Live In Concert At The Capital Theatre (DVD)
Global Entertainment, 2016
REVIEW BY: David Bowling
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 11/07/2016
I recently reviewed Justin Hayward’s new compilation album All The Way. It contained some good music but featured a rather odd song selection and only included half the tracks of the MP3 version. This companion release by Hayward is much more fulfilling. Live In Concert At The Capital Theatre is a 117 minute performance that presents Justin Hayward at his best.
Unlike his last release, the song selection here makes sense. He moves effortlessly between some classic Moody Blues songs to exploring all periods of his solo career. Simple Versions of “Tuesday Afternoon,” “Question,” “Your Wildest Dreams,” and the eternal “Nights In White Satin” provide nice nostalgic interludes.
When Hayward digs into his solo catalogue, there are a number of treats to be enjoyed. “December Snow,” “I Dreamed Last Night,” “The Eastern Sun,” and “Forever Autumn” benefit from being performed live without any studio tracks. Guitarist Mike Dawes and keyboardist/backing vocalist Julie Ragins provide a good foundation for Hayward’s music.
Hayward’s voice has lost little with the passage of time, and it remains a smooth instrument. Meanwhile, the sound and video quality are up to modern standards, and the fact that this is a complete concert provides a nice flow to the release.
Two bonus tracks, “Blue Guitar” and “Who Are You Now,” are enjoyable but not essential to the concert experience. The bonus music video of “The Wind Of Heaven” introduces one of the better songs of Hayward’s solo career.
Justin Hayward has just turned 70 and Live In Concert At The Capital Theatre is a nice look at an artist celebrating a career at the half-century mark. This disc is a must release for any fan of Hayward or the Moody Blues.