Harrisson, George - Live in Japan - 1992

[Roland Bru]

In the 1960's, George Harrisson played in a small band, that originally came from Liverpool. He was the best musician, and composed some nice songs, but generally played second fiddle to the rather more dominant mr MacCartney and mr Lennon. His solo career started under the influence of the Maharishi, but this did not stop him from making the best solo album by a member of his previous band, called All things must pass (1970).

During the 1970s he produced some more solo albums, with diminishing returns, moved into producing films, came back with Cloud 9 (in 1987) and the Traveling Wilburys (a nice little combo with Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison).

Mr Harrisson did not like to tour. Eric Clapton convinced him to tour (with Erics touring band) and George said: OK, but only in Japan, or, in any case, not in the UK. Unfortunately, Eric Clapton in his Armani phase is a lot less interesting than in the 60s, but this album gives you a chance to hear some 'Harrissongs' performed live that are never performed by MacCartney or Lennon (who, to be honest, has been dead for nearly thirty years).

The performance is immaculately professional and slick, but, since George died in 2002, this is actuallly the last releaed performance by a somewhat shy but very sympathetic gentleman that wrote some classic songs: Taxman with updated lyrics, Dark horse, Cloud 9, Here comes the sun and While my guitar gently weeps stand out.