A wonderful live album that capitalizes on
Withers' trademark melancholy soul sound while expanding the music to fit the room granted by a live show. Lovely versions of
"Grandma's Hands" and
"Lean on Me" are balanced by heartfelt downbeat numbers like
"Better Off Dead" and
"I Can't Write Left-Handed," the latter being an anti-war song with a chilling message. The set finishes off with the lengthy
"Harlem/Cold Baloney," with lots of audience-pleased call-and-response going on. One of the best live releases from the '70s. ~ Steven McDonald