A momentous live recording capturing Neil Young's inaugural performance with Crazy Horse in February 1970 has been unearthed and presented to enthusiasts. This previously unreleased soundboard recording from Cincinnati, Ohio, offers an unprecedented glimpse into the early synergy between Young and his legendary band, showcasing a raw, vibrant energy that foreshadowed their enduring partnership. The collection includes never-before-heard live versions of songs that would become classics, painting a vivid picture of a pivotal era in rock history.
The recently surfaced performance from the Music Hall in Cincinnati on February 25, 1970, serves as a significant historical document. Distributed by the Neil Young Archives as a special holiday offering, this recording captures the very first instance of Young performing live with Crazy Horse on tape. Prior to this, their 1969 North American tour, supporting 'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere', remained undocumented, despite forming the foundation of their profound musical bond. This 16-track set is notable for the live premiere of 'Don't Let It Bring You Down', ingeniously blended with 'The Old Laughing Lady', and the debut of 'Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown'. Additionally, it features Young’s earliest known live rendition of Joe London’s 'It Might Have Been', a track he would later record for 'Oceanside/Countryside'.
The year 1970 marked a turning point in Neil Young's career. Having joined Crosby, Stills, and Nash to form CSNY, his profile expanded dramatically, allowing him to play to much larger audiences than his earlier club circuit with Crazy Horse. This newfound recognition and increased resources enabled him to ensure that future performances would be meticulously documented, a stark contrast to the unrecorded 1969 Crazy Horse tour. This Cincinnati recording exemplifies this shift, providing a clear, high-quality audio experience that contrasts sharply with the lack of recorded material from their earlier, equally impactful, shows.
Among the standout tracks from the Cincinnati concert, 'Down by the River' is particularly compelling, extending to nearly 20 minutes with its ferocious intensity. Another highlight is 'Cinnamon Girl', where original Crazy Horse guitarist Danny Whitten's prominent vocal and guitar contributions are clearly audible. Young later reflected on his regret regarding the original studio mix of 'Cinnamon Girl', acknowledging Whitten’s superior performance and impact on the track. The live version captures this essence, offering a unique perspective on Whitten's irreplaceable presence.
Despite the audience's enthusiastic response, as evidenced by their persistent calls for an encore even after the band had exceeded their contracted performance time, contemporary reviews were surprisingly critical. One review from The Kentucky Kernel student newspaper, titled 'Young Disappoints Fans', criticized Young's perceived egotism and lack of engagement. However, the critic did concede that performances of 'Down by the River' and 'Cinnamon Girl' eventually won over the crowd. This historical perspective highlights the evolving reception of Young's pioneering sound.
This Cincinnati recording offers a profound understanding of a full Neil Young and Crazy Horse concert during the Danny Whitten era. It surpasses the later official 2006 release of their Fillmore East shows, which was a compilation with significant cuts. The clarity and completeness of the Cincinnati tape make it an essential listen for fans and critics alike, providing invaluable insight into the formative years of a legendary musical partnership.