DAVE MASON & JIM KRUEGER – LIVE ACOUSTIC: MINNEAPOLIS 1986 FM (CD-R)

Description

Mississippi Riverbank Club, Minneapolis, MN, USA 25th July 1986 STEREO SBD

　After his 1980 album “OLD CREST ON A NEW WAVE,” Mason stopped releasing albums, and the way he found a way forward was through live performances with his partner Jim Krueger, playing and singing together.

　While the lack of album releases meant they couldn’t cover the expenses of continuing the band, it was also true that their performances were well-received because both members were masters of acoustic guitar. In fact, this format of live performance continued until Krueger’s death in 1993.

　One of the best radio broadcasts that exemplifies this popularity is an acoustic live performance held in Minneapolis in 1986. For the reasons mentioned above, Mason’s 1980s work is often overlooked, but this astonishing stereo soundboard recording, along with his partner Krueger, delivers such fulfilling solo acoustic performances that it is worthy of surprising fans around the world.

　While the audio, originally broadcast on the radio, had been available on YouTube before, a major appeal of this release is that it’s based on a version with far superior sound quality.

　The sound quality is exceptionally good, and the simple formation of only acoustic guitars means that the two musicians’ playing comes out of the speakers with incredible clarity, coming from both the left and right in stereo.

　Since it’s just the two of them performing, the basic structure—Mason on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Krueger on lead—is very easy to understand. Krueger’s guitar playing is particularly brilliant throughout, reminding us once again that he was Mason’s best partner.

　The setlist, which could be called the original unplugged format, unfolds a veritable storm of their signature songs. Yet, “Only You Know and I Know,” which would be perfectly suited to an acoustic setting, is not performed; instead, the selection of interesting cover songs shines through.

　Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” is second nature to them, and before that, they even performed a rare country-style instrumental featuring Krueger, a moment only possible in a solo acoustic performance.

　The highlight was the medley performance of “Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave,” followed by Mason’s comment, “In memory of John Lennon,” and a surprising cover of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” Indeed, the melodies are similar, and they connect beautifully even when played consecutively. Moreover, it’s an exquisite cover that suits the two acoustically.

　While attention tends to focus on Mason’s glorious 1970s, this is a superb recording of an acoustic show from the 80s, captured in perfect stereo soundboard detail!

(79:06)
01. Tuning, Talk
02. Feelin’ Alright
03. World in Changes
04. Every Woman
05. Sad and Deep As You
06. Instrumental)
07. The Words
08. Not Fade Away
09. Let It Go, Let It Flow
10. Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave
11. Dear Prudence
12. Bird On The Wind
13. We Just Disagree
14. Maybe
15. Dust My Broom
16. All Shook Up
17. Bring It On Home To Me
18. Dear Mr. Fantasy
19. All Along The Watchtower
20. Take It To The Limit

Dave Mason – Vocals, Guitar
Jim Krueger – Guitar, Vocals

STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING