Record Reviews

JANIS JOPLIN / BIG BROTHER AND THE HOLDING COMPANY ~ LIVE AT THE WINTERLAND `68 COLUMBIA 485150 ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Although in retrospect Janis JoplinFind albums by this artist is recognized now as the greatest American rock singer of the 1960’s, her tragically short recording career left a legacy so limited, that every scrap of new material is simply indispensable. Therefore it is a great pity that this incredible concert recording from April 1968 had to wait for 30 years to be heard (the album was released in 1998). The recording was made just after Janis and her band Big Brother And The Holding CompanyFind albums by this artist secured their recording deal with ColumbiaFind albums on this label, but before the legendary “Cheap ThrillsFind albums with this title” album was released. They perform with zest and confidence typical of bands on the verge of stardom, with Janis tearing the room with her shrills and groans that only she was capable of. Firmly based on the blues tradition, the band’s material is spiced with a psychedelic flavor of the San Francisco variety, most of it soon be recorded for the “Cheap Thrills” album. Strangely enough just a few months later Janis decided to leave Big Brother and start her solo career, a move as illogical and uncalculated as all the rest of her decisions in her troublesome and tragic life. She would never again have such a sympathetic and “natural“ group of musicians supporting her and bringing out the best of her abilities. This album is not only a rare and wonderful document of Joplin’s immense talent, but also a document of an era – recorded in the peak of the intense, but short lived San Francisco music explosion. As perfect as it is I keep daydreaming to have this one on DVD – that would really be the ultimate thrill.

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