Man, I'm sure glad I bought this SACD!
Of course, I practically love Alison so this isn't unexpected. Nor is this: I think many of you would like it, too. This two-disc set is definitely one of the better SACD releases, IMO. It's also one of the first SACD discs to demonstrate how wonderful live performances can be in surround sound. Every song is great. The musicianship is great. And, moreover, the recording showcases them both quite admirably.
The center channel is used sparingly, with much of the music eminating from the main left/right speakers; which helps re-create the "live" feel since it avoids localizing vocals. The surrounds occassionally contain reflections of Alison's voice and the instruments.
My only minor quibbles are these: 1) I felt a tad louder audience chatter toward the front of the stage would've helped to create and maintain that live performance illusion between songs; and 2) The song "Faraway Land" could have benefited, perhaps, by raising the center volume level a tad more. Other than that, it's a great disc.
I won't be so trite as to suggest that, "Even those who don't like (country/bluegrass/chick singers/etc.) will like the disc," but I'd like to think that all those with open minds and an appreciation for good musicianship (outside of just classical) will find worth in this disc; and if you do like country, well then how could you possibly not find it worthwhile? So go check it out. The SACD version is a hybrid that also contains a regular CD layer that will play on conventional CD players, too. (Albeit, just in stereo---not surround.) So you can start building up you future SACD library today, even if you don't own a SACD player.
Note: Available separately is a DVD-Video of this performance for those who want visuals. [Click For Separate Review]
