Laura Nyro ‘Live in Japan’: Previously Unreleased Concert Set Reviewed

The late Laura Nyro was a fine songwriter whose creations produced hits for artists like the 5th Dimension, Barbra Streisand, and Blood, Sweat & Tears, but she was also a first-rate singer, pianist and interpreter of others’ material.

For evidence of both her compositional and performing abilities, check out this album, Trees of the Ages: Laura Nyro Live in Japan, which was originally released only in that country in 2003.

Featuring well-restored sound and new liner notes by musician/author John Kruth, the live set culls 16 of its tracks from a February 1994 concert in that country and the other five from a Tokyo radio set that same month. It embraces some of Nyro’s best-known compositions, including “Wedding Bell Blues,” “And When I Die” and “Save the Country.”

Listen to “And When I Die” from the performance

There are also terrific covers of such 1960s hits as the Shirelles’ “Dedicated to the One I Love,” Smokey Robinson’s “Ooh Baby Baby” and Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By.” Even the widely recorded “Let It Be Me” sounds fresh in Nyro’s interpretation.

Related: Nyro’s “Eli’s Coming” was a hit by Three Dog Night

If you’re a fan, you probably already own Stoned Soul Picnic: The Best of Laura Nyro, if not her 10 studio albums. Complete the picture with this excellent live set.

The concert recording is one of two new Nyro sets issued by the Omnivore label, the other being Go Find the Moon: The Audition Tape.

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Jeff Burger

Jeff Burger's website, byjeffburger.com, contains over five decades' worth of music reviews, interviews, and commentary. His books include Dylan on Dylan: Interviews and Encounters, Lennon on Lennon: Conversations with John Lennon, Leonard Cohen on Leonard Cohen: Interviews and Encounters, and Springsteen on Springsteen: Interviews, Speeches, and Encounters. His writing on music and many other subjects has been published by more than 75 online and print outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, Creem, Circus, Melody Maker, Barron’s, Reader’s Digest, GQ, No Depression, Family Circle, and All Music Guide.

A top editor at leading consumer and trade magazines for more than 40 years, Jeff has interviewed dozens of musical luminaries, including Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Roger McGuinn, John Sebastian, Wolfman Jack, Tommy James, Tom Waits, the Righteous Brothers, and the members of Steely Dan.

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