AMG Review of Mile High Live

Cub Koda
All Music Guide

After four studio albums, it seems logical for the Freddy Jones Band to finally come out with a live release that draws upon those previous outings. The band also has developed quite a rep as a live unit around their native Chicago area and this disc goes a long way toward capturing some of that live excitement. Mile High Live draws selections from Waiting for the Night ("In a Daydream"), North Ave. Wake-Up Call and Lucid along with longtime stage favorites. The group's breakthrough smash, "Wonder," is here, along with stellar performances of "One World," "Waitress," "Take the Time" (featuring a nice percussive build-up), "Mystic Buzz," "Better Tomorrow," "The Puppet" and "Texas Skies." Armed with vocals that bear a very eerie resemblance to Marshall Crenshaw, along with enough guitar chops and jamming instincts to keep up on ~H.O.R.D.E. tours with the likes of Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd & the Monsters, the FJB turns in a live one here that extends their reputation as a real working band.