Billy Joel / Madison Square Garden February 2022 / 2CDR 

Billy Joel performed a live concert at Madison Square Garden this year as well. The UXBR DIGE label releases the latest stage at the fastest speed.
After all, two types of audience recordings have appeared because it is the latest live and also the live at MSG. At first, I was thinking of adopting “recorder 1” for the release, but “recorder 2”, which appeared a little later, has overwhelmingly better sound quality.
It was for that reason that the latest performance, which could have already been released at the usual UXBR DIGE timing, was released at this timing.
The quality of “recorder 2” is so great. Although it was an audience recording performed at a large venue called MSG, the sound image was extremely on. To be clear, even if it is released on a press CD, it is at a level comparable to that. In that respect, the sound image of “recorder 1” was far away, and the difference in quality was clear.
Even if the sound image is close like this, it is a quality that can be proudly recommended to everyone, but the big chorus that boiled over the classical music that Billy and the band unfolded (never!) Rushed from behind without disturbing the performance. The feeling of being there is exceptional. This is an ideal audience recording.

Billy had a warm-up night at the Hard Rock Hotel at the end of January, but this is the first live concert that will be open normally. Even more, the joy of standing on the stage again while Omicron is infested is transmitted.
It’s not only the MC that included the introduction of the members of the backing band familiar in his live, but also the intro when Billy first published the score of the song after the performance of “Just The Way You Are” on that day. He seems to be having fun again from the fact that he tells the episode that the transcription was wrong.
It is natural to include “A Hard Day’s Night” or sing ZEP “Whole Lotta Love” as usual. Since this day is two days before Valentine’s Day, there is plenty of room to show the standard “My Funny Valentine” in front of “Piano Man” with a jazzy instrument.
The set list for this day is even more enthusiastic. Although the basic line is the same as before, I was surprised that the nostalgic “Modern Woman” appeared in the middle of the concert. If you like Eighties Billy, that should be a tearful repertoire.
And the ultimate is the gem opening number “She’s Got A Way” that was included in the first album “COLD SPRING HARBOR”. From the same album, “Everybody Loves You Now” appears more frequently, so I can’t help but be even more impressed with the performance here.
Billy show at MSG is a big chorus even for such a song with a rather minor existence. It would have been fun to be there. The latest MSG live that delivers such an exquisite presence and powerful sound image. A high quality audience album that everyone from beginners to enthusiasts can enjoy without complaint!