Best Live Music

1. Harry Chapin in London Rainbow Theatre Sep 3, 1977 The folk-rock troubadour performs vivid story songs like "W.O.L.D.," "Taxi" and "Cat's in the Cradle" at the height of his popularity
2. Traffic at the Fillmore East, 1970 Fillmore East Nov 18, 1970 One of the best live sets you'll hear from the seminal British band, from the famous Fillmore East in its heyday.
3. John Hammond's Barrelhouse Boogie Ash Grove Jun 6, 1969 The blues scholar is deep into a Delta bag on "Steady Rollin' Man" and summons up John Lee Hooker on "Boogie Chillen" in this 1969 set.
4. Springsteen Chats About 'Darkness' Jul 9, 1978 Though audibly uncomfortable with promoting himself, the Boss opens up for invaluable moments of candor in this extended 1978 interview, a must-listen for Bruce fans.
5. Alabama Shakes at Daytrotter 2012 Echo Mountain Recording Apr 5, 2012 On the cusp of the release of their breakout Boys & Girls album Alabama Shakes visited Daytrotter and left behind this superb session.
6. Jerry Garcia at French's Camp, '87 French's Camp Aug 29, 1987 The iconic guitarist-singer leads his Acoustic Band on unplugged versions of Grateful Dead classics like "Friend of the Devil" and "Ripple."
7. Dawes at Barnstormer 2010 Codfish Hollow Barn Jul 4, 2010 These guys with the Laurel Canyon vibe were rocking crowds on Daytrotter's Barnstormer tour long before they blew up.
8. Big Mama Thornton's Blues Newport Folk Festival Jul 18, 1969 The singer-harmonica ace plays her signatures "Hound Dog" and "Ball and Chain" and covers Junior Parker's "Mother-in-Law Blues" in 1969.
9. CSNY at Fillmore East 1970 Fillmore East Jun 4, 1970 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young blend beautifully on "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," "Teach Your Children" and "Tell Me Why" in this 1970 Fillmore set.
10. Charlie Daniels' Volunteer Jam X Municipal Auditorium Dec 11, 1984 The guitarist-singer-fiddler welcomes country legends Roy Acuff and Tammy Wynette along with Ronnie Milsap and Amy Grant in this '84 set.
11. Rory Gallagher at Bottom Line, 1978 Bottom Line Nov 11, 1978 The Irish blues-rock pioneer, who died in 1995, performs his signature "Shin Kicker" and covers J.B. Hutto's "Too Much Alcohol."
12. Tammy Wynette live in Kentucky, 1981 Executive Inn Mar 28, 1981 Ms. Wynette was one of country music's stars in 1981. This show demonstrates why - she's a force, with a crack backing band to match.
13. Miles Davis at Tanglewood Tanglewood Aug 18, 1970 Miles was riding high on the waves of his seminal jazz-rock fusion albums when he electrified this huge audience with his dense, experimental sound in 1970.
14. Robert Cray's Confessional Blues Paramount Theatre Springfield Feb 12, 1989 The soulful singer and stinging guitar player performs tunes from his Grammy Award-winning Strong Persuader in this 1989 concert.
15. Roscoe Holcomb Ash Grove May 7, 1963 Listen to this powerful set from the man who inspired the term, "high and lonesome sound".
16. Monty Python's Flying Circus in NYC Hear the Brit comedy troupe perform "The Lumberjack Song" and other hilarious bits like "Travel Agent" and "Nudge Nudge" in this '76 show.
17. Mississippi John Hurt,1964 Ash Grove Jul 7, 1964 The Delta bluesman helped spearhead the folk and blues revival of the '60s. He demonstrates his unique finger-picking style in this 1964 set.
18. Lou Reed With Scott Muni Jan 14, 1989 Reed discusses his current album New York and his songwriting process in this 1989 interview with the WNEW's Scott Muni.
19. Bon Iver Before the Breakthrough Daytrotter Studio Jul 21, 2008 A hauntingly beautiful classic session from 2020's Album Of The Year Grammy nominee.
20. Don McLean at the Bottom Line, 1977 Bottom Line Feb 18, 1977 Hear the troubadour play his iconic "American Pie" and his hit single "Vincent (Starry Starry Night)" in this solo concert.
21. Getting' Rowdy With Hank, Jr. Von Braun Center Jan 1, 1986 Hear the son of the country icon sing "All My Rowdy Friends" and "My Name is Bocephus" in this 1986 concert.
22. Early Bruce Springsteen, 1973 Max's Kansas City Jan 31, 1973 Enjoy one of the earliest professional recordings of the Boss and the E Street Band, heard here in their original line-up.
23. Getz-Gilberto, 1964 Newport Jazz Newport Jazz Festival Jul 3, 1964 Astrud Gilberto joined Stan Getz and his quartet for a sublime version of Girl From Ipanema at the 1964 Newport Jazz Festival.
24. Chet Atkins live in Nashville, 1985 Nashville Jun 6, 1985 Mr. Guitar Goes to Music City
25. Eric Clapton in Santa Monica, 1978 Santa Monica Civic Auditorium Feb 12, 1978 Slowhand delivers his hits "Lay Down Sally," "Layla" and "Let It Rain" and does a reggae remake of Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."
26. Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys Ash Grove May 20, 1967 Download a stellar 1967 set from the mandolin maestro and his legendary band.
27. The Flying Burrito Byrds Whisky A Go-Go Sep 19, 1970 Head back to the Whisky A-Go-Go in 1970 to hear an historic country-rock jam session, when The Byrds joined The Flying Burrito Brothers on stage.
28. Remembering George Harrison Aug 24, 1975 On what would have been his 77th birthday, celebrate the life of the "quiet" Beatle, speaking for an hour on his early influences and spirituality.
29. Chet Baker at Great American Great American Music Hall Sep 9, 1982 The trumpeter plays and delivers beautiful vocals and brilliant scatting on "Night Bird," "The Touch of Your Lips" and "Just Friends" in 1982.
30. Bob Marley and the Wailers, 1979 Oakland Auditorium Nov 30, 1979 Enhancing this already stellar show is a fantastic guest performance by guitarist Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones for the six-song encore
31. Iron & Wine at Daytrotter Daytrotter Studio Jan 12, 2011 The indie singer-songwriter (aka Sam Beam) performs "Godless Brother in Law" and other tunes from Kiss Each Other Clean in this 2012 set.
32. Charles Mingus at the Apollo, 1973 Apollo Theatre Jul 3, 1973 The imposing bassist-composer leads his quintet on his politically-charged "Fables of Faubus" and his classic "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat."
33. Bob Dylan Reunites with The Band Los Angeles Forum Feb 14, 1974 After a long touring hiatus, Dylan returns with electrified versions of "Highway 61," "Like a Rolling Stone" and Blowin' in the Wind" in 1974.
34. Wilco Live in Their Loft Wilco Loft Dec 12, 2011 Here's an epic live session recorded at the Wilco loft in December, 2011.
35. Remembering George Michael Philadelphia, PA Sep 8, 1985 The incredible pop/soul singer George Michael passed away on Christmas day 2016. Remember him with a live performance of his smooth and unforgettable classic, "Careless Whisper."
36. Loretta Lynn live in Dallas, 1982 Reunion Arena Jun 18, 1982 If you're looking at her, you're looking at country - check out the Coal Miner's Daughter entertaining an appreciative crowd in 1982.
37. The Last Waltz in all its Glory Winterland Nov 25, 1976 Staged by Bill Graham, the Band's farewell show was presented on Thanksgiving Day, 1976. Enjoy the complete unedited concert, only at Wolfgang's.
38. Buddy Guy & Junior Wells, 1968 Newport Folk Festival Jul 28, 1968 The Dynamic Duo of the blues performs "Messin' With the Kid," "Checkin' on My Baby" and "Somebody Hoodooed the Hoodoo Man."
39. Let's Give Thanks 22 songs 1:34:23 A playlist of songs about thanks for Thanksgiving - for boyfriends, girlfriends, nothin', and even the Hubble Telescope.
40. The Police at Boston’s Paradise Paradise Apr 9, 1979 The trio of Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland and Sting barrel through their entire first album in this punchy 1979 set.
41. Gary Clark Jr.'s Nu Blues Good Danny's Apr 18, 2012 The Austin-based guitar slinger showcases his distortion-laced chops on "When My Train Pulls In" and "Don't Owe You a Thing" in 2012.
42. Derek and the Dominos, 1970 Fillmore East Oct 23, 1970 Without a doubt one of our all-time favorite shows: Clapton stretching out with a crack rhythm section, great songs, great playing. This is everything we love about live music.
43. Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1968 Winterland Oct 12, 1968 The guitar god performs "Foxy Lady," "Purple Haze," "Little Wing" and others with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell at Winterland.
44. Linda Ronstadt, Country Rock Queen Universal Amphitheatre Nov 3, 1976 Linda is in her prime in this superb 1975 L.A. show, featuring "That'll Be The Day," "Desperado," "Love Has No Pride" and more.
45. Cream Unleashed, 1968 Oakland Coliseum Arena Oct 4, 1968 Legendary drummer Ginger Baker has passed at the age of 80. Hear him unleash on "Crossroads," "I'm So Glad" and "Sunshine of Your Love" in one of Cream’s last U.S. concerts in 1968.
46. Eddie Money In Memoriam Old Waldorf Oct 8, 1977 Eddie Money died today at the age of 70. Listen to Eddie in the prime of his life playing his hits "Baby Hold On" and "Two Tickets to Paradise."
47. Understanding The Police in 1982 Oct 18, 1982 Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers paint three individual pictures of life in one of the world's biggest bands.
48. CSN&Y at the Fillmore East, 1970 Fillmore East Jun 4, 1970 The supergroup plays unplugged versions of "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," "Teach Your Children" and "Tell Me Why" one year after Woodstock.
49. Dizzy Gillespie at Newport, 1959 Newport Jazz Festival Jul 3, 1959 The legendary trumpeter, bebop and world music pioneer performs his Afro-Cuban classic "Manteca" and the jivey "Ooh Shoo Be Doo Be."
50. Remembering Jeff Buckley Gleneagles Sep 3, 1994 The singer-songwriter, who died in 1997, performs "Grace," "Hallelujah" and "Lover, You Should've Come Over" in this '94 solo set.
51. Dave Brubeck Quartet at Storyville Storyville Boston Feb 6, 1953 Alto saxophonist Paul Desmond soars on "Stardust" while the group swings "Me And My Shadow" and "Singin' in the Rain" in this '52 set.
52. Dolly Parton's New York City Debut Bottom Line May 14, 1977 The country star performs "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors" and her signature tune "I Will Always Love You" in this 1977 Bottom Line show.
53. R.E.M. at the Capitol Theatre, 1984 Capitol Theatre Oct 12, 1984 The popular alt-rock band from Athens, Georgia premieres tunes from their second album, Reckoning, in this concert from 30 years ago.
54. Albert King at the Fillmore, 1971 Fillmore East Jun 27, 1971 A huge influence on many of rock's greatest guitarists. Hear Albert King unleash his string-bending prowess on "Crosscut Saw" and "Personal Manager" in 1971.
55. Doc Watson, 1967 Ash Grove May 3, 1967 The singer and flatpicker extraordinaire, born in 1923, performs "Doc's Talkin' Blues" and "Otto Wood the Bandit" in a solo set.
56. Stevie Ray Live in Texas Austin Opera House Apr 15, 1984 A Strat-tastic tour de force in this homecoming show for the Lone Star State's string-bender numero uno.
57. Muddy Waters Blues Band, 1965 Newport Jazz Festival Jul 1, 1965 Muddy and his band brought the Blues to the Newport Jazz Festival in 1965.
58. The Duke at Newport, 1968 Newport Jazz Festival Jul 5, 1968 Duke Ellington and his orchestra had this Newport audience enthralled with many of his greatest hits on a beautiful summer evening.
59. David Bowie 40 Years Ago Jan 23, 1978 In this revealing chat, Bowie talks about the characters he invented, the burgeoning punk movement and the merits of shock value.
60. Delaney & Bonnie at the Fillmore Fillmore West Feb 22, 1970 Guitarist-singer-songwriter Delaney Bramlett, born in 1939, joins wife Bonnie and Eric Clapton for a set of searing rock 'n' soul.
61. Jeff Buckley in Scotland, 1994 Gleneagles Sep 3, 1994 The late singer-songwriter, who was born in 1966, performs material from Grace, including Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."
62. Merle Travis at the Ash Grove, 1965 Ash Grove Nov 19, 1965 The guitarist-singer-songwriter plays the instrumental "Cannonball Rag" and sings his signature "Sixteen Tons" at Melrose Avenue's folk and blues hot spot.
63. Mickey Hart & Jerry Garcia Speak May 10, 1979 From scoring Apocalypse Now to their songwriting process, Hart and Garcia discuss all things Dead.
64. Son House's Chilling Delta Blues Newport Folk Festival Jul 19, 1969 The Mississippi bluesman demonstrates his emotional singing style and raw slide playing on "Downhearted Blues" and his "Empire State Express" in 1969.
65. John Coltrane Quintet at Newport, '66 Newport Jazz Festival Jul 2, 1966 The jazz legend, who passed in 1967, is joined by Pharoah Sanders, Alice Coltrane, Jimmy Garrison and Rashied Ali in a searing set.
66. Pinetop Perkins With Muddy in Nice Grande Parade du Jazz Jul 13, 1977 The blues piano player, born in 1913, fuels "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Got My Mojo Working" in this '77 set from France.
67. Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys Ash Grove May 20, 1967 The Kentucky-born mandolinist, singer, and bluegrass pioneer performs "Jimmy Brown the Newsboy" and "Y'all Come" in this '67 set.
68. Ralph Stanley at Newport 1968 Newport Folk Festival Jul 27, 1968 CV.org mourns the loss of treasured bluegrass pioneer Dr. Ralph Stanley, heard here at the Newport Folk Festival, 1968.
69. Linda Ronstadt's Country-Pop Appeal Universal Amphitheatre Nov 3, 1976 The singer covers Buddy Holly's "That'll Be The Day," "The Eagles' "Desperado" and Willie Nelson's "Crazy" in this '76 set from L.A.
70. Remembering Tammy Wynette Executive Inn Mar 28, 1981 The First Lady of Country Music, who died in 1998, sings her signature tunes "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" and "Stand By Your Man" in 1981.
71. Warren Zevon Zevon covers all of his hits and then some with a raucous, energetic performance. Enjoy!
72. Bill Evans Trio One of the most influential pianists over the past 50 years, Bill Evans pioneered a new direction in jazz that emphasized harmonic extrapolation and an exquisite, walking-on-eggshells sensitivity.
73. Carmen McRae Highly regarded among musicians for her clear articulation, driving sense of swing, and all-knowing sense of hipness, Carmen McRae was a direct link to jazz vocal greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday.
74. The Pretenders This is one of the few professional live recordings of the original lineup with bassist Pete Farndon and guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, this show absolutely bristles with energy.
75. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers This great early recording at Boston's Paradise show how The Heartbreakers sound developed, a terse and lean musical texture that blended the best elements of The Byrds with The Rolling Stones. Enjoy!
76. U2 For fans of U2's early material this show is undeniably a treasure, as the group runs through their debut release. Bono overflowings with charisma, Mullen and Clayton build a rock-solid rhythmic base, the Edge is… well, The Edge.
77. Charlie Byrd Trio Byrd pioneered the fusion of samba with jazz, creating a unique sound. Hear him live from San Francisco in 1977
78. Sonny Rollins Tenor titan Sonny Rollins was in particularly strong form in this brilliantly recorded 1976 concert at San Francisco's Great American Music Hall
79. Stephane Grappelli The influential Parisian violinist, who was 68 at the time of this Great American Music Hall concert, deliver his typically flawless lilting lines imbued with a vivacious spirit of swing and tender lyricism.
80. Zoot Sims Tenor great Zoot Sims brought his smooth tone and boundless enthusiasm to the San Francisco's Great American Music Hall for a swinging set.
81. Clark Terry Terry and his swinging crew tear it up on a set standards, bits of Ellingtonia, some well chosen originals, and a couple of vocal numbers showcasing the leader's inimitable scatting style.
82. Dizzy Gillespie A legendary figure in the history of jazz, trumpeter and bebop pioneer John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie was a player of unparalleled facility as well as a consummate entertainer.
83. Joe Pass Joe Pass put his stamp on the art of unaccompanied guitar with his stunning 1974 recording "Virtuoso." This performance came a few months after that release, and Pass delivers his six-string magic on a collection of well-crafted tunes.
84. Death Cab for Cutie in Seattle Principal songwriter Ben Gibbard leads the alt-rock band on tunes from 2001's The Photo Album and new material from 2008's Narrow Stairs.
85. Eugene Mirman Fought the Law It turns out the law won. The prolific comedian and voice of Gene Belcher on Bob's Burgers pokes fun at the man.
86. Reggie Watts at Daytrotter Studio Reggie's loop-based electronic soul provides the backdrop to his vivid stream of consciousness verses. The man is operating on a whole different plane.
87. Stevie Ray smokes at the Cap Catch this excellent video of Stevie Ray's absolutely blistering set at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic NJ.
88. Talking Heads w Adrian Belew in 1980 David Byrne leads an expanded version of the group featuring guitarist Adrian Belew on "Once in a Lifetime" and "Life During Wartime" in 1980.
89. The Clash take New Jersey, 1980 This show captures some vintage Clash, with guitars rattling, drums and bass banging, and Joe Strummer defiant as ever.
90. The Walkmen Play Leonard Cohen Their new album, Heaven, features a few powerfully plaintive tunes, reminding us of this Daytrotter session where they covered 4 Leonard Cohen songs.
91. R.E.M. R.E.M. shows why they were one of the best of their time with this intense set at Boston's intimate Paradise rock club.
92. The Clash The Clash are probably the most influential punk band of their era. Their status as the originals is irrefutable. Here is The Clash in their prime.
93. The Police This show captures The Police between their first and second albums and at their most direct. Their sound still possesses a raw edge and their energy is undeniably explosive - a hungry band and full of the raw aggression that put them on the musical map.
94. Frank Zappa Recorded at the very first of his famed Halloween shows from New York's Palladium Theater, this performance demonstrates just how important Frank Zappa is as one of rock's most enduring innovators.
95. Hall & Oates Further proof what a dynamic duo these guys were with Hall's powerful R&B/pop vocals and Oates' bedrock musicianship.
96. Joe Jackson Superb musicianship with no superfluous grandstanding. This is an incredibly solid band, who despite their low profile, helped Jackson to create a powerful sound.
97. Taj Mahal Even at this early stage of his career Taj Mahal was breathing new life into the blues and delivering charismatic performances.
98. Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee A classic Sonny and Brownie performance. Close your eyes and be spirited away.
99. Tim Buckley plays Newport Folk 1968 This performance reveals Buckley beginning to create the new musical hybrid that would anchor his legacy. This is folk music to be sure, but evolving into a form beyond folk's boundaries.
100. Trey Anastasio Phish fans will love this set. Just Trey on acoustic guitar, playing a wide range of both Phish and solo material in evocative presentations.