Frustrated with Bonamassa Live CDs


Several years ago the wife heard and liked Joe Bonamassa, and then we saw him in concert -- a talented guitar player with a solid band. We are very partial to live recordings and have his (i) Live at the Beacon in NYC and (ii) Live at Royal Albert Hall (the CD not DVD). Both are very good performances, but unfortunately both CDs sound bad in our system. Almost no separation of instruments, overall veiled and muddy, etc. Basically (and disappointingly) they sound like the many crap rock/pop recordings that just do not qualify for high-end listening. To be clear, great quality live CDs (e.g., Allmans, Pink Floyd, various Big Swing Bands) sound awesome in our room. Are these two Bonamassa CDs' just examples of a high-end system highlighting poor recording? Anyone else experience this with these two CDs? Alternatives or recommendations appreciated.
whitecap

Showing 3 responses by rhanson739

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I like Chazro's take: "Are you in it for the music or the sound?"

We're big JB fans, and see him live every chance we have. His shows are always a good time, but he can rock you back on your heels.

I agree that the recordings are not nearly optimal, but they always remind us of his performances. We'll spin him if we're out on the back deck or working in the kitchen -- his music has "reach" -- but for critical listening, umm... not so much.

Doesn't keep us from appreciating what he does, though. He shreds.
Saki70 -- Perhaps that's why Joe is "Always on the Road." Could be his business model.