We all want to remember iconic artists at their peak performing ability. The important point to me is that they created the body of original work in the first place. I am a huge Bryan Ferry fan and he turns 70 next year. He can't sing as well as he used to, but I will go see him every chance I get, because he is a consummate entertainer. So you might have to change arrangements a little bit because you can't hit the high notes anymore (or at least all the time)- big deal. Sometimes I like the new arrangements better than the original versions because, guess what, I am getting a little older too. A couple of years ago, I saw Robert Plant on the Band of Joy tour. The most memorable songs were from the Zeppelin catalogue. We all know what Plant could do as a front man for one of the biggest rock and roll bands on the planet. I found the arrangement of "Gallow's Pole" with Patty Griffin on background vocals and Buddy Miller playing guitar to be excellent and Plant seemed to be having a really good time as well. It must get old to be expected to sing the same songs every night to standards established 40 years ago. I think that we are lucky to still have CSNY around today and hopefully the box set will be a glimpse into the past using improved modern recording techniques.
