Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback


Exchange views and chat about albums

Posts: 70

Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:26 pm

Post Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:53 pm

Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback

A very impressive CD pack arrived about two hours ago. The quality of the packaging and graphics far surpasses anything the Enid have ever produced before and gives a clue as to the quality of the contents. I was at the concert last October which was superb, but slightly marred by poor acoustics in parts of the hall. All such acoustic difficulties have been banished on these CD’s. They are without doubt the best live recordings I have ever heard, with such clarity, depth and warmth. A superb dynamic range and superlative mix mean that every note counts and the balance of the album is perfect

As for the music and performances, I doubt whether RJG and the band could ever improve upon these (though I hope they keep trying). The addition of the CBSO and choirs to the performance make an incredible difference to the range of the music. RJG’s composition and orchestration are totally superb, and combined with his piano and Jason’s guitar work the result is breathtaking. Max’s vocal arrangements add such a depth, and Dave and Nic’s percussion provide a true solidity to rhythms.

Overall, this album is unbeatable (for a long term Enid follower) and a superb introduction to the band for those not really aware of their music.

It really is a tour de force, well done ALL concerned!

Posts: 87

Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:47 pm

Post Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:21 pm

Re: Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback

I have to agree with what S Walker said. Great package. will comment further when listened to it a few times. It does seem to be well recorded and mixed.

Great stuff
User avatar

Posts: 1920

Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:25 pm

Location: Bracknell

Post Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:50 pm

Re: Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback

Although I've heard it at The Lodge a couple of times and of course I was there, I am still sitting here with tears running down my cheeks. It is simply, well, I haven't actually got enough superlatives in my vocabulary to describe it.

:geek:
Image

Posts: 221

Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2010 7:25 pm

Post Wed Feb 29, 2012 3:14 pm

Re: Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback

Live album of the year. No debate.

Whatever happened to watching the postie trudge past day-after-day when waiting for the latest CD from the Enid to arrive? I read on the forum that the Symphony Hall CD is out - a couple of days later I'm listening to it! What efficient service! These men should be running our banks. :D

Posts: 3

Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:40 pm

Post Wed Feb 29, 2012 4:11 pm

Re: Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback

arrived today and as others have said it comes in a very impressive looking package. Of course what really counts is the content and from what I have heard so far (only half way through the first CD as I am writing this) that is equally impressive. Congratulations to all concerned :D

Posts: 142

Joined: Mon Jun 14, 2010 8:55 pm

Post Wed Feb 29, 2012 4:32 pm

Re: Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback

I absolutely love the version of Mockingbird on Live at Symphony Hall - just superb!

Makes me want to hear The Enid with Orchestra & Choir tackle "Carmina Burana - O Fortuna" next ... now that WOULD be good!

I'm sure Max could multi-track the vocals up nicely ... :D
User avatar

Posts: 70

Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2011 4:59 pm

Location: Runcorn/Warrington border, Cheshire

Post Wed Feb 29, 2012 5:15 pm

Re: Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback

First play through over and initial thoughts are in the main positive, though it's a shame that each track is isolated as on a studio CD, fading out the applause. I presume that if the DVD ever sees the light of day that the bits inbetween songs will remain. The highlight has got to be Shiva; it's tremendous! If a reprint is done there are few bits on the credits that need to be corrected, especially missing capital letters! I was taken aback by the quality of the digipack, and I look forward to plenty of car journeys over the next few days and weeks to take in every nuance. Brings back memories of a wonderful evening last October. Congrats Max & co!

Posts: 269

Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:22 pm

Post Thu Mar 01, 2012 1:55 am

Re: Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback

Halfway through CD one today - Magnificent!

Posts: 15

Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:22 pm

Post Thu Mar 01, 2012 3:54 am

Re: Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback

Call me a sentimental old fool, but at the age of 53 and three minutes into 'Judgement' a wide grin had spread across my face. Swiftly followed by tears pouring down my cheeks. THIS is the way I had always imagined this beautiful music in my head. The band ,and in particular Robert, must be so pleased at the magnificence of this recording.
Despite the delays (but let's face it. October to february is not such a long wait) It's more than worth it. Thankyou to the band and everyone involved.
Sadly due to my fear of crowds I wasn't able to be there on the night (didn't even last five minutes at the free gig at the 'Racehorse' without panic setting in)
So I'm hearing this for the first time,and I'm blown away.
I've loved your music since I bought a very crackly ITROTSS on BUK/London records back in 1976
I no doubt always will.
I bought an extra copy of the Symphony Hall CD for my Mums 90th birthday and I know she'll love it. She brought the Enid to my attention all those years ago. (Thanks for the dedication on her copy chaps btw.)
Hope all the obstacles sort themselves out for you and you go on to produce more fabulous music.
User avatar

Posts: 1920

Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:25 pm

Location: Bracknell

Post Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:44 am

Re: Live at Symphony Hall CD - Feedback

Greg wrote:Call me a sentimental old fool, but at the age of 53 and three minutes into 'Judgement' a wide grin had spread across my face. Swiftly followed by tears pouring down my cheeks. THIS is the way I had always imagined this beautiful music in my head. The band ,and in particular Robert, must be so pleased at the magnificence of this recording.


Greg, if you're a sentimental old fool, then so am I, because that is exactly how I reacted when I first heard it. The minute the drums started at the Symphony Hall I had tears streaming down my face and at the same time was grinning like a mad woman (which many would say I am). I found myself sobbing almost uncontrollably when I first heard it at The Lodge - and yesterday, yes, there I was in my living room once again with a wet face.

Mainly it's the sheer magnificence of the music which affects me like this, but also because I know what a struggle it has been and what they have gone through to get to this point. I am SO, so very proud of the band, I just want to drive straight up to the Lodge and give them all a huge big hug.

Greg, I can understand your fear of crowds, having been nearly crushed to death at a gig in Wembley Stadium in the 80's, I get very nervous myself, and and no longer go to large festivals or places like Wembley. I hope there is a venue the band can play at which would be suitable for you. Milton Keynes is pretty good - you could choose an aisle seat near an exit maybe??
Image
Next

Return to Album Chat

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest

cron