Live At the Cellar Door and the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

Most powerfully gentle in an intimate venue with a respectfully attentive & appreciative audience

Such a soulful performace. So much great moments. My favorite track is his version of Helpless Hoping. Just fantasic.

Here Comes the Sun is a song about optimism, a new day, a new chance, a beautiful morning. It makes me feel good. I love Richies deep voice, scratch at times, rough and smooth in the right places.

.."Little Darlin!"..Yeah; Man!-"Go Out There And Warm Up The Crowd; Richie!"-And Richie Havens can be seen in the Woodstock Concert Film; Still Wowing "That Crowd" @ 3 Hours Later!-"Live At The Cellar Door" is yet another great reason to search out Richie Havens when he come to your Home Town!-{We have caught him twice (and met him!) In recent years; Both in small venues; Truly a Phenomenal Perfomer still at 68 years young!}-Richie has exquisite taste in covering other artist's material & Transforming it into his own; Be it: Browne; Dylan; Floyd; Lennon or Taylor!-"There Must Be Some Way Out Of Here!"-God Bless Richie Havens!...by Grimmbo.

I recall when Richie Havens began performing--a black man, hippie, during the 60s and 70s--and he was mesmerizing, unique--a kind of folk Nina Simone. His recording of here comes the sun will last forever and I regard it as the best rendition of the song, even better than the Beatles' version. Richie Havens is money and time well spent.

Havens' voice (or his peace and love philosophy) has not wavered in 30 years. I'm usually not a fan of live albums, but there's not much chatter here and the sound is warm and bright. If you're new to Havens' work, don't miss his Mixed Bag C.D.; it's great from start to finish. iTunes doesn't offer it, but another solid collection is Resume. As long as he doesn't have a crazy arranger that starts layering in violins and musak, Havens' guitar is always a standout. On top of that, he's a master at thoughtful and inventive cover interpretations. There are a few interesting songs here and there from his post-sixties and seventies work, but your best bet are his oldies but goodies.

Hands down, this is one of the most heart-felt, amazing recordings I have ever heard. I don't think anyone comes close tosuch an intimate sound as Richie Havens. You really feel as though he is playing in your own home. If you have never listened to a Richie Havens album before, I suggest you start here. $9.99 is a steal!

I have always loved hearing Richie Havens perform and have loved his music and message and soul for such a long long time! And am thrilled to now have these live performances to enjoy, yet again! don v.