'J5 Live At The Forum' is a 2 CD project focusing primarily on live performances recorded at the Los Angeles Forum (actually Inglewood, California) dated June 20, 1970 (Disc 1) and August 26, 1972 (Disc 2). The package includes fold-out post cards with black & white images of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael on the front, their names, birthdates, and astrological signs on the back. A 24 page booklet is also included with an essay by Mark Anthony Neal.
The 06/20/70 show opens with energetic performances of 'I Want You Back', Dave Mason's 'Feelin' Alright', and 'Who's Lovin' You'. From the opening song it's clear that what we're hearing isn't just the J5, it's Jacksonmania at its' finest. Adding to the excitement little MJ asks the audience to 'say A-B-C one time in a row...you got it!?' It's these fan reactions that make Disc 1 so much fun to listen to, the enthusiasm on stage is matched by same level among those in attendance.
Then there's the James Brown song 'There Was A Time'. I couldn't help but imagining an 11 year old MJ slipping and sliding across the stage just like the Godfather Of Soul! Diana Ross (who was at this show) is given proper respect during the J5's terrific version of 'Thank You Falletinme Be Mice Elf Again', in which after MJ introduces his band members (including his brothers), closes it's funky self with the boys singing acapella 'Diana Ross...thank you'. The live show ends on a high level with the J5's third number 1 song, 'The Love You Save'.
Disc 1 is 53 minutes long and includes the bonus track 'Mama's Pearl' recorded live in Indianapolis from 1971.
The 08/26/72 show opens with the same J5 energy and power in 'Brand New Thing', the medley of 'I Want You Back/ABC/Mama's Pearl' and 'Sugar Daddy', but we can sense something different in this show, namely MJ's voice. He was three days away from his 14th birthday, and we can clearly hear MJ entering puberty now, his deepening voice is particularly noticeable during 'I'll Be There'.
Jermaine has a big part in the 1972 show with four solo songs, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'I Found That Girl', 'I'm So Happy' and 'That's How Love Goes'. MJ also has a solo spot with 'Ben', 'Rockin' Robin', 'Got To Be There' and his cover of Bill Wither's 'Ain't No Sunshine' is one of this projects best moments. A 10 year old Randy can be heard playing congas on 'Goin' Back To Indiana' and 'I Wanna Be Where You Are'.
Disc 2 runs 75 minutes and includes the previously released 1972 Chicago performance of 'I Wanna Be Where You Are'.
Finally I have to pay Producer Harvey Weinger and Sound Mixer Kevin Reeves high compliments for making this project a reality. In particular the sound quality of the vocals are excellent for 40 year old analog recordings. I appreciate the time spent to create this projects fidelity, clarity and balanced sound throughout.
Marty In LA
