Disco de Johnny Cash: “The Great Lost Performance (Live)”

Songs written years before [Johnny is 58 at this performance]some of them from the 50's and original Sun recordings are richly realized here and thrilling to listen to. The Sun recordings [also available from Amazon] are a must to really appreciate Cash, but this recording adds another dimension to enjoying his work. A few songs were new to me, maybe the first time on CD. And the patter adds fun.

I own as much recordings of Johnny Cash as I've been able to get my hands on through the years. I've always thought that his LIVE performances were his best; Folsom, San Quentin, London Palladium (The "Strawberry Cake" album), Madison Square Garden, Austin,TX., Louisiana Heyride, Osteraker, etc. and seeing him perform live a dozen or more times are my favorite memories. This live performance in Asbury Park, N.J. is indeed a rare performance and a must have for ALL Johnny Cash fans and for those who are not. This concert includes performances of many songs that John rarely sang in concert. This is a real treat to hear him sing "Tennessee Flat Top Box","Life's Railway To Heaven" and more. For those of you who enjoyed his "Ride This Train" segment on the TV show, he performs one here. All in all John always poured his heart into his shows, like he once said at a concert in Shreveport, LA. when the audience was small due to poor weather, he'll give you his best rather they're in front of 50,000 fans or 500, he'll give you the same quality performance. In conclusion, if you like even one Johnny Cash song, you'll love this CD.

I found this live performance to be quite different from the great performances like those given in Folsom and San Quentin that really drew me in and made me want more. This is more of a CD I could pull out of the stacks every month or so and have a listen. I can't say I was too crazy about the addition of what sounded like a saloon piano player. I felt it took away from the authenticity of the music, but this is just a personal preference. I can't say it undermined my appreciation for the performance altogether, which overall is enjoyable . This is a buy still worth it's current price (about 10 dollars at the time I write this). The most evident thing about this performance is that it demonstrated Johnny Cash's ability to put on a good show, even later in his life. You are sorely missed Mr. Cash.

In 1959, I purchased my first Johnny Cash record. If anyone ever watched his weekly show, bought his music, they need this to complete their collection. Every selection took me down memory lane of the past 40 years. Buy it!!! you won't regret it!

This cd makes Johnny Cash and family come to life again. It is almost as though you are there at the performance with him.