I'm not very into Anita Baker's music, and i'm not a collector of her. I used to listen to Rapture back in the 80s and i still enjoy it very much. When i found out this live release i decided to purchase it because i like live performances. I'm glad i bought it.

Since i'm not a collector, i didn't have any of the versions here included, so to me this is a wonderful listening pleasure. I understand 3 titles come from the original VHS, 1 is a b-side from a 1989 single (but it is actually another 1986 performance) and the remaining 5 titles come from a japanese EP.

Probably the 5 songs from the japanese EP were gathered from different USA/Europe 7'' and 12'' singles for the japanese market. So, essentially this CD is a b-sides live collection. This fact adds value to the product in my opinion.

That's even the reason why the songs are faded in and out. They are taken straight from the original releases tapes. To me this is a wonderful live collection, and it would be very cool if a real complete concert from that era is issued, too. If only to compare the 2 releases and tell what's best.

Alessandro

Moondance is a song that Anita Baker introduced to me!! I have her sing that song on a TV show in the 80's with Mr. George Duke backing her up on the keyboards!!!!! I love that song!!! On this CD, she does a bang up job!!!!!!

Like the other posts, this CD is a compilation of concert dates while she was on tour for "Rapture". I think that for those of us who have not inhaled everything that Anita Baker has done would enjoy this CD. Yes, the songs fade in and out from song to song. That's because the song come from different concerts.

THAT NOT A BAD THING TO ME!! I purchased this CD and immediately turned it up really loud cuz this is good music. And, Anita Baker LIVE is truly awesome!!

Best tracks: Moondance, Been So Long, Mystery ***** 5 STARS**** for Anita !!!

For whatever strange reason their are far too many great lady singers such as Anita Baker, Stephanie Mills, Jean Carn, Mikki Howard, Teena Marie who have gone far too many years outside of the recording studio!! With great works currently out by Teena and Stephanie, it is a relief that this drought is hopefully over!! This great concert treat takes me back to The Greek Theatre when Anita held us spellbound for some ninety minutes with her hyponotic vocals! If you were one of the lucky ones who experienced this legendary singer in concert then you will want this great set for sure!! This will keep me going and warm me up for Anita Baker's new release in the fall which is sure to be a winner!!! Enjoy!!!!

When you listen to this recording you get the full measure of Anita. By that I mean, you will find that what she does and is best at, is not by benefit of any studio technical wizardry.

In many ways this recording is the equal of "Rapture" for it's directness, it's straight to the point delivery. Anita's voice is rich with big, rich tones. Those exhortations and unique vocal embellishments holds you transfixed.

The band is first rate and she is backed inobtrusively by a band of some exceptional musicians, most notably James Bradley, Jr. and Gerald Allbright.

For me, "Mystery" and "(Caught up in the ) Rapture" actually surpass the studio versions because Anita is just so much more direct in concert. Nothing gets in the way.

This is an enhanced CD with three MPEG files from the accompanying video which I also have.

This is an excellent concert recording. She even attempts Van Morrison's "Moondance" which has now become a standard especially within the jazz world. This is where the more contemporary band gives it a perfunctory performance but Anita transcends this and captures the jazzy feel of the piece, somewhat faithfully. It's the one departure from what we all know is the Anita Baker repertoire.

A truly compelling concert recording.

Please, don't be fooled by the title of this CD, 'A Night Of Rapture...Live!'. Instead of getting an Anita Baker CONCERT, you get a collection live versions of songs from 'Rapture', complete with nagging fade outs & silence after tracks. This CD does not flow like great concert albums are SUPPOSED TO! Rhino/WEA needs to be smacked hard for this crap, and once I get the original VHS tape, I'll make my own Anita Baker Live CD.

The packaging/liner notes are very good, and the bonus footage is nothing but a weak teaser (can we get an 'Anita Baker Live' DVD PLEASE ??)

There's no continuity on this CD, and I can't wait to get rid of it!!!! I gave this CD 3 stars because Anita is in good voice (for the most part), and the band is acceptable.

F.Y.I. - Anita's rendition of the jazzy 'Moondance' made me feel a little better about this lame CD, but it's still headed straight to the first used CD bin I can find!!