Here Come the Noise Makers (Live)

I never truly appreciated Bruce Hornsby until I saw him live. This album is a work of art in every way. I was so happy to find this album again it was worth buying it for a second time since I wore out my CD years ago.

This set can be a mixed bag - Hornsby's voice is a little unsteady in some of the numbers on Disc 1, and I'm not crazy about some of his live arrangements (particulary "The Way It Is" and "Rainbow's Cadillac"), but there's a lot of incredible playing on these CDs and it's a must-have for anyone who likes Hornsby's music. I'd agree that the iTunes critic sounds a bit too snarky.

"...It may be because he's so impressed with his showoff-ish virtuosity..." ???? That is NOT a review of this album -- that is slanderous bull. Whoever wrote that "review" should seriously be ashamed of themselves...and fired. Write about the music, not about it's popularity. And keep the presumptuous mean-spirited drivel TO YOURSELF!! Come on, iTunes, you can do better. Now, as for Hornsby's virtuosity -- he's NOT a virtuoso, and he knows it. He's not out there playing Giant Steps taking 5 minute solos, etc. He's playing tasteful and creative contemporary piano styles that draw on post-bop jazz styles, Pat Matheny band, and James Taylor meets Billy Joel-type sensibilities. What Hornsby does is so far from showing off, I honestly can't believe this iTunes jerk wrote what he did. Perhaps he finds monotonous 8-bar loops more "compelling?" Perhaps he's so self-satisfied because he's made a career as a bitter iTunes reviewer that supports HIS goals. See how ugly that kind of language is? There's nothing worse than somebody tearing down another person's humanity with mean words. Rock on Bruce.

I'm an African American BLACK MAN who is well rounded with my musical taste as well as choices of particular artist. Mr. Hornsby's music has and always will be an inspiration to my joy of listening to great music. He definitely has a true gift from The LORD and I honestly think that people who don't appreciate his talent truly don't know what good music is. His piano melodies can sooth your inner soul only if your ear for music is diciplined to listen to originality and not contemporary computerized jargon! Thanks for your gift Mr. Hornsby!

I have to say I'm not even a huge fan of Bruuuuuce but this double albumn is awesome! especially disc 2, its great and imo one of the best live albumns ever released. it should be in everyones music collection

If you need proof that Bruce Hornsby can do anything on the piano - meld any style into another, alter the mood of the room with one or two chords or turn a beautiful, lyrical song into a master class on funk timing -- look no further than this album, a phenomenal collection of great songs performed live in a kinetic, organic entertainment tour-de-force. Those that know him only by his hits from the 1980s will be thrilled to hear many of those songs on this set; and those who have witnessed his musical growth and evolution over the years will doubtless want to put this record on "repeat" to enjoy the introductions, transitions and variations through which he presents his music. In person, Hornsby and his band -- the super-tight Noisemakers -- put on an anything-you-can-do-I-can-do-better kind of show, and that energy, confidence and virtuosity comes through loud and clear on this recording. If you have seen him live, then you'll appreciate how good a job this record does of capturing the experience. And if you haven't seen him live, this will give you a great idea of what you've been missing.

This album ranks up there with my top 10 of all time. You haven't heard Bruce's music until you hear it live. He's a gifted musician that while a lot of it comes out in the studio albums, he really shines live. Some songs are true to form, other songs are done in completely different styles than the album. And they all rock. You'll appreciate Bruce so much more after you've listened to this album.

I've been a fan for a long time and discovered this set a few years ago. It is still one of the most listenable sets I've ever come across. Anyone who loves the piano, and music in general, should have this in their collection.

I never realized what a great musician Bruce was until I heard this album. I had read articles about his talent, but was only familiar with the radio hits. He, and the entire band, are given ample opportunity to really stretch out and showcase their talents. This album is a must buy for any musician and song writer!

When it comes to music and musicians, there is Bruce Hornsby and, then, everyone else. And the same can be said for his band, The Noisemakers. Bruce, his band: they are without equals. One cannot blame those who love "The Way It Is." It is, after all, a magical song; its opening notes/chords, its lyrics, are among the most poignant and evocative of any song written in this century. But those who love that song deny themselves its true pleasures if they don't allow themselves to truly hear it in the context of Bruce's absolutely magnificent total body of work. "The Way It Is' shall always remain Bruce's signature song, but it's a signature that is affixed to page after page of superb songs and performances.