Harem Scarem Live at The Phoenix

From December 3rd to 5th in 2003, indie rock collective Broken Social Scene performed the three sold out hometown shows at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. The band had just returned from a tour that took them across the US, UK, and Europe in support of their sophomore album, You Forgot It In People.

This double recital, recorded on 9 November 1969 at the Berlin Philharmonic, takes place at a very special time in Sarah Vaughan's life. To everyone's astonishment, the small, awkward 45-year-old gave one of the most masterful stage performances of her career that could be captured on tape. In almost two hours she silenced all misgivings by proving how her approach to music remained eminently topical. Surrounded with an elegance as discreet as it is stimulating by a trio that is a master in the art of understatement, free of mannerisms, still as virtuosic as ever, developing her vocal technique to its highest degree throughout her incredible tessitura, between naturalness and sophistication, simplicity and refinement, Sarah Vaughan shakes things up. Sarah Vaughan resolutely favours sentimental melodies, making her warm, supple, suave and swinging voice the ultra-sensitive seismograph of the whole range of mixed feelings.

Toronto has long played a sizable role in the myth-making of The Rolling Stones. It’s been a home away from home for the group for decades, a place where they’ve set up shop to prep before hitting the road since at least as far back as 1989’s Steel Wheels tour. And during those months-long rehearsal stays, they’ve regularly held secret shows around town at small venues, such as the Horseshoe Tavern, RPM, and The Phoenix Concert Theatre. But the Stones’ Toronto club stint that started it all was a pair of shows at Spadina Avenue’s El Mocambo Tavern that took place March 4-5, 1977.

Four CD set. The most definitive and complete set of the Yardbirds' BBC appearances to date. Over 89 tracks, of which 30 previously unreleased. With an introduction by Chris Welch. A spined book of track by track, in-depth sessions notes by BBC historian Ashley Wood. Interviews of Jim McCarty and Paul Samwell-Smith by Chris Welch. Sound quality restored and improved, fully remastered. Total playing time: approx. 250 mins. Mono recordings. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the first documented live appearance by the Yardbirds, this 4CD set features 3 discs' worth of material from Jeff Beck's time on lead guitar with The Yardbirds, while the 4th disc documents the period when Jimmy Page held the lead guitar spot in the band.

Four CD set. The most definitive and complete set of the Yardbirds' BBC appearances to date. Over 89 tracks, of which 30 previously unreleased. With an introduction by Chris Welch. A spined book of track by track, in-depth sessions notes by BBC historian Ashley Wood. Interviews of Jim McCarty and Paul Samwell-Smith by Chris Welch. Sound quality restored and improved, fully remastered. Total playing time: approx. 250 mins. Mono recordings. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the first documented live appearance by the Yardbirds, this 4CD set features 3 discs' worth of material from Jeff Beck's time on lead guitar with The Yardbirds, while the 4th disc documents the period when Jimmy Page held the lead guitar spot in the band.