This is the live recording of a monumental concert that occurred one evening in 1978 at the Hollywood Bowl.  Because it is recorded live, you get to hear all the crowd reactions and adulations to the music and the musicians.   The CD is filled with extended versions of Mangione signature songs including “Feels So Good,” “Chase the Clouds Away,” and “Land of Make Believe.” 

Chuck plays with his quartet, which is comprised of some hugely talented musicians: Grant Geissman (classical, electric, and acoustic guitars), Chris Vadala (saxophones, flutes, and piccolo), Charles Meeks (bass), and James Bradley Jr. (drums).  They are backed by a 70-piece orchestra who, according to the liner notes, had not seen Chuck’s music before and had only nine hours of rehearsal time.

Since these songs are all extended versions, you get to hear and appreciate the nuances of what these musicians bring.  Chris Vadala’s quiet and beautiful flute and Grant Geissman’s subdued guitar solo on “Chase the Clouds Away,” Charles Meeks clean bass work on “Hill Where the Lord Hides,” and the presence and power of the orchestra as “The Day After (Our First Night Together)” rises to a crescendo before Chuck brings it all home on his flugelhorn.

Lots of people can write and play music.  They can even create images, but few can combine the two the way Mangione does and tell a story.  For me, Chuck Mangione has always been as much a storyteller as he is a musician.   His material is so vivid that he creates a story through music, the same way a writer creates a story through words.  There are definite parts and themes to his songs.  Even without the descriptive titles, you know each song has its own story to tell.

Chuck opens and closes the concert with his most popular song, “Feels So Good.”  He just walks out on the stage and very intimately, without accompaniment, begins playing to the crowd, who by the third song, “Chase the Clouds Away,” are 18,000 strong and under the spell of the music.  Tunes like “Hill Where the Lord Hides” and “Love the Feelin” sound even better when performed live and backed by a full orchestra.  Although Chuck introduces the Children of Sanchez music by playing the title song, I’ve always felt that the best material from that album was not featured in this recording.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been listening to this concert for 26 years.  I first heard it on vinyl in the living room of our family home, then on cassette while cramming for exams, and more recently, on CD.  Where does the time go? 

 - Mary Bentley