrific. The improvements here are more a case of separation of instruments and definition. It is still a pristine experience. Credit the Beatles artistic ethic for that. It's the reason why there has never needed to be a re-mastering of their catalogue, once George Martin turned the records into CDs. George Harrison clearly learned the lessons well. \nAnd in the end, the love and the money got to the people who needed it, inspite of the greed. The efforts Harrison had to make to pry the Capitol Records fingers (which happened to be Indian) off the bag of money, and to reclaim the earnings the various corrupt unions and NYC types who thought enough of their fellow man to scam what they could, were successful. In today's dollars, it remains one of the most successful concerts ever. God bless George. \nTHe DVD is brilliant as well. And that has benefitted enormously from better sound and better definition. The money still goes to help people in Southern Asia. The artists involved still have donated what could otherwise have been a great day at the races. God bless each and every one of them. And when the smoke clears, Ravi Shankar and his friend George and their friends gave the world of Music something Music itself could embrace close to its heart. This is why we sing.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nThe original mix of this album is better, October 25, 2005\nReviewer: Barry Smith (Plainview, New York United States)\nWhen I purchase a re-master of a classic album, I am always alert to the fact that there might be possible tampering with the original mix: instruments or noises either added or subtracted. Upon listening to the new version of THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH, it is very clear that there was a lot of subtraction going on. Although some new clarity is brought into the overall sound of the recording (which originally sounded a bit muddy to some people's ears), there has been an extensive change in many of the sounds I was familiar with on the original LP. For example, several of the stage comments have been deleted, Harrison's introduction of Leon Russell is one. Also, the inspiring hoots and shouts of the background singers during "That's The Way God Planned It" have been erased. Even many of the hilarious audience comments that were audible (someone shouting "Do something Ringo!!" prior to "Awaiting on You All") are now missing. Overall, the new crowd sounds seems to be a lot different from the sounds that were on the original LP. I don't know why the producers of the re-master decided to do this. They should have gone for a more faithful approach. Because of this, the original CD version is still better. \n\nAdditionally, the new cover art is not faithful to the original album package. Some of the photos are still there, but I wish that the entire original book would be available for this edition. Not to mention the chronic problem of CD storage: in this package, the bare disc is stuffed in a non-protective sleeve, ready for a barrage of scuffs and scratches. \n\nDespite the drawbacks, the new version of THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH not without merits. As mentioned above, there is a new sound clarity which still sounds very good. And then there's the extra Dylan track from the afternoon show "Love Minus Zero/No Limit." Perhaps a few other alternate tracks from the afternoon show could have been added as well as there is plenty of room on the discs for more music. \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nHarrison & Friends Lend A Hand, October 25, 2005\nReviewer: Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA)\nThe Concert for Bangladesh was the first rock charity concert and the forerunner for shows like No Nukes, The Concert for Kampuchea, Live Aid and more recently, Live 8. Spearheaded by George Harrison who was spurred into action by Ravi Shankar's appeal to help the homeless Bengali refugees of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, he gathered a group of friends including Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Leon Russell, Billy Preston, Badfinger and Bob Dylan for a concert to raise money for UNICEF at Madison Square Garden. The most notable friend was Mr. Dylan who was at the height of reclusiveness and rarely made public appearances. His set perfectly captured the essence of the show featuring old protest warhorses "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall", "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry" and "Blowin' In The Wind", the pretty "Just Like A Woman" and a tip of the cap to Mr. Harrison with "Mr. Tambourine Man". Mr. Clapton guests with Mr. Harrison on a driving guitar duet "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". Mr. Starr sings "It Don't Come Easy" totally off-key, but his lack of pretense and sense of humor shines through to make it a fun performance. Mr. Russell & Mr. Preston were either unknown to many or known as backing musicians at the time, but there electrify performances of "Jumping Jack Flash/Youngblood" & "That's The Way God Planned It" respectively helped catapult them to mainstream success. Mr. Shankar's opening "Bangla Dhun" is a fine piece of sitar music, but at over seventeen minutes long, it makes it tough for repeat listenings. This is Mr. Harrison's show and his songs are the spiritual backbone of the concert. Featuring tracks from the Beatles like a tender performance of "Here Comes The Sun" (backed beautifully by Badfinger living up to their Beatles comparisons) to tracks from his then new album All Things Must Pass. "Wah Wah" is the opening rock song of the show and he slides nicely into solid versions of "My Sweet Lord" and "Awaiting All On You". "Beware Of Darkness" is a duet with Mr. Russell that might well be the best track on the album. Mr. Harrison closes his set with a superb version of "Something" which leads into the group performance of a new song "Bangla Desh" which closes the concert on a high note. The new version of album features a bonus track, "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" by Bob Dylan. The album was a big hit peaking at number two and won the 1972 Album of the Year Grammy Award.
This blues cd contains 10 tracks and runs 51min 34sec.
Freedb: 800c140a

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