ACOUSTICALLY DRIVEN

Like you've never heard them before

In December 2000, Uriah Heep switched off the power, and for one night only became an acoustic combo. Per Neil Young's unplugged, the Hammond organ (such an integral part of Uriah Heep's sound) was retained, but even then piano also features heavily. Given their reputation built up over many years as one of the loudest bands on tour, this was a brave, but ultimately inspired move.

The band members were joined on stage by a string quartet, a female backing trio, and a few other "surprises". Mick Box plays acoustic guitar throughout, and Trevor Boulder acoustic bass. The set list comprises of a wonderful cross section of tracks ranging from "Lady in black" ("Salisbury") through to "The golden palace" ("Sonic origami"). I have to say that the results are nothing short of SENSATIONAL.

I must admit, I had some reservations about whether this was a wise move by the band, but as with Yes touring with a full orchestra, I am delighted to say my concerns were totally unfounded. The tracks are generally from the softer end of the Uriah Heep spectrum, and for those who have only come across the band briefly, there are a surprisingly large number of such songs. Vocalist Bernie Shaw is the prime beneficiary of the softer sound, his immense vocal talents shining brightly throughout. Early songs like "Why did you go", "Wonderworld", and "Echoes in the dark" are all dusted down for the first time in years. While they are instantly recognisable, being faithful to Ken Hensley's writing, at the same time they sound completely refreshed and new.

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson joins the band for two songs, adding his distinctive flute to them, one of the many highlights of the show. As well as adding a wonderful vocal accompaniment, the three female backing singers also bring some welcome glamour to the occasion. One of the three, Kim Chandler, also proves to be a superb flautist, especially on "The easy road" and "The Golden Palace". The latter is one of the band's newest songs and it is surprising how well these sit alongside the classics, far more so perhaps than at their "electric" gigs. Throughout the string quartet, while seldom to the fore, lay a wonderful carpet of sound for the band to build upon.

I must admit I went through many emotions listening to (and in fact watching, the DVD is the ultimate experience), this collection. To hear many of my old favourites transformed by these interpretations was simply wonderful. The most emotional moment however was saved for last. I will admit to at least a lump in the throat, when the uillean pipes took the main theme on "Circle of hands". Uriah Heep and uillean pipes, I would never have believed it, but it sounds magnificent! What's more, when you consider the bombastic ending to that track on the "live '73" album, the contrast with the unaccompanied pipes which end the song here could not be starker. Both though constitute absolute highlights of their respective albums.

A truly awesome album, which shows Uriah Heep to be back to their very best. If you know the music of Uriah Heep, these interpretations will stun you. If you do not, there's never been a better way to discover the band.

I haven't heard a live Uriah Heep album since one of the best live recordings ever was released by the group back in 1973. Live set the standard for unprecedented successes in live recordings such as Frampton Comes Alive. For those of you too young to remember, Uriah Heep was a progressive-rock band of the highest order for many years. They are going through an enjoyable phase of their long and successful career right now. Interest in their history has been renewed with a series of remastered back catalog recordings (Sanctuary/Castle) and special live events in the U.K. The only remaining original members are co-founder Mick Box (guitar) and Lee Kerslake (drums). Box founded the group with now deceased lead singer David Byron. Some thirty members have come and gone since their inception, and they have survived all the changes to bring you new material and an exciting new live recording. You are informed by the front cover message that the very best of Uriah Heep unplugged. The group's album cover art is always recognizable. Roger Dean (Yes covers) is the man that makes the fantasy science fiction scenes so memorable. Demons And Wizards and The Magician's Birthday are the albums that always come to mind for some of the more colorful, thought provoking, and graphically intense images.

Acoustically Driven is a fabulous collection of all the favs, except this time you get to hear how different they sound unplugged. Any song that was originally electric takes on a different personality when it's toned down and rendered with different colors and textures in an acoustic setting. It's comparable to taking a classic painting and grabbing your brush and painting right over the top of it. Most songs are strummed out on an acoustic guitar or pounded out on the piano before they reach fruition, so essentially what happens is the music comes around full circle. It's always a pleasure to experience what a creator hears first hand in the development of a song. "Wonderworld" pulled out some memories from the attic for me, it was the first Uriah Heep album I ever bought, and from that point on I got everything else by them that I could get my hands on. All the songs sound really good unplugged, and the audience seems to think so as well. The group is backed by the "Uriah Heep Classic Rock Music Ensemble," which consists of strings, including the cello, viola, and violins. Having that kind of back drop softens up the once rocking tunes and eases in the acoustic guitars and keyboards to make for a beautiful marriage between rock music and orchestration. Just when you are getting comfortable with the "Easy Livin" of the unplugged set . it's over. The disc has a nice steady flow with a gradual momentum that reaches its peak towards the end of the show. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this set. It reminded me of how important this group was to me when I was a teenager. They were one of the first bands that planted the seed that continues to grow and blossom to this day. Uriah Heep is one of the original British prog-rockers that became as important and influential as Yes, the proof is on this CD. Long live rock and roll!

I don't know how it was first started but for sure the "unplugged" thing came out the first time (for me personally - and I might be too late) when Eagles made their video concert using all acoustic guitar as main rhythm section. I was not interested at all, actually, but I found it enjoyable as well for a break after listening to heavy and hard music like progressive rock. With that thought in mind so I purchased this DVD. To my surprise, I really enjoy this unplugged version of Uriah Heep. The condition might help me because I purchased this after I watched the band's concert in Jakarta, February 12, 2006. It was such a great performance by Uriah Heep with their old as well as new material. Not just the show that I enjoyed, even the night after the concert all Heep members and crew had dinner together with all of us - rockers in Jakarta. It was a memorable evening as I could talk in person with each member of the band in a relax way. I think Heep is a great band with great personalities - all of them are humble people. Yeah . they rock! Lucky that I did face to face interview and dialogue with Mick Box, Bernie Shaw, Lee Kerslake, Trevor Bolder and Phil Lanzon. Heep, thanks for creating such memorable event for all of us - rockers in Jakarta, Indonesia!

"Echoes In The Dark" starts off the show excellently with powerful voice of Bernie Shaw in sitting position. Mick Box and Trevor Bolder play their acoustic guitar and acoustic bass guitar respectively in sitting arrangement. All light orchestra members also sit at the back. Only three ladies who serve as backing vocals are at standing position. The music flows differently (of course) as it compares to original version. There is no such thing as distorted guitar solo unique to Mick Box. But that's okay, we still can hear Heep sound excellently here. "Why Did You Go" from "Return To Fantasy" album follows in another energetic but relax setting. What surprised me really was the hit "Come Back To Me" which is also featured at this live set. My best favorite track of this live DVD set is track 6, "The Golden Palace". To me, this track is excellent in arrangement and performance. The inclusion of flute work in the beginning of the track by beautiful lady is an attractive performance. He other thing is the melody is quite strong backed with great vocal by Bernie Shaw. There is heavy influence of classical music in this track.

Another great attraction of this DVD set is the guest appearance of Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) starting at track 10 "Circus". Who would deny his virtuosity in flutework? He gives his beautiful flute work at the opening part backed with acoustic guitar by Mick Box. He continues his dynamic flutework at "Blind Eye" in upbeat fashion - it sounds b\very energetic. He does excellent stage act as well - in balance with Bernie's stage act. It's a nice viewing, really. Oh .. my childhood favorite "Traveller In Time" is also performed nicely by the band! I really love the interlude part where Mick Box plays melody with his acoustic guitar. This track continues seamlessly to "More Fool You".

Overall, this is an excellent addition to any rock music collection. For those who love the band, it's a must to have this DVD in your collection. Don't ever think twice to purchase this unplugged live by Uriah Heep! Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

I have loved UH Live 1973 since, well, 1973, which was about the time I discovered Uriah Heep. I still listen to the first half dozen Heep albums fairly regularly. So, how have I gone for 20+ years without knowing about this brilliant live recording. As much as I love the heavy prog of the 'original' albums, the presentation here is simply amazing. I have just listened to it for the first time, and I am not really doing a good review. But, if you are a Uriah Heep fan and you haven't heard this one yet, do yourself a favor and give it a spin. The two songs where Ian Anderson joins in on flute are high points for me. Excellent.