Live at the Troubadour cover

Live at the Troubadour

Kevin Gilbert · 1999

52 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock

An intimate blend of progressive rock and emotional storytelling unfolds in a live setting, showcasing Gilbert's dynamic artistry.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Joy Town — The opening track sets a vibrant tone with soaring melodies and poignant lyrics that reflect Gilbert's unique ability to combine humor and melancholy.
  • →
    Miss Broadway — This song exemplifies Gilbert's theatrical flair and complex arrangements, capturing the essence of his storytelling prowess amid a rich instrumental backdrop.
  • →
    Song for a Dead Friend — A deeply personal piece, this track offers an emotional encapsulation of loss and nostalgia, showcasing Gilbert's lyrical depth and vulnerability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album captures live performances with strong arrangements and storytelling, showcasing Gilbert's artistry effectively.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended instrumental sections, particularly in tracks like 'Kashmir', which showcases improvisation and dynamic shifts.
  • Gilbert's vocal delivery varies significantly between tracks, with some songs featuring spoken word elements that enhance the storytelling aspect.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Song for a Dead Friend

    The bridge shifts to a reflective tone, recalling shared memories while grappling with the weight of absence.

    The transition in focus from joyful recollection to somber reflection creates a poignant contrast that deepens the emotional impact.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Joy Town 8:32
  • 2 Goodness Gracious 3:41
  • 3 Shrug 4:31
  • 4 Waiting 5:02
  • 5 Tea for One 6:07
  • 6 Miss Broadway 5:19
  • 7 When You Give Your Love to Me 3:12
  • 8 The Ballad of Jenny Ledge 5:10
  • 9 Kashmir 5:26
  • 10 Song for a Dead Friend 5:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata