This excellent CD documents one of the greatest singers,songwriters at their best coming off one of the most influential albums of all times "What's Going On". Marvin was abscent from the stage prior to this recorded document some two years. A performer that was particularly parnoid about performing live. What this CD illustrates is the amazing power this man had once he hit the stage. From the opening strains of the overture to the closing of What's Goin On you know you're in for something of a life time. As in added bonus on this cd they added the previously unreleased Flyin High(In The Friendly Sky) Mercy Mercy Me(The Ecology), Keep Gettin It On, Introduction To The Orchestra which didnt appear on the orginal album verison or the orginal Cd verison . Highlites on this fabolous CD Trouble Man, " Distant Lover" Inner City Blues. You know what? the whole cd is so wonderful you really cant pick a highlite. If you did not have this in your collection i certainly highly recommend this it should be in your collection. This is the best document of a genius at work. His legacy will forever live on pick this up.

Buy this just for Distant Lover alone. The song itself is brilliant anyway, but the version here is even better than the studio version on Let's Get It On and IMHO the most intense soul track ever recorded; the best singer of all time, Gene Page's orchestra with Ernie Watts on saxophone and a screaming audience whip eachother into a frenzy over that slow, restrained groove. "Do you wanna hear me scream, plleeaasse!"

This performance, if I'm guessing was recorded around 1981, shortly before he left Motown Records to sign on Epic Records.

Of course, Madacy Records got hold of the performance and has reissued it numerous times. Clearly a bootleg judging by the sound quality and the fact that Madacy is releasing it, it's uncertain to me why it's even on the market.

First off, Gaye is not in top form here. Look elsewhere if you want a Gaye concert with Marvin at 100% and at his finest.

Second, the sound quality is not great. I could make a better recording in my basement. And I'm absolutely serious. It's alright for a bootleg, but it's still not great.

Overall, unless you are a die hard Gaye fan or a collector, just avoid this. There's nothing here that's standout. Just buy one of his standard compilations. You'll be much happier that way.

NOT RECOMMENDED.

Although he really didn't like doing live shows because he was a vocal perfectionist, Marvin nailled this show...I think this album is in the top 3 of all LIVE records ever recorded and released.

Marvin Gaye was always a favorite of mine for his phrasing, and interpretations and how he could escalate the integrity of the writer's vision (either for himself or other writers). "Live" 1974 is one of the few live albums that I treasure because of the musicians (Jamerson, Ray Parker, Ed Greene and the others who also played on the "Let's Get It On" sessions), & the arranger (Gene Page). These were the valuable components of the Motown sound. Of course, the addition of "Flyin' High" is a sweet bonus and this version of "Distant Lover" is a classic in itself. I'm usually a favorite of studio music but this is a refreshing metamorphosis that I enjoy from beginning to end, first cut to last. Needless to say, a lot of the artists and musicians (Gaye and Jamerson in particular) left us too soon so we must enjoy what they left us and be thankful that God blessed us with their enormous talent.