JIMMY PAGE & ROBERT PLANT – LATER… WITH JOOLS HOLLAND: ORIGINAL BBC MASTER (2 CD)

Description

BBC TV Studios, White City, London, England 5th May 1998 STEREO SBD(from Original Masters)
Original Master from BBC
★A super high-quality stereo soundboard master leaked by someone involved in the project!

Following the release of the album “WALKING INTO CLARKSDALE,” the band appeared on the British music program “LATER…”, and while footage of the show and rehearsals had been circulating for some time, this release features the audio recorded from the BBC master in top-quality stereo soundboard format. The sound quality is impeccable, and the album can be thoroughly enjoyed as a live album even without the video.

　The first disc features footage from the actual recording. Host Jules Holland introduces the song with great energy, and then they launch into “The Wanton Song,” but the recording is interrupted due to technical difficulties with the camera. Even just from the audio, you can sense the chaos in the studio, but Plant lightens the mood with a joke, saying things like, “My career is over.”

　After a brief interruption, Take 2 was performed successfully. In the actual broadcast, the introduction of Holland just before Take 1 was cleverly edited into Take 2, making it appear as if nothing had happened. Above all, given that it was right after the European tour, the performance was already incredibly solid.

　Page and Plant received exceptional treatment at this time. While the other performers each played two songs, they performed three. Furthermore, “Burning Up” was the finale of the show, and this special position further demonstrates the favorable treatment they received.

　Furthermore, “LATER…” is known for its talk segment with the cast and Holland, and of course, Page and Plant also participate. The relaxed atmosphere is evident throughout as they talk about how they met, and Jimmy looks genuinely happy as he talks about the influence of John Lee Hooker. Since they also appeared on the show when “UNLEDDED” was released, it must have felt like a very familiar environment for them.

　Even more interesting than the actual performance are the rehearsals. It’s surprising enough that footage of moments other than the actual performance was recorded and even leaked, but the content is truly substantial. While there’s an atmosphere of intense determination, Plant also shows a relaxed side, humming the Everly Brothers’ “All I Have To Do Is Dream” during soundchecks.

　During a break in rehearsal, Plant began singing Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Don’t Start Me Talkin’,” and Jimmy followed suit, with the rest of the band naturally joining in. It’s a shame they couldn’t play the whole song since it was just a rehearsal, but it was still a thrilling performance. These kinds of moments are one of the great pleasures of rehearsal recordings.

　All three songs performed during the actual broadcast were full of energy and very enjoyable to listen to, but the rehearsal of “Burning Up” was particularly impressive. The scene where keyboardist Philip Andrews and Plant repeatedly sing back and forth while checking the harmonies conveys their serious approach to the actual performance. It’s interesting that the harmonies of the two sound more vibrant in the rehearsal compared to the surprisingly restrained balance of the actual broadcast. And the final take is as perfect as the final performance. This is a delightful stereo soundboard album that allows you to enjoy even the process of finishing the songs for broadcast in vivid detail!

Disc:1 (33:04)
1. Jools Holland Intro
2. The Wanton Song [interruption] スタジオ混乱
3. The Wanton Song
4. Wishing I Was There (Natalie Imbruglia) (Intro Only)
5. Interview
6. Shining In The Light #1
7. Burning Up
8. MC
9. Shining in the Light #2

Disc:2 (48:37)
Rehearsals
1. Soundcheck
2. The Wanton Song #1
3. The Wanton Song #2
4. Don’t Start Me To Talkin’
5. Shining In The Light #1
6. Shining In The Light #2
7. Burning Up #1
8. Burning Up #2 (Chorus Part)
9. Burning Up #3

Jimmy Page – Guitars
Robert Plant – Vocals
Charlie Jones – Bass
Michael Lee – Drums
Philip Andrews – Keyboards, Vocals

STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING