Description
Buck Owens & His Buckaroos – Carnegie Hall Concert – 180 Gram Yellow Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
VMP Country Record of the Month for December 2021
Remastered AAA from the original tapes by Kevin Gray
Pressed at Third Man Records on 180g Yellow vinyl
Listening Notes Booklet By Andrew Winistorfer
VMP Essentials
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Carnegie Hall Concert is a live album by Buck Owens & His Buckaroos, released in 1966. It captures one of the most iconic moments in country music history, as Buck Owens and his band performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. This performance was significant because it helped solidify Owens’ status as a leading figure in the Bakersfield Sound, a subgenre of country music known for its twangy guitars and honky-tonk style, which stood in contrast to the more polished Nashville Sound of the time.
The album is a showcase of Owens’ distinctive sound and the virtuosity of his band, The Buckaroos, especially guitarist Don Rich, who played a major role in shaping Owens’ music. It’s considered a landmark live album, capturing the energy, humor, and spirit of one of country music’s greatest performers at the height of his career.
By the mid-1960s, Buck Owens was already a country music superstar, with a string of No. 1 hits and a reputation for pioneering the Bakersfield Sound. His music was rawer and more honky-tonk-oriented than the smoother Nashville productions of the time. Owens and The Buckaroos were known for their tight live performances, and this 1966 concert at Carnegie Hall—a venue traditionally associated with classical music and jazz—was a significant moment, not just for Owens, but for country music as a whole.
Carnegie Hall was not typically a venue for country music, and Owens’ performance there helped elevate the genre’s profile. The concert was a huge success, showcasing the appeal of Owens’ music to audiences outside the traditional country circuit. The album Carnegie Hall Concert captures that historic night and offers a glimpse into the energy and charisma that made Buck Owens and The Buckaroos one of the best live acts of their time.
The album features many of Buck Owens’ biggest hits and fan favorites, performed live with a high-energy vibe that highlights the band’s musicianship and Owens’ engaging stage presence.
‘Act Naturally’ – One of Owens’ most famous songs, ‘Act Naturally’ was a No. 1 hit in 1963 and later covered by The Beatles. This live version captures the song’s humor and charm, with Owens’ warm vocals and Don Rich’s twangy guitar work shining through.
‘Together Again’ – A heartfelt ballad and one of Owens’ signature songs, ‘Together Again’ features one of Don Rich’s most iconic pedal steel guitar solos. The live version brings an added emotional depth, as the band delivers a soulful performance.
‘Love’s Gonna Live Here’ – Another of Owens’ many No. 1 hits, ‘Love’s Gonna Live Here’ is a classic honky-tonk song with a driving beat. The live rendition at Carnegie Hall captures the fun, upbeat energy of the original, with The Buckaroos in top form.
‘I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail’ – One of Owens’ biggest hits, this song showcases the Bakersfield Sound’s blend of honky-tonk and rockabilly influences. The live performance is lively and spirited, with Owens and Rich trading vocals and guitar licks.
‘Buckaroo’ – This instrumental track, named after Owens’ band, highlights the tight musicianship of The Buckaroos. Don Rich’s guitar work is front and center, showing off his skills with a twangy, upbeat sound that helped define the Bakersfield Sound.
‘Cryin’ Time’ – This tender ballad, written by Owens and later covered by Ray Charles, is delivered with heartfelt emotion in the live version. Owens’ vocal performance, coupled with the band’s delicate accompaniment, gives the song a timeless quality.
‘Waitin’ in Your Welfare Line’ – A humorous, upbeat song that features Owens’ playful lyrics and The Buckaroos’ tight rhythm section. The live version maintains the catchy, danceable quality of the studio recording.
‘I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail’ – One of Owens’ most popular and enduring hits, this song captures the spirit of his upbeat, fun style. The live version has a lively, rollicking feel, with Owens and his band sounding energetic and engaging.
Carnegie Hall Concert captures the essence of the Bakersfield Sound, characterized by twangy electric guitars, pedal steel, and a rawer, honky-tonk approach to country music. The live setting brings an added layer of energy and excitement to the performance, showcasing Owens’ ability to engage with his audience through humor, storytelling, and stellar musicianship.
The album’s themes range from heartache and love to playful humor, with songs like ‘Act Naturally’ and ‘I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail’ showing Owens’ lighthearted side, while tracks like ‘Together Again’ and ‘Cryin’ Time’ highlight his ability to convey deep emotion. The Buckaroos’ instrumental prowess, particularly Don Rich’s guitar and fiddle work, is also a key element of the album’s appeal, adding both technical brilliance and a sense of fun to the performance.
Carnegie Hall Concert was met with widespread acclaim upon its release, with fans and critics alike praising the live energy and tight musicianship of Buck Owens & His Buckaroos. The album helped elevate Owens’ status as one of the premier performers in country music and demonstrated the appeal of the Bakersfield Sound to a broader audience.
Over time, the album has become a landmark live recording in country music history. It remains one of the best examples of a live country performance, capturing Owens and his band at their peak. The record also solidified Owens’ reputation as one of the most important figures in country music during the 1960s, and it helped pave the way for future generations of country artists to perform at venues traditionally reserved for other genres.
Carnegie Hall Concert is considered a defining moment in the career of Buck Owens and a significant album in the history of country music. It helped bring greater recognition to the Bakersfield Sound and remains a testament to Owens’ influence on both the genre and live performance.
For fans of classic country and live music, Carnegie Hall Concert is an essential album, capturing the energy and spirit of one of the genre’s greatest performers in a historic setting. The album stands as one of the most celebrated live country music recordings and continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.
Track Listing
Act Naturally
Together Again
Love’s Gonna Live Here
Medley
In The Palm Of Your Hand
Cryin’ Time
Don’t Let Her Know
Only You (Can Break My Heart)
Medley
I Don’t Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)
My Heart Skips A Beat
Gonna Have Love
Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line
Buckaroo
The Streets Of Laredo
I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail
Medley
Under Your Spell Again
Above And Beyond
Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got A Heartache)
Foolin’ Around
Hello Trouble
Truck Drivin’ Man
