CROSBY, STILLS & NASH : UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 18, 1989

Disc One (54:01)

1. Wasted On The Way
2. Change Partners
3. Blackbird
4. The Lee Shore
5. Just A Song Before I Go
6. Helplessly Hoping
7. 4 + 20
8. Wind On The Water
9. House Of Broken Dreams
10. Tracks In The Dust
11. Almost Cut My Hair
12. Guinevere
13. Midnight Rider
14. Got It Made

Disc Two (32:43)

1. Southern Cross
2. Wooden Ships
3. Our House
4. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
5. Teach Your Children
6. Daylight Again / Find The Cost Of Freedom

Label : RoxVox

Venue : United Nations General Assembly Hall, New York City, New York, USA

Recording Date : November 18, 1989

Quality : FM recording (A+)

Review : Just a few days before performing at the just-fallen Berlin Wall, Crosby, Stills & Nash gave a benefit concert at an equally unlikely venue, the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York City. Sticking exclusively to pared-down arrangements, the trio presented highlights from their albums alongside more obscure selections from their outside projects and solo work, as well as a cover of the Beatles Blackbird. This concert was broadcasted on WXRK Radio New York City. Some FM interference is heard from time to times, but not annoying. Also, the applause for some songs is cut, so it's likely there was deejay comment or commercials between some songs.

Review (Jazzis) : This is a live recording of a concert by the iconic Classic Rock trio of singers / songwriters Crosby, Stills & Nash, captured at the UN General Assembly Hall in NY. They play and sing twenty of their sublime songs which span the entire career starting with their debut album together and including their trio and solo efforts up to the time this album was recorded. All the songs appear in their acoustic versions, since there are no other musicians present. The entire concert spans over two CDs. In many respects this is one of the best if not the best concert recording by the trio ever captured. All three are in superb form both musically and vocally and also obviously in good spirits. The relaxed atmosphere, perfect sound quality and the depth of the material are simply spine chilling. The three-part harmonies are here as are many other Crosby, Still & Nash timeless trademarks, musical and otherwise. This album is not only about music. Considering the fact that this was a benefit concert for Children of The Americas, one of many benefit shows the trio played over the years, it emphasizes the social and political awareness and involvement that these three legendary figures, as human and full of faults and vices as all of us, and yet always open minded and heartfelt toward other people. Overall this is an absolute must have to all Crosby, Still & Nash many fans and admirers, which closes a gap their officially released albums did not cover that well over the years. There is no one unnecessary note, word, breath or spoken word here that is not worth hearing or being remembered!

Note : Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story. copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time. Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere. The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air Cuts, Echoes, Hi Hat, Hotspur, Interference, Keyhole, Klondike, Live On Vinyl, London Calling, Orbit, Rox Vox and Sound Stage. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners. Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!