The Moody Blues: Lovely to See You - Live [Blu-ray]

Since the 1980s, the Moody Blues live on stage is where the band remains consistently satisfying. Not to mention where they have been the most "progressive" (i.e., orchestral shows and the like). This live set maintains that fact. Justin Hayward recently commented that this release more or less is representative of where the Moody Blues are at today, and I totally agree. And I must say that I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this set in light of Ray Thomas' departure and the disappointing "December" album. Perhaps my expectations were lower and therefore, not an obstruction.
Stripped of the orchestras which served them well throughout the 1990s, the Moodies sound surprisingly vibrant and committed here. Hayward and John Lodge are in fine voice (considering their ages), and the entire ensemble doesn't seem afraid to crank up the volume (A problem I noticed on several of their orchestral shows in the 90s). I'm not sure if Hayward's guitar has rocked this hard on a Moodies live release since "Caught Live+ Five."
Another treat veteran acts can supply in concert is the odd rarity or "seldom played album track" that can make things interesting. (Witness the wealth of "closet classics" Elton John supplied for his 60th birthday concert, as well as David Gilmour dusting off Pink Floyd's "Echoes" for his recent solo tour.) The Moodies have been doing this since the 90s, and "Lovely To See You" continues the tradition. Sure, "The Actor" and "Talking Out of Turn" have been in and out of their setlist for the past fifteen years, but it is nice to have them preserved for posterity here. "Forever Autumn" is the real surprise with tour vets Gordon Marshall and Paul Bliss backing Hayward in a lovely performance of this lovely tune. I wonder if Jus had to twist Lodge's and Edge's arms to do this one, or if the other guys now just accept "...Autumn" as part of the Moodies' canon. If so, could it be possible to expect "This Morning," "Saved By the Music," or "Blue Guitar" somewhere in the Moodies set sometime in the future? A little acoustic "Blue Jays" interlude wouldn't be too much to give would it, fellas?
Anyway, "Higher and Higher" keeps the surprises coming, making one wonder why we didn't hear this one live more in the 80s and 90s. The performance here is truly searing, with Jus venturing into Steve Howe territory. "Are You Sitting Comfortably?" is the final surprise, giving tour flautist Norda Mullen a chance to display her chops. Of course, it doesn't substitute for a proper, and most importantly UNcut, version of "Legend of a Mind" with Ray, but it will have to do, and given the performance here, I can live with it.
Yes, we've heard the war-horses before on several past live releases, but "Tuesday Afternoon," "Steppin' In a Slide Zone" (which actually makes its first live album appearance here), and "The Voice" never fail to get the foot thumping. I've always thought "The Other Side of Life" live was superior to the album version, and always incredible in concert, though I wish the band would see fit to start performing the ENTIRE song again (ditto: "The Voice"). And, of course, what Moodies fan wouldn't think they were getting short-changed if "Nights..." and "I'm Just A Singer..." weren't on a live release?
In the end, this set gives me hope that Hayward, Lodge and Edge (and company), can still deliver the goods. As we all know, "nothing changes...and nothing stays the same..."
The only way the Moodies could top this live set would be a special CD/DVD of a one-off reunion with Ray and Mike Pinder at the RAH for a performance of "Days of Future Passed" in its entirety with the LSO. Well, if the Floyd can do it, why not the Moodies?

If you like The Moody Blues...I think it's safe to say that you'll like this 2-CD set. You wouldn't believe how well these old geezers can rock! ;-)

All I can say is get this one. A great place to see a concert & The Moodies were in fine form at this show. Also get the CD's of this show. Simply a very fine concert DVD. Search "Judemac Forever" on msn, google or Yahoo

I SAW THEM PERFORM THIS CONCERT & THEY WERE BRILLIANT IT WAS THIER FIRST CONCERT WITHOUT RAY THOMAS THE ORCHESTRA & THEY SOUNDED FANTASTIC IF YOURE A MOODY BLUES FAN OR NOT THIS CD & DVD IS WORTH BUYING.

this dvd was a lengthy concert with many songs played, particularly when compared with live at prince albert hall, but i thought the musical arrangement was lacking. The quality of the music was not clear enough, and without the benefit of a whole orchestra behind them, this dvd lacked pizazz i thought. Also, I thought the singers voices were a bit horse, and they seemed a little like they were going through the motions at times. Norda Mullen the new floutist to substitute for retired bandmember ray thomas gave it her all, but all the band members were in casual wear but she was wearing this evening gown which just seemed so out of place as she jumped around on the stage with the flute or tamborine in a strapless black gown with high heels. Just didnt fit in. but it didnt impact the quality of the music she was responsible for.