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17 live albums from the 1970s that remain vibrant

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It’s quite possible that the 1970s were a golden era for live albums, not only because of their exceptional quality in terms of music and sound production, but also due to the sheer volume produced. In fact, it appears that if you were to list all the fantastic live albums from the seventies, the list would never end.

To get started, we might think of some well-known albums that any music enthusiast would recognize – such as the Allman Brothers Band’s “At Fillmore East” (1971), the Grateful Dead’s “Europe ’72” (1972), and The Band’s “The Last Waltz” (1978), among others.

In essence, discovering additional outstanding live albums from the seventies that match these may be quite an extensive task, but here are 17 more that truly warrant recognition.

These live albums from the 1970s are still gems worth listening to

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – 4 Way Street (1971)

During the period when these concert recordings were made (and tales of that time still persist), there may have been turmoil among band members. However, their on-stage performances exuded an aura of unreachable skill and musical excellence. Despite any sky-high egos they might have had, they created something truly magical here.

Curtis Mayfield – Curtis Live! (1971)

Following his departure from The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield showcased his exceptional musical prowess in this live double-album set recorded in New York City. The majority of the tracks featured are from the initial performance. Not only was Mayfield’s music outstanding, but the band was also performing at its best, reaching a climax overall. Initially, some critics had unfavorable reviews of the album, but later on, they were forced to retract their opinions.

Fela Kuti and The Africa ’70 With Ginger Baker – Live! (1971)

On this live-in-the-studio album, Fela Kuti and his band didn’t require much heat to sound fantastic, as they likely performed more live concerts than official studio sessions. In fact, they were given a boost on two tracks by another source of energy – former Cream drummer Ginger Baker, who appeared to have added an extra zest to their performance, for good measure.

The Velvet Underground – Live At Max’s Kansas City (1972)

Before Atlantic Records released this album to serve as a temporary replacement, Lou Reed had already departed from the band. However, it appears that Atlantic made a wise choice, as this album contains some of the final live recordings The Velvet Underground made with Reed. Although the quality of the recording was close to subpar, the music itself was outstanding.

Jimmy Smith – Root Down (1972)

If you’re puzzled by finding a standard jazz album here, there’s no need for concern. This album, in fact, played a significant role in shaping what we now call acid jazz, soul jazz, and other similar genres today. Bursting with rhythmic movements and grooves, it features the late Mr. Smith at his peak performance level.

Bill Withers – Live At Carnegie Hall (1973)

Despite “Ain’t No Sunshine” being categorized as a typical Middle of the Road (MOR) hit, Withers’ music and his creative process never aligned with that label, and this album makes that clear. Furthermore, it underscores Withers’ exceptional songwriting skills and captivating vocal talent.

Bob Dylan & The Band – Before The Flood (1974)

It’s a significant milestone for Dylan to unveil his inaugural live album! With an array of tunes at his disposal and The Band performing at their best, there’s a special vibe among everyone, as Dylan, ever the musical shape-shifter, breathes new life into each track here, offering fresh perspectives and nuances that weren’t present in the initial studio versions.

Joni Mitchell – Miles of Aisles (1974)

A renowned musician has released another groundbreaking first live album. Notably, this was Joni Mitchell’s inaugural tour with a band, having predominantly performed solo beforehand. The album blends recordings from both band and solo performances, but the exceptional quality of her songwriting and powerful vocals remain evident throughout.

Marvin Gaye – Marvin Gaye Live! (1974)

Because of some distressing experiences in his life, Gaye struggled with stage fright and seldom performed live following Tammi Terrell’s passing. However, after achieving remarkable album success, he decided to give live performances again, one of which was recorded in Oakland. It appears that the enthusiastic crowd response helped conquer his stage fright, as the performance was exceptional, earning him another Grammy and enjoying commercial success.

Tom Waits – Nighthawks at the Diner (1975)

Indeed, this was one of those on-the-spot studio sessions (or a series of them), a carefully managed environment if you will, but Waits had a proven track record of exceptional live performances under his belt already. The handpicked audience played their part perfectly, contributing to the lively club ambiance that Tom seemed to thrive in, delivering an outstanding performance.

Keith Jarrett – Koln Concert (1975)

In every solo piano performance, Jarrett never repeated a melody; instead, he improvised uniquely for each concert. He incorporated a vast array of musical understanding into his performances, encompassing jazz, classical music, and even pop elements. This style, which is both acclaimed (and arguably influential) in its own right, has left an indelible mark on New Age music, inspiring both its high points and low points.

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band – ‘Live’ Bullet (1976)

If you’re trying to pinpoint the quintessential classic rock sound, particularly in a live setting, this is exactly what you’d hear. With numerous live performances under their belt, Seger and his band effortlessly sparked that energy on this recording. The album didn’t initially garner much attention, but its popularity grew over time.

Wings – Wings over America (1976)

At the time, most official live albums were double sets, but the unofficial bootlegs that emerged seemed to ignore this rule. These bootlegs, however, became a triple set due to the exceptional performances given by McCartney and his band during their American tour. In response, McCartney chose to break the mold and release an official triple album as well, and it was certainly a wise decision.

Parliament – Live: P-Funk Earth Tour (1977)

George Clinton’s interpretation of soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock was versatile, frequently blending these genres and others within the Parliament’s music. This double live album, capturing Parliament at their musical zenith, encapsulates this eclecticism, leaving the stunning visual performances to the listener’s imagination.

Little Feat – Waiting For Columbus (1977)

As an ardent admirer, I’d like to express that Little Feat had already produced a collection of extraordinary studio albums back then, which unfortunately didn’t resonate much with the audience at the time. However, they were renowned as one of the most exceptional bands live (they continue to be), and this originally double album set (now expanded) serves as proof that this acclaim was far from hype.

The Ramones – It’s Alive (1979)

The energy and intensity typically associated with pioneering punk bands seems lacking. However, it’s worth noting that they still deliver powerful performances, playing tracks from their initial three and most celebrated albums in their entirety during live shows. Remarkably, they’ve managed to maintain this level of performance throughout their career.

Cheap Trick – Cheap Trick At Budokan (1979)

Cheap Trick embodied the essence of power pop, and this being their first live album significantly boosted both their own career and the recognition of power pop as a genre. Today, it is widely regarded as a timeless classic in the realm of live albums.

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2025-04-14 13:00

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