“This concert was recorded on June 6th 1997, the eve of Rainer´s 46th birthday. He was in full remission and was sitting on top of the world. I can´t remember a time where he was more alive than that night. He played to a full and gracious house in a beautiful old church that was converted into a performing arts center in downtown Tucson. He had the foresight to record the evening professionally by Chris Eager...”, writes Rainer´s wife Patti in the linernotes of this album.

“Live At The Performance Center” is an incredible 75-minute showcase of the man´s talent and craft. He plays 20 songs, old and new, original material and some of the cover-versions that are familiar to fans (J.B. Lenoir, Billie Holiday, George Harrison, Greg Brown and Willie Nelson). With his typically intense vocals or just improvised and instrumental.

I saw Rainer play live only once, but like so many other people in the audience I was surprised, stunned and puzzled at once. “What is this guy doing?” was a question that everybody seemed to ask themselves, because off the stage came a sound-cascade that no human being with just two hands could create. Sure, this guy obviously was a master of his instrument, but two riffs and a solo at the same time??

The secret were two small ancient tape loop-boxes in front of him. He samples a riff, sampled another one, let them both roll and played solos on top of them. Stopped and started those two loops without missing a beat. Just marvellous.

There are quite a few songs that showcase this incredible technique, but there are also a few that just feature a minimalist approach, like “One Man Crusade”, with just a gentle dobro and his piercing voice.

“…sitting on top of the world”. With his “inner flame” radiating brightly.

“The death of Rainer Ptacek in 1997 robbed the world of one of its.......
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