Piano man Legacy edition (2011)/ Billy Joel

"This Legacy Edition is expanded to a double-disc set featuring a previously unreleased live radio concert given to Philadelphias WMMR on April 15, 1972. This is the show that brought Billy to the attention of Columbia Records, leading to an audition and contract with the label, and its easy to hear why this performance caught their ear. Transitioning away from his ballad-heavy debut album on Family records "Cold Spring Harbor", yet still relying on its best songs, Joels pen has sharpened considerably on his new songs, material heavily influenced by Elton Johns "Tumbleweed Connection" and destined to surface on "Piano Man". Travelin Prayer, The Ballad Of Billy the Kid, and Captain Jack have a melodic and narrative force unlike anything on "Cold Spring Harbor" and Joel gives them impassioned readings, making it clear hes a songwriter and showman to be reckoned with." (uit de lange, maar informatieve en verhelderende recensie van Stephen Thomas Erlewine op Allmusic; klik op link voor complete tekst)