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Review: Adele ‘Live At the Royal Albert Hall’ (Columbia Records)

A slew of canceled show dates due to throat-health surgery and numerous Grammy nominations for her meteoric-rising 21, the release of Adele’s Live At Royal Albert Hall CD and DVD package couldn’t have been better-timed. For fans who were not lucky enough to catch this stellar performer during her latest tour, this is a must-listen/watch. On the CD, Adele seamlessly runs through her top hits from 21, including “Someone Live You,” “Rolling in the Deep” and “Rumour Has It.”

A slew of canceled show dates due to throat-health surgery and numerous Grammy nominations for her meteoric-rising 21, the release of Adele’s Live At Royal Albert Hall CD and DVD package couldn’t have been better-timed. For fans who were not lucky enough to catch this stellar performer during her latest tour, this is a must-listen/watch. On the CD, Adele seamlessly runs through her top hits from 21, including “Someone Live You,” “Rolling in the Deep” and “Rumour Has It.” Though the album retains the music’s “live” feel, the banter between songs is sadly edited out. Fortunately, the DVD brings all of the stage glory to light. Not only are you center-stage for an incredible performance, but you also get to hear Adele speak about how each song was created and evolved. Adele also puts her spin on such great classics as Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make Your Love Me” and The Cures “Lovesong.” The most moving cover—and you might as well grab a box of tissue if you’re watching the DVD—is Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love,” which she dedicates to the late Amy Winehouse—heart-wretching. A beautiful release all in all, and one that truly spotlights Adele’s talent and commanding stage presence—a great sense of humor and a voice to boot.

The band: Sam Dixon, bass guitar; Miles Robertson, keys and Melodica; Ben Thomas, guitar; Tim Van Der Kuil, guitar, banjo, lap steel; Derrick Wright, drums; Kelli-Leigh Henry-Davila, backing vocals, Sharleen Linton, backing vocals; Wired Strings, strings; Rosie Danvers, cello; Bryony James, cello; Becky Jones, viola; Sarah Chapman, viola; Hayley Pomfrett, violin; Sally Jackson, violin; Kotono Sato, violin; Jo Allen, violin; Ellie Stamford, violin; Stephanie Cavey, violin; Jenny Sacha; violin, Anna Croad, violin.

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