In Concert [live]

The performance captured on In Concert 9/9/94 happened less than a month before Danny Gatton's death, and from the sound of the album, it's hard to believe he was in a deep depression. Gatton's playing is incendiary and fiery, an extended display of sheer virtuosity, and the songs are consistently better than his studio albums, which were hampered by filler. Similarly, the studio polish of his albums tended to obscure how dazzling Gatton's pure, unvarnished talent was. That's not the case with In Concert 9/9/94, which positively sizzles. It might not be the best way to become acquainted with the guitarist -- after all, it doesn't show all of his versatility (the jazzier numbers are noticeably missing) -- but for fans, it's one to cherish.