Neil Young's 'Young Shakespeare' is a captivating live album and concert film, recorded on 22 January 1971, at the Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, Connecticut. This intimate performance, which took place just two months after the release of his seminal 'After the Gold Rush', showcases Young's stripped-down talent, accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, piano, and harmonica.
This remarkable recording, released on 26 March 2021, via Reprise Records, is a testament to Young's skill as a solo acoustic performer. The 11-track album features a mix of familiar favourites, including 'Tell Me Why', 'Old Man', and 'The Needle and the Damage Done', as well as poignant renditions of 'Ohio', 'Cowgirl in the Sand', and 'Sugar Mountain'. The album's duration of 50 minutes is a masterclass in storytelling and musicianship, with Young's distinctive voice and instrumentation weaving a spellbinding narrative.
'Young Shakespeare' is a classic rock, folk rock, and singer-songwriter masterpiece, with roots rock influences that underscore Young's unique artistry. This deluxe edition, which includes a CD, DVD, and vinyl release, is a must-have for fans of Neil Young and live music enthusiasts alike. With its release, 'Young Shakespeare' has been hailed as one of Young's finest solo acoustic concert recordings, and its arrival, half a century after the original performance, is a cause for celebration.
Vinylscout