A good friend first introduced me to Dar Williams' music several years ago by plunking "The Christians and the Pagans" into his CD player and sitting back to watch my reaction. Her voice, wit and storytelling captivated. I, of course, bought the CD Mortal City and listened to it often -- even carrying on the tradition of playing that tribute to religious tolerance for a few friends. I didn't realize I was missing something ... until I saw Dar Williams perform on stage. Wow. Stories within the stories, layers of shared life experiences -- all with her genuinely amazed reaction to the audience's adoration.

Out There Live, Dar Williams' first live CD, captures that energy and interaction with the listeners beautifully. Often the cheering begins with the first chord as her fans recognize their favorites. She opens with the anthem of anyone who's ever felt a bit insecure, "As Cool As I Am," and then proceeds through 16 very cool songs. Her songwriting oozes emotion, from the yearning "Iowa" with its audience warbled chorus to the wistful innocence of "When I Was a Boy" to the breathy acceptance of "After All."

One of the endearing qualities of her performances is Dar's charm in conversing with the audience -- sometimes bantering with the front row, sometimes responding to a request, sometimes explaining the impetus for a song. Out There Live includes a few of her introductory anecdotes: the humorous performance art preview into "I Won't Be Your Yoko Ono," the teenage paranoia that led to "Are You Out There" and the voice-breaking 4-year-old's loving perspective of "The Babysitter's Here."

A full band including Steuart Smith on guitars and keyboards, Steve Holley on drums and percussion, Gail Ann Dorsey on bass guitar, and Jeff Kazee on keyboards and accordion complements Dar's guitar and voice. All four also contribute background vocals. The added musicians create a strong sound without overstepping Dar's powerfully evocative delivery of her lyrics.

Out There Live truly brings the experience of a Dar Williams' concert to your CD player. With the song selections constituting a "greatest hits" collection, this compilation is a great introduction for someone who's new to Dar -- the ubiquitous "The Christians and the Pagans" anchors the recording. For those who've been to a show, this CD comes as close to that magic as you'll find until the tour returns to your town.

[ visit Dar's website ]