The latest in the series of SRV reissues captures two shows recorded at the
Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland covering three years. The first disc
captures the original Double Trouble lineup playing as if their lives
depended on it. Turns out they were - they were an unknown, unsigned band,
who only got on the bill after legendary producer Jerry Wexler recommended
them to the show organizers. Even though the band's slamming through future
classics such as "Pride and Joy', "Love Struck Baby', and 'Texas Flood', the
audience - which was spoon fed acoustic blues all day - could've cared less
and let the Texas trio have it with boos and hisses (which are clearly heard
on the disc). The chilly response left the band convinced that they had
blown their big shot.
Fortunately for them, Jackson Browne and David Bowie were in the audience
and were blown away. Bowie ended up recruiting SRV to play on his 'Let's
Dance' CD and Browne gave Stevie Ray & Double Trouble free studio time. The
results from those sessions became the breakthrough debut, 'Texas Flood'.
The rest, they say, is history.
The second disc captures the band's triumphant return three years later to
the same festival. This time, the crowd (probably the same tools who booed
him) treated him and his group with the dignity and respect they deserved.
The only thing that wasn't different was that the band - now with organist
Reese Wynans aboard - still played as if their lives depended on it. What
a great, great band.
If you're not a fan, 'Live At Montreaux' will make you one. If you are a
fan, this will only remind you as to why you became one. A must have.
