Via Satellite by Ian (Accordion) Moore (CD, Jun-2001, Hablador)

From man fans, Ian Moore's career seems to be split into two categories: that of his first two albums and that of everything else. I myself enjoy all of it and resist such overlysimplistic descriptions. That said, anyone who has not enjoyed his material from Green Grass to the present time, will probably not enjoy this live album. Everyone else will. It captures him at one of his highest moments live. That period of Green Grass through And All the Colours was such an exciting and rewarding time to see him perform, which I did close to twenty times between Austin and Houston. During that time I always wondered if we'd be lucky enough for him to record a live album and when he announced he would be recording shows in Austin and Houston I made it a point to catch shows in both cities to be a part of it. They are some of my absolute favourite live recordings.

This album, though a bit muddy (what live album isn't) shows the Ian Moore band at a time of great energy and passion and it jumps off the disc. Ian is in fine voice and his bombastic and aggressive guitar work is on fine display but this is hardly a one-man show. The organ, which was often hard to hear in person, comes across beautifully on this disc and the trumpet work is outstanding. Anyone who enjoys a great rhythm section will be blown away by this pair. The bass work ranges from subtle, groovy and swanky to all out pounding while the drums range from intricately syncopated (check out the one handed snare rolls during Time of Dying) to bombastic and adventurous. This disc captures an incredible band on one helluva night.

All in all, I consider this disc to be an incredibly important recording of an amazing time in this insanely talented singer/songwriter. Buy it. Listen to it. Enjoy it.