Larry Norman - Sixty: The Trilogy Concert

Reviewed by Philip Croft

Recorded only a matter of months before Larry's untimely death in February of 2008 this double CD collection is one that is likely to score zero or 10 out of 10 depending on how you look at it. As the title suggests this is a live and unplugged recording of all the songs from the famous Trilogy series (1969's 'Only Visiting This Planet', 1973's 'So Long Ago The Garden' and 1976's 'In Another Land'). To purists who fondly remember the originals this may well be a profound disappointment - the songs have all been significantly rearranged to fit in with the unplugged format, Larry's voice had clearly gone by the time of this live concert so much so that in places the backing singers end up taking over, in other places Larry forgets the words and there seems to be more than the odd bum note on the guitar too. Despite all this I have to confess that I really love it. The passing of the years seem to bring greater insight, wisdom and poignancy to the songs, the occasional bum note makes it feel more "real" and the banter and humour that passes between Larry, the band and the audience give this a much more intimate feel than would have been the case if someone had tried to edit it all out and make this a more polished recording. Even the gruffness in Larry's voice makes for a raw bluesy sound which is quite different and appealing. The Trilogy originals have just been re-released and, in truth, they are the recordings of these songs you'll want to listen to again and again. But if your budget will stretch to it then investigate this moving tribute to the godfather of Christian rock.