Tiny Tim (Live! At the Royal Albert Hall)

It's not surprising how enjoyable Live! At the Royal Albert Hall is as a celebration of popular music. However, something which never fails to astound is just how musically multifaceted an artist Tiny Tim is. His genre-bending approach allows ample room for every conceivable pop music style. This recording is a testament to Tim (aka Herbert Khaury) and his remarkable talents. One of the things that makes this performance so very special is the fact that it occurred for one night only. Another is the eclectic bill Tim headlined that evening, which also featured the Bonzo Dog Band, Joe Cocker, and Peter Sarstedt. Sadly, it is unlikely professional recordings were made of the support acts. However, the foresight of musical director Richard Perry to tape Tim was indeed wise — as this was the first time he would perform backed by a 44-piece orchestra and the only time it would be recorded. Musically, this is a history lesson about the brilliance of well-written pop songs. The obvious love affair between the artist and his music exudes within his every warble. So entrancing are his musical tales, the novelty of his piercing falsetto melts away in mere seconds. The National Concert Orchestra immeasurably enhance the delicate melodies and gently support the balance between the artist and his work. Nowhere is this more evident than the moving renditions of "Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime" and "As Time Goes By." The amazing versatility he displays as a late-'60s contemporary pop artist is peppered throughout Live! At the Royal Albert Hall. Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe," the Beatles' "Nowhere Man," Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone," and even the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" are among the rock era songs Tiny Tim reinvents for himself with tremendous aplomb. He obviously gets it, which is why so many loved him. This concert sounds crisp, fresh, and vital — as if it had been recorded weeks or months, instead of years and decades ago. Accompanying this single-disc volume is a six-page liner notes booklet which also includes a 2x4¾ inch replica of the original 28-page concert program.