More than anything else on this stand-out double CD, and this includes the many forgotten classics as well as  the near perfect musicianship, you are struck by the voice. It is as warm and expressive as it was when he first stepped on the stage forty–odd years ago. Furay’s voice pulls the listener in and holds their attention (and heart) every second of the show.

He started out as a folk singer from Ohio and quickly learned lead and harmony singing. With Stephen Stills he helped form what some consider one of the greatest bands of all time, Buffalo Springfield. From there he went on to help create the template for modern country rock with the song Kind Woman and the group that was formed by that song, Poco. The music of Souther, Hillman and Furay may have been obscured by the politics surrounding their releases but few can deny the joy and sense of fun found in the early songs.

In short, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is a deserved legend and this live release humbly reminds everyone that he is. Out of the commercial spotlight over the past few decades as he followed his calling as a pastor, 2006 saw Furay quietly return to popular music. The CD Heartbeat of Love saw everyone show up to help. Stills was there as was Young, Loggins. Schmidt, members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Poco and the Turtles. They all raced to sing with the man once again.

This live release follows up that studio release with a strong set that covers every facet of the man’s career. In the Springfield it was Richie’s voice that introduced listeners to such Young classics as Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing and Flying on the Ground is Wrong. Forty years on he serves each song perfectly. Stills’ Go and Say Goodbye acquires a new meaning with age and the bluegrass run that closes the song is a brilliant addition that reminds  everyone of the close bond between folk, rock and country. The SHF classic Believe Me gets a full performance only to close with a quiet piano run that adds a beautiful coda the singer’s heartfelt plea. Numbers made famous by Poco bounce with energy and songs from his long solo career find new life in a concert setting.

This is as much the band’s release as it is Furay’s. Guitarist Scott Sellen never fails and shines in a spotlight solo for Through it All that reminds you of Toy Caldwell! Jesse Furay Lynch (his daughter) handles back up vocals throughout the set and get’s a much deserved solo spot on Satisfied that could show a thing or two many of the current crop of Nashville headliners.  Each musician jumps between bluegrass, gospel, rock, country and folk without a second’s hesitation providing highlight after highlight.

Furay never reached the heights that Stills or Young did. Glen Frey sat at his feet during an early run of Poco dates at the Troubadour, took notes and than went out and formed The Eagles. It seems that everyone but Richie made a gazillion dollars except Richie. Over the years he has spoken honestly about his feelings on this. Like anyone would he had some real problems (to quote two of his most famous admirers) wondering “why fortune smiled on some and let the rest go free”.