Live In Rome 1968

This live recording of the Byrds from May 1968 has been circulating for years and is well overdue a clean up in terms of sound quality and remixing (it’s slightly fast and the bass is too loud in my opinion). This release fails to address those issues but it is still an interesting document of the Byrds as they move from their earlier style towards a country rock direction.Original Byrds Jim McGuinn and Chris Hillman are present along with new additions Gram Parsons (guitar and vocals), Kevin Kelley (drums) and Doug Dillard (banjo).Old favourites like “Feel a whole lot better” and “Chimes of Freedom” zoom by and “Mr Spaceman” and “Turn Turn Turn” sound different with the banjo accompaniment. You do miss the harmonies of departed members David Crosby and Gene Clark. Gram Parsons shines in his solo spots “Hickory Wind”, “You don’t miss your water” and “The Christian Life”. This may be of interest to Gram Parsons completists. I can also hear a lot more of Gram on backing vocals during the concert than Chris Hillman.The two bonus tracks feature a different line up from a TV show later the same year when Clarence White has replaced Gram Parsons. Sound quality is slightly improved on those.Interesting but not essential purchase in my view.

Great live album