The 1979 live Joan Armatrading album, 'Steppin' Out' is an essential part of an Armatrading collection. A few tracks are even better than the studio versions, the outstanding example being 'Cool Blue Stole My Heart' which was originally on a 1975 release. This superb rendition opens with Armatrading playing four celestial chords on what sounds like an Ovation guitar. This track alone is worth the price of admission.

Rediscovered! Around the time this album was recorded, I watched and listened to and recorded a WGBH Stereo Simul-cast in Boston. I recorded it using a nice high-end Pioneer tuner and amp. The only problem was I somehow screwed up and didn't have any TDK UD-XLII tape and used some really horrid Scotch tape I had lying around. So not only did the quality of the tape leave a lot to be desired, it ran out with a couple minutes left to go of the broadcast as the credits rolled.

Despite that, it was my favorite tape for years. Eventually it got so worn that it was almost unlistenable, and certainly not a candidate for transposing to CD like I have been doing with my albums...

So tonight I was sitting here looking for a CD to round out a purchase when lo and behold here is this live recording... It isn't the exact same session (though one of the tracks sounds nearly identical to the simul-cast I recall) it is so close it's too good to be true.

This recording improves on the album versions of several songs with more up-beat tempo, better depth of instrumention, and a much more spontaneous Joan. It's got to be the best she has to offer. As much as I love all her work, this live stuff really shows her at her best.

So it goes without saying that I bought this on the basis of a few short clips to confirm it was indeed from the time I recall, and I have no regrets. Heck, I might even be able to throw out that old cassette now....

I used to listen to this album years ago and really missed it. Couldn't believe it when I saw it was available to buy as last time I tried 4 years ago it was unavailable. This is Joan Armatrading at her very best, there's not a track I don't like. Soulful and with plenty of rhythm 'steppin out' just takes you away. Top instrumentals to give depth and a bit of the unexpected. This is not your average, predictable album. It rocks!

This live CD is a real gem! It has a very soulful version of "Mama Mercy", a laid back "Cool Blue", and a killer guitar solo in "Steppin' Out" to name a few of the highlights. Try it, you'll like it!

Back in the 1980's, when I was a teenager, I cherished this LP as it was a great collection of songs, wonderfully arranged and presented in a finely polished crystal clear production. Since I lost the LP I have been looking for it on CD. I was pleased to find it at last but nervous that my nostalgia and expectations may have over grown the reality. I am pleased to say that I need not have worried. I have really enjoyed rediscovering this little gem of a recording that shines so bright even after all these years.