Music played live vs recorded

[gamecockcat]

John Fogerty is coming to Red Rocks this weekend and I was tempted to go see him. Lot of great music that he wrote, played and sang on. Initially, tickets were >>$100 but they've come down to around $80, so that's realistic. I happened to read a review of one of his recent concerts and it was very positive. The one thing that really stuck with me, however, is the reviewer said JF played many of the CCR hits note for note like the original.

That got me to thinking. When I go to see a band live, I don't expect or even want them to play their songs note for note like the recorded version. I don't want them to be Bob Dylan who sometimes drastically changes a song to the point it's almost unrecognizable. But, I can listen to the recorded version any time I want. JF never has been a big showman so the idea of watching him play CCR hits just like the record live just didn't really grab me. Several years ago when I was trying to learn how to play it, I watched multiple videos of G'n'R playing 'Sweet Child of Mine' and noticed, at least on those videos, Slash played his solo 95+% note for note as the original version. And some of the videos were 5+ years apart. Made my respect for his guitar playing slip a little, TBH.

So, when you go see a concert, do you want the band to play the songs exactly how they are on the record or would you prefer them to let the songs evolve and solos to be different and perhaps play with the arrangement, also? Again, not turn a hit song into a totally different song, but not perfectly recreate the original recorded version.

 

[UK 82]

From the title I thought this was going to be an old Memorex commercial.

 

[gamecockcat]

From the title I thought this was going to be an old Memorex commercial.

You must be as old as I am with that reference, i.e., ancient.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

John Fogerty is coming to Red Rocks this weekend and I was tempted to go see him. Lot of great music that he wrote, played and sang on. Initially, tickets were >>$100 but they've come down to around $80, so that's realistic. I happened to read a review of one of his recent concerts and it was very positive. The one thing that really stuck with me, however, is the reviewer said JF played many of the CCR hits note for note like the original.

That got me to thinking. When I go to see a band live, I don't expect or even want them to play their songs note for note like the recorded version. I don't want them to be Bob Dylan who sometimes drastically changes a song to the point it's almost unrecognizable. But, I can listen to the recorded version any time I want. JF never has been a big showman so the idea of watching him play CCR hits just like the record live just didn't really grab me. Several years ago when I was trying to learn how to play it, I watched multiple videos of G'n'R playing 'Sweet Child of Mine' and noticed, at least on those videos, Slash played his solo 95+% note for note as the original version. And some of the videos were 5+ years apart. Made my respect for his guitar playing slip a little, TBH.

So, when you go see a concert, do you want the band to play the songs exactly how they are on the record or would you prefer them to let the songs evolve and solos to be different and perhaps play with the arrangement, also? Again, not turn a hit song into a totally different song, but not perfectly recreate the original recorded version.

Saw fogerty at bourbon and beyond and he blew me away. His energy was off the charts for someone his age and he did play all the ccr hits.

 

[_ukcat]

Interesting you mentioned Dylan. I went to his concert at EKU 3-4 years ago. It the only concert that I have ever even thought about walking out on but me and my wife almost did. His songs were unrecognizable, I didn't expect for him to sound like he did on an album or what he sounded like in his younger days but what he did to his songs were awful. It his songs so he can do what he wants but that not what we or most of the audience came for Also he didn't say a word to the crowd, didn't introduce his band and just walked off stage at the end without a word.

 

[K86]

John Fogerty is coming to Red Rocks this weekend and I was tempted to go see him. Lot of great music that he wrote, played and sang on. Initially, tickets were >>$100 but they've come down to around $80, so that's realistic. I happened to read a review of one of his recent concerts and it was very positive. The one thing that really stuck with me, however, is the reviewer said JF played many of the CCR hits note for note like the original.

That got me to thinking. When I go to see a band live, I don't expect or even want them to play their songs note for note like the recorded version. I don't want them to be Bob Dylan who sometimes drastically changes a song to the point it's almost unrecognizable. But, I can listen to the recorded version any time I want. JF never has been a big showman so the idea of watching him play CCR hits just like the record live just didn't really grab me. Several years ago when I was trying to learn how to play it, I watched multiple videos of G'n'R playing 'Sweet Child of Mine' and noticed, at least on those videos, Slash played his solo 95+% note for note as the original version. And some of the videos were 5+ years apart. Made my respect for his guitar playing slip a little, TBH.

So, when you go see a concert, do you want the band to play the songs exactly how they are on the record or would you prefer them to let the songs evolve and solos to be different and perhaps play with the arrangement, also? Again, not turn a hit song into a totally different song, but not perfectly recreate the original recorded version.

It depends on the song. Some songs are written to be a concert songs. Others are popular but not really for added performance. One song that quickly came to mind is “Ridin’ the Storm Out” by REO. The studio version SUCKS but the live version is a classic partly because of the ad lib by Cronin. Then on the other side, a great song like Boston’s “More Than a Feeling” wouldn’t need anything added to it.

 

[gamecockcat]

It depends on the song. Some songs are written to be a concert songs. Others are popular but not really for performance. One song that quickly came to mind is “Ridin’ the Storm Out” by REO. The studio version SUCKS but the live version is a classic partly because of the ad lib by Cronin. Then on the other side, a great song like Boston’s “More Than a Feeling” wouldn’t need anything added to it.

Totally agree. But, many of CCR songs are 3:00 or less. Have JF buzz through about 10 of those in 40 minutes with no deviation from the original - just doesn't excite me. Agree it depends on the song and songs shouldn't be changed just for the sake of changing them. Sometimes just playing them a little slower to give the singer some extra room to play with the melody is all it takes. What Dylan does is ridiculous. Change the song so drastically that no one recognizes it. I mean, why play it at all then?

Especially with guitar solos, it doesn't really impress me if some big name guitarist plays a popular solo note for note. Hell, every bar band in America has a guy who can do that. Certainly there are licks that should be included or a signature bend or something, but note for note every single night? Not for me. Plus, having played in several bar bands, playing the same songs the same way every single night gets very tiresome very quickly.

 

[WildcatFan1982]

Interesting you mentioned Dylan. I went to his concert at EKU 3-4 years ago. It the only concert that I have ever even thought about walking out on but me and my wife almost did. His songs were unrecognizable, I didn't expect for him to sound like he did on an album or what he sounded like in his younger days but what he did to his songs were awful. It his songs so he can do what he wants but that not what we or most of the audience came for Also he didn't say a word to the crowd, didn't introduce his band and just walked off stage at the end without a word.

Same when I saw him. Just terrible. Willie Nelson opened and it was 1000x better. Dylan played "Mr Tambourine Man" and no one around me knew WTF he was playing until about half way through

 

[_ukcat]

Same when I saw him. Just terrible. Willie Nelson opened and it was 1000x better. Dylan played "Mr Tambourine Man" and no one around me knew WTF he was playing until about half way through

No kidding.

 

[UK 82]

Clapton didn't stray too much but it didn't matter. We were there just to watch him play.

 

[funKYcat75]

From the title I thought this was going to be an old Memorex commercial.

This is The Paddock. Maxell tapes only.

 

[Glenn's Take]

Clapton didn't stray too much but it didn't matter. We were there just to watch him play.

Worst concert I ever saw was him in Indy 10 or more years ago. I don't know if his dog died that day or what but he had no interest in being there and didn't care who knew it. Played less than an hour, no encore and I am not sure he ever moved. I would have been less insulted if he just came out and said he didn't feel like playing and gave everyone their money back.

 

[UK 82]

Worst concert I ever saw was him in Indy 10 or more years ago. I don't know if his dog died that day or what but he had no interest in being there and didn't care who knew it. Played less than an hour, no encore and I am not sure he ever moved. I would have been less insulted if he just came out and said he didn't feel like playing and gave everyone their money back.

Sorry you had a bad experience. I've been to 3 of his concerts, the last one was probably 30 years ago so I'm a bit out of touch. He plays. That's all I can say. He doesn't talk too much with the crowd, just plays. Not everyone's preference.

 

[J_Dee]

So, when you go see a concert, do you want the band to play the songs exactly how they are on the record or would you prefer them to let the songs evolve and solos to be different and perhaps play with the arrangement, also? Again, not turn a hit song into a totally different song, but not perfectly recreate the original recorded version.

No preference. It's their art, and I'm cool with any way they want to present it.

 

[KY_Kid]

I've seen Fogerty in concert 4 times. The last was about 5 or 6 years ago. He's getting older, but he was incredible every time I saw him. As a fellow guitarist, I was so impressed. And I would not categorize his shows as "note for note CCR hits." He has a ton of energy, a lot of fun, and his band is A1.

If you want to get a feel for one of his shows, watch/listen to The Long Road Home. I definitely recommend you go, and $80 is a bargain for 2 hours of Rock and Roll bliss. Plus, any show at Red Rocks is a treat.

 

[Glenn's Take]

Sorry you had a bad experience. I've been to 3 of his concerts, the last one was probably 30 years ago so I'm a bit out of touch. He plays. That's all I can say. He doesn't talk too much with the crowd, just plays. Not everyone's preference.

Pay your money, take your chances. I haven't wanted to work a lot of days either. I would see him again if given a chance and hope for better.

Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel should be good here in a few weeks.

 

[Bill - Shy Cat]

Attended Five Finger Death Punch at Bogarts in Cincy about a decade ago. Sounded similar to recorded version. However, about half the time I was picking myself up off the floor after getting knocked down in the mosh pit by guys 40 years younger than me. One of the best concerts I ever attended.

 

[Kaizer Sosay]

All depends on the artist & the song(s).

For the most part, I want the overall concert to at least closely resemble the music that drew me there in the first place. But I also love when a good artist/band is able to transform a very good recorded song into a live performance masterpiece by reshaping, molding or adding onto it in a cool & meaningful way.

 

[MegaBlue05]

For me it depends on the artist. I don’t want to hear Slayer turn Raining Blood into a 16 minute opus. But, I also prefer the live version of Danzig’s “Mother” to the studio version.

I’m cool with some ad libbing or a longer solo/bridge section than on the album, but the song should remain somewhat recognizable.

I also listen to a lot of metal so I know the vocals are going to be way off live from the studio version because a lot of those guys sing and play an instrument. It seems like it would be tough to play that fast and sing at the same time. I’m more a fan of instrumentation than vocals (see the part about liking metal)

OP mentioned GNR. They’re my favorite rock band from childhood.

They used to do a 9 minute rendition of Double Talkin’ Jive, which is less than 3 minutes on the album, that incorporated a bluesy jam session with keyboards and some Spanish guitar. I saw them three times on the reunion tour in 2016 and 2017 and Slash and the band would play a long instrumental section that included a guitar only cover of Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” that would end with the opening licks of Sweet Child O’ Mine. Speaking of SCOM, that song is Slash’s least favorite in the catalog. He hates it. But it’s their biggest hit so he played it every night, even as a solo artist, by muscle memory.

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

John Fogerty is coming to Red Rocks this weekend and I was tempted to go see him. Lot of great music that he wrote, played and sang on. Initially, tickets were >>$100 but they've come down to around $80, so that's realistic. I happened to read a review of one of his recent concerts and it was very positive. The one thing that really stuck with me, however, is the reviewer said JF played many of the CCR hits note for note like the original.

That got me to thinking. When I go to see a band live, I don't expect or even want them to play their songs note for note like the recorded version. I don't want them to be Bob Dylan who sometimes drastically changes a song to the point it's almost unrecognizable. But, I can listen to the recorded version any time I want. JF never has been a big showman so the idea of watching him play CCR hits just like the record live just didn't really grab me. Several years ago when I was trying to learn how to play it, I watched multiple videos of G'n'R playing 'Sweet Child of Mine' and noticed, at least on those videos, Slash played his solo 95+% note for note as the original version. And some of the videos were 5+ years apart. Made my respect for his guitar playing slip a little, TBH.

So, when you go see a concert, do you want the band to play the songs exactly how they are on the record or would you prefer them to let the songs evolve and solos to be different and perhaps play with the arrangement, also? Again, not turn a hit song into a totally different song, but not perfectly recreate the original recorded version.

I've seen John Fogerty twice, both times at the Palace Theater in Louisville. He was outstanding both times. That's been a few years ago, but I bet he still puts on a great show. I wouldn't say he plays his hits note for note. His band is outstanding and his voice still sounds amazing.

 

[specialkd24_rivals116121]

Dave Matthews Band is my favorite. I actually hate the albums versions. I never listen after the first couple of listens. I only care about what they sound like live, and they vary/adapt over the years.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I'm weird with this: live music really does nothing for me. The band I've seen most live, which is Dave Matthew's, I don't even like or own a single CD of.. I just went cause it was a giant party all day.

But the actual concert itself? Standing for 3 hours listening to the same genre of music, super loud, usually either super hot out, or in a stuffy music hall, crowded smelly people around me, cant even really see the band well.. idk, just doesn't appeal to me. I'd rather just watch the concert from my living room.

I'll take it another step further.. I can't STAND bands at a bar. Most people love it, I usually leave and find another bar the second the start. I'm there to hang out with friends, not spend the next two hours yelling "WHAT DID YOU SAY AGAIN?!" over a ****** cover band.

 

[CB3UK]

I'm a musician, so I enjoy it when bands flesh out songs, and I definitely get it. Playing the same tracks note for note gets stale fast.

 

[DreadLox]

If you have the skill, stretch. If you don't, don't.

I remember reading about the Louis Armstrong bands of the late 40s and 50s. If anyone had the chops to stretch, Armstrong did. Instead, he doled out solos at the beginning of the tour. You could play what you wanted. Once. Then, you were to play that solo throughout the tour. On one of the tours, he had the great pianist Earl Hines with him, and Hines strayed from the formula one night. At the end of the number, Armstrong told Hines, "Cut it, kid." (Armstrong was around 3 years older than Hines.)

Very few jazz artists were fountains of invention, and most improvisation is rewarmed stuff anyway. Know your limits and keep the audience wanting more.

 

[WTF Cat]

A great question and topic!

As a long time bar band guitarist, I'm always interested in a new interpretation of a classic song... but sometimes the interpretation doesn't measure up.

Perfect examples: "Under My Thumb" and "Its Only Rock n Roll" on the classic Stones live album "Love You Live". Compare those to the originals... slightly disappointing IMHO.

 

[WTF Cat]

I'll add: sometimes it goes the other way... you get AWESOME performances that push a great song to even greater heights!

Miss You (from the Stones 1978 tour. The slightly funkier beat and faster tempo really work... to my ears):

Heartbreaker (from the Brussels Affair bootleg 1n 1973 featuring the criminally underrated Mick Taylor)... his guitar breaks (especially the one at 4:15) turn this into a monster track!

And Gimme Shelter, from the Brussels Affair also... simply goes to a different plane:

 

[gamecockcat]

Hardest thing to do when playing in a bar band is to keep the volume to a reasonable level. Drummers inherently want to beat their kit to death and many guitar players only have one amp that is several orders of magnitude too big.

 

[Deeeefense]

I think $80 to see John Fogerty is a steal, and I'm sure you would enjoy it. These oldy goldy guys and gals won't be around for ever. I'm grateful for every concert they do because you never know when it will be their last one.

 

[gamecockcat]

I think $80 to see John Fogerty is a steal, and I'm sure you would enjoy it. These oldy goldy guys and gals won't be around for ever. I'm grateful for every concert they do because you never know when it will be their last one.

Agree. Saw BB King on one of his last tours. Talked more than I liked but was glad I saw him in person.

 

[WTF Cat]

Hardest thing to do when playing in a bar band is to keep the volume to a reasonable level. Drummers inherently want to beat their kit to death and many guitar players only have one amp that is several orders of magnitude too big.

Yeah... it's a never ending battle lol. I usually play a Mesa Mark IV, a Marshall Silver Jub or JTM 45 live...so I have plenty of volume (lol)... but I use THD Hotplate attenuator into a 1x12 cab pointed RIGHT AT MY FACE to keep stage volume reasonable. I've used "in ears" but I don't like them at all.

 

[gamecockcat]

I've got a Peavey bandit, 80w with the Sheffield speaker that I've had forever. Very rarely turned it up to more than 2-3 in a bar. My next amp may be a Fender 40w Champ that I could conceivably turn up to 3 or 4 in a bar setting. Also considering a smaller Marshall tube that allows you to cut the power in half. Unfortunately, the weight is not cut in half and lugging a 55+ lb amp around is not really enticing.

I've always learned guitar solos only up to a point. Get the timing, where it starts and stops, a signature lick or two. Then I work with that structure to do a similar but not exact solo that fits. I'm not gonna just do whatever I feel like but never was that interested in recreating a solo perfectly, either. I was and am always more interested in determining 'why' the solo is the way it is and using that knowledge to enhance all my solos.

 

[CB3UK]

You guitarists have it easy. Try lugging around a big enough bass rig just to keep up with a 10W Marshall tube amp lol

 

[WTF Cat]

I've got a Peavey bandit, 80w with the Sheffield speaker that I've had forever. Very rarely turned it up to more than 2-3 in a bar. My next amp may be a Fender 40w Champ that I could conceivably turn up to 3 or 4 in a bar setting. Also considering a smaller Marshall tube that allows you to cut the power in half. Unfortunately, the weight is not cut in half and lugging a 55+ lb amp around is not really enticing.

I've always learned guitar solos only up to a point. Get the timing, where it starts and stops, a signature lick or two. Then I work with that structure to do a similar but not exact solo that fits. I'm not gonna just do whatever I feel like but never was that interested in recreating a solo perfectly, either. I was and am always more interested in determining 'why' the solo is the way it is and using that knowledge to enhance all my solos.

In my decades of playing live in cover bands, I can name all the solos on 1 hand that I have played note-for-note.

IIRC:

Ramblin Man (because its tough... and fun to play)
My Sharona (see above)
All Right Now (nothing else sounds "right" to my ears other than the iconic solo)
Sweet Child o Mine (not 100%... but probably 95% lol... again, nothing else sounds "right")

Cinnamon Girl (actually that's a joke... its a 1 note solo lol)

 

[trueblujr]

Sorry you had a bad experience. I've been to 3 of his concerts, the last one was probably 30 years ago so I'm a bit out of touch. He plays. That's all I can say. He doesn't talk too much with the crowd, just plays. Not everyone's preference.

Dylan's not exactly known for having a pleasant personality. Frankly he's kind of a dickhead.

 

[KY_Kid]

@gamecockcat

Did you go?

 

[gamecockcat]

No, unfortunately. Wish I had. Heard it was a really good time.

 

[chroix]

I like hearing musicians expand on the original thought.

 

[SkyPrince1]

No one better than Prince.
You never got a note for note version live of anything recorded.
His musicianship and ability to improv were on a different level than most.