It got overlooked at the time as there was a glut of Elton albums already on the charts when this was released. (Friends, Elton John and Tumbleweed Connection were still inside the top 70 at the time). However, this is essential listening for any EJ fan. This is what his early live shows sounded like, just a trio of him, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson. No guitar player, and you don't miss it. They were a power-trio that could rank up there with the best of them. Elton's playing is off the charts. He later said he was afraid to release the album because he was not sure if he could ever play that well again. The energy is incredible, Dee & Nigel really shine. And to give you an idea as to how early in his career this is, he hasn't had a hit yet. "Border Song" had been released as a single three months earlier, but stalled at #92 on the singles chart. "Your Song" would debut at #89 on the singles chart the week after this concert. The Elton John album was inching its way up the album chart at #24 the week of the concert. If you love Elton, you need to hear this album. The original album was a single LP. But if you can find the RSD LP from a few years ago, grab it. It expanded on the original release to include the entire concert.
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