Laura Nyro Trees of the Ages: Laura Nyro Live in Japan 2LP (Yellow Vinyl)

A member of both the Songwriters and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, Laura Nyro not only wrote songs that became hits for acts including The 5th Dimension, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Three Dog Night, Barbra Streisand, and many more, but has been cited as a major influence by Kate Bush, Elton John, Elvis Costello, Cyndi Lauper, Todd Rundgren, Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked), and countless others. She recorded 10 studio albums (one released posthumously), but a live performance from Nyro was always an event.

Originally issued only in Japan as Live in Japan in 2003, these 16 tracks recorded at Kintetsu Hall, plus 5 recorded at On Air West return as Trees of the Ages: Laura Nyro Live in Japan. From Nyro-penned hits including "And When I Die," "Wedding Bell Blues," and "Save the Country," to covers of Bacharach/David, Smokey Robinson, and Phil Spector classics, Trees of the Ages is an essential document of Laura's February 1994 historic visit to Japan. With Laura on piano and vocals, with harmonies by Diane Wilson, Dian Sorrell, Diane Garisto, the performances are sublime.

Newly remastered by Grammy®-winner Michael Graves, and produced for release by Grammy®-winner Cheryl Pawelski and George Gilbert with the approval of The Laura Nyro Trust, the packaging contains updated artwork and new liner notes from author and musician John Kruth.

Looking and sounding incredible, this essential addition to Nyro's discography cements the legend of the incomparable Laura Nyro.

Usually, I'd say this is for completists & dedicated fans. Not here. These songs should appeal to anyone who appreciates the work of the incomparable Laura Nyro & her vivid performances (often just piano & Laura's 3-octave mezzo-soprano vocal)... Her original song titles intrigue & lyrics are not always literate they explore feeling, groove, musical heat — all-important to Nyro. There isn't a bad song in this set.

Her live shows, as those who were there know well, were unlike most other concerts in that she wasn't performing the songs. This was entertainment, but much more. She inhabited each song fully, and gave it voice. Onstage she beamed with a beautifully zen state of calm, as the music – replete with her warm, jazz-fed chords, streetwise lyricism and her soul singing – shone like moonglow. Laura Nyro got older, but she never got old. Her songs never have aged at all. They are truly timeless.