Gordon Lightfoot: Live in Reno

Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot performs a generous 22-song set in this live concert from Reno circa 2000. Backed by a solid three-piece band, Lightfoot regales the sold-out audience with a string of hits from a career that began in the mid-'60s with songs like "Early Morning Rain" (recorded by Peter, Paul & Mary). To quote his 1975 double-LP greatest hits compilation, Gord's gold here includes: "Don Quixote," "Sundown," "Carefree Highway," "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," "Rainy Day People," and "If You Could Read My Mind," among others. While the music, presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, is excellent, the sexagenarian Lightfoot's voice--never booming to begin with--is markedly weak here (although he seems to gain strength as the set progresses). While somewhat disappointing because of the soft singing, fans are still likely to appreciate this comprehensive performance. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)