Reading Festival 1983

Great disc I was present at both shows great memory’s. Just a pity it’s not official

The BBC recorded both the Reading and Manchester sets. I was at the Manchester gig which suffered two power cuts.Despite that, great gig. What I would like to know is how much effort do these labels make to source good quality recordings. No doubt the BBC's own master tapes of these concerts would be good quality to the limit of the technology of the day.I do remember the Reading (outdoor) concert's sound not being as good as the Manchester (indoor)

SRV is in great form, let down in places by the sound quality on the Reading recording, but his overall performance more than makes up for this.The sound quality on the Apollo Theatre is fine, as you might expect. Though I thought there was too much emphasis on the piano in this show compared to the 1983 broadcast.All in all, I preferred the 1983 show as there was more guitar playing which was also performed with great gusto and commitment.However, this is still a good disc to get for any fan of SRV.Track time is just over 72 ¼ mins.