John Denver Album: “Harbor Lights Concert”

This is a wonderful CD! This CD truly captures what it was like going to see John Denver in concert. The sound quality is exceptional, making you feel like you have a front row seat. John really does sound like he was having one of those nights when everything clicked. John did have an amazing voice, and that night it was strong and clear, with emotion and passion. The other enjoyable aspects of his concerts was his ability to intimately connect and communicate with his audience, and I believe that intimacy is warmly evident.

The album includes some great live versions of songs that I never tire of hearing. But he also includes some rare gems, such as a wonderful cover of Marty Robbin's timeless classic "El Paso." The love song section is exceptionally gratifying with beautiful versions of "Shanghai Breezes," "For You," and "Annie's Song". But included here is a song that was never recorded prior to his untimely passing..."Kissing You Goodbye". This country flavored tune will really have you laughing along with the audience. The Harbor Lights Concert is a great homage to an entertainer, singer, songwriter who is surely missed. Thanks John!

John Denver was the greatest songwriter of all time. His voice was gentle and peaceful. The voice he had was very comforting. This CD is one of my favorites because it captures the many sides of John Denver. It shows the heart and soul, the story teller, and the HUMOR!!! "Kissing You Goodbye" is the best country

song that was never played on country radio. John Denver was screwed over by Nashville and thrown to side. He was more country than anyone in country music today yet he is still cast away by Nashville. They need to put John Denver in the Country Hall of fame as well as the Rock hall of fame. Those stupids in Nashville need to wake up and realize how important John Denver was and still is to American music and country music! May the legacy live forever!!!

I rediscovered John Denver's music just recently. This was one of the first albums I purchased, and I fell in love with it. The inclusion of songs not normally identified with John, such as "Today" and "El Paso", was inspired.

Something special happened on that stage that night. His performances of many of his most familiar songs are extraordinary. I found this recording of "Whispering Jesse" to be truly remarkable, transcending any other recorded version I have heard. The first time I played the album was the first time I had ever heard the song, and when it was finished, I had tears in my eyes, and the only word I could get out was "Wow!". What a wonderful, melancholy love song. It moves me every time I hear it. For me, this song alone is worth the price of the set.

John had really grown into a mature artist.I am disappointed that I never got to see him in concert, but very grateful for concert recordings like this one which capture the magic forever. This album is to be treasured.

This is IT! The ONE album to take with you on a deserted island. The rest of my collection hasn't even seen the light of day since this one floated in the door.

John has never been in better voice or better form. He was back in that playful, lighthearted mood that, sadly, was sometimes missing in other performances. The bantering with the audience was delightful, his stories a joy to hear. Everything clicked.

The band was the perfect middle ground between his early, simplistic sound and the middle years' highly-orchestrated sound. The reverb----something that on other artist's albums I've found irritating---was beautiful, giving his already rich and pure voice even more depth and character. Anything else sounds flat after hearing this. If anyone had told me in '76 that his voice would someday be this much better I would have said it was impossible.

As far as glitches in the sound: There's one bit of feedback that will make you cringe, but other than that there's nothing that doesn't just add to the "live" feeling.

Your feet will tap with "Foxfire Suite" and your heart will break with "Whispering Jesse". You'll soar with the "Eagles and Horses", and "For You" is just unbelievable (as he says himself, he's a "romantic old fart".) And you middle-aged gals like me will pee your pants laughing the first time you hear "Kissing You Goodbye", so go tinkle before it comes on. :)

If ever you can forget that he's gone, it will be while listening to this album. Slap on the earphones and run the family away. He's there, and you're there-----front row center.

The best.

Don't bother with all the other rehashes of what had ben recorded much earlier (the exception would be Celebration of Life, recorded shortly before his death). This live recording is John at his best, mature voice, banter with the audience, magic. I am a long time JD fan, but kind of quit listening to his music since his death, with this CD I'll listen again, with joy not sorrow. The music on this CD goes well beyond the familiar (the hits) and showcases the range of styles and his personality, the things that made his concerts so enjoyable. All I can say is if your interest runs beyond "the hits" buy this one you will never regret it! Beware for people who aren't JD fans but kind of like the music, this may very well turn you into a fan!