LIVE OUTSIDE

'Alive Outside' represents Jadis' 2nd live offering, within only 3 years and with only one studio album in between. As such, at only 60 mins in length, it can scarcely be considered as an essential album to own, or indeed an ideal starting place for those new to this band. To leave it at that however would be to misunderstand the reason for the album's release.

The concert was recorded in the New Forest in July 2001, as one of their famed summer outdoor gigs, primarily to promote their latest release, 'Understand'. Unlike 1998's 'As Daylight Fades' therefore, the track listing includes little variety from their back catalogue, preferring instead to concentrate on new material. As such, 5 out of the 8 tracks from 'Understand' are played here, within the first 6 numbers, and only the ever enduring 'Wonderful World', 'Batstein' and part of the instrumental 'Holding Your Breath' are employed, from their previous 3 studio albums.

Jadis outdoor gigs in their Hampshire heartlands are much more than that though, as the recording will testify, for here, they play to their hardened fans, many familiar faces who share an unusual intimacy with the band, as can be witnessed in the humorous banter which exists with the audience. Chandler jokes with them about the 140 noise complaints they had in 2 hours after the previous year's gig, dreadful American accents and having to lance boils off the 'wart 'n' all' live recording before it goes to press.

I have personal reservations about the choice of cover versions performed; firstly Crowded House's overrated 'Weather With You', which, sandwiched between a superb finale of 'Holding Your Breath' and the crunching finale of Somersault's 'Hear Us' only serves to underline how criminally underrated this band is, within the music industry. Finally, the evening is concluded with a sing-a-long of 'Comfortably Numb', which they have performed many times before, as indeed have many other prog bands. It would have been nice to hear something a little more original, but that would go against the spirit of an enjoyable evening, which has been preserved for the enjoyment of those who weren't fortunate enough to get a ticket.

"Jadis" was not very prolific during the late nineties / early 2000's. Only a new studio album every three years. It was the occasion to release a compilation of "rare" tracks ("Medium Rare") as well as two live albums.

This one comes out their "Understand" tour and is almost a whole live version of this good album. Since "Jadis" is rather faithful to their studio work while playing on stage, there is no real added value in terms of music. The plus points being the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that can be felt while listening to this recording. My fave out of the "Understand" track is the energetic "Alive Inside". As usual, Garry is fantastic on the guitar ("Counting All The Seconds" being another emotional moment).

There are also two songs from their debut album "More Than Meets The Eye" which is their best one IMHHO and confirmed here not only because "Wonderful World" is my fave but if the at this stage of their career, the band decided to play two very old songs they must know that this feeling is wIdely spread in their fan database. Guitar work during this track is just somptuous. My highlight (but "Holding Your Breath" is only an inch behind, but still one of the best from this live offering).

This album features two songs already released live in "As Daylight Fades" ("Batstein", "Wonderful World"), two cover songs : the poppish "Weather With You" from a band coming from the Antipodes "Crowded House" from which two members came from the better known "Split Enz". The other one being "Comfortably Numb" from who you know (great guitar again of course). I also do not really appreciate that the version of "Hear Us" is cut by half in comparison to the studio version. A pity.

In terms of live releases, I would recommend more "As Daylight Fades". This one is more for a confirmed fan. And even if it is hardly essential, it provides about one hour of good music including great guitar soli. A good album. Three stars.

One of the collections you can have.

It is also good news that this live album has become available now for download given that many people would hesitate to buy CD if rated three but have some interest. Today you are able to check even some part of the music for free or buy a song only by downloading if you like. Actually the first Jadis album I got was "Fanatic" by download, but I became their fan then and I collected their CDs. 10 years ago I did not even think about this way of enjoying prog music, but this is the world where we are today and simply why not ?

About the music: songs like "Counting All The Seconds", "Wonderful World", "Holding Your Breath" will never disappoint you if you like the prog rocks after 1974 as they are one of the masterpieces in the new era. I have nothing to complain on this album other than the recording quality,but a minor point.

While Gary Chandler is of course the main man, and drummer Stephen Christey has been there for many a moon, there are many Jadis fans (myself included) that felt that Jadis without Martin Orford weren't really Jadis at all. With John Jowitt also back in the fold then the classic line-up were back together once again and while 'As Daylight Fades' was only released three years ago, it is fitting that another live album has been released featuring these guys.

Three songs feature on both, but when they are as good as "Wonderful World" or "Batstein" who cares? Jadis have one of the most instantly recognisable sounds in the prog world, due mostly to Gary's laid back vocals and guitar work. With JJ and Steve in perfect harmony, and Gary and Widge having one of the most understanding of partnerships then it is no surprise that they sound like they are having a great time.

Songs such as "Where In The World" are uplifting and powerful, while "Racing Sideways" is just clean plain fun. When Gary tells the crowd how long they are planning to play Widge also joins in. What do you want from an album: Great songs, musical ability, and harmony vocals? There is all this and much, much more. They even throw in a couple of covers for good measures ("Comfortably Numb" is awesome).

They may never have fully been appreciated in the UK, but this is one of our great prog bands.

Originally appeared in Feedback #64, Dec 01