The last release.

In late 1998 Tom Pomposello called me to continue his understandable obsession with keeping Live in New York in print (not only was he extremely close to Fred when he passed away in the early 70s, it was Tom’s first released recording as a musician). He was very excited about an arrangement with indie CD label “Live Archive” to release a remixed, remastered, and updated album. I immediately agreed.

When the 2-CD set was released in 2000 it was all Tom had hoped. He did an amazing job with the sound (adding echo that we avoided in our purist and poorest days), added 16 bonus tracks, and cleaned up the sequencing. There was more annotation and a beautiful package. Unfortunately, the label was short lived —I don’t think it lasted the year— though those of you who insist on buying a manufactured package or MP3s can often pick up used copies or downloads around the internets. (Or, you can get it for nothing from us —bonus tracks and all— right here.)

This post was very painful for me to write, having nothing to do with the record. The contracts for these CDs arrived for signing at my Hollywood office the morning of January 25, 1999. Later that afternoon I got a call telling me Tom had tragically been killed in a car accident outside of Kingston, New York. So Tom, here it is for you, your favorite recording will be available for everyone always.