Live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art [CD/DVD]

This live set was recorded in the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York with a full band and a stellar array of guests to celebrate ' 50th anniversary as a recording artist. (This is the audio version of the performance -- there is another package that includes the full concert on DVD as well as the disc.) For starters, none of Ms. ' elegant, mysterious, sophisticated charm has worn off over the decades. In fact, it feels less studied and more organic now. In addition, unlike almost all of her peers, her voice is actually richer and her range wider than in her hitmaking years. This is fact, not hyperbole. The program includes some of her biggest hits, including "Both Sides Now," "Send in the Clowns," "Mr. Tambourine Man," and "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" -- the latter sung with its composer, , on piano and backing vocals. It is one of two tunes of the night; the other is "Campo de Encino." also offers a moving read of 's "Pastures of Plenty" with , her own "Since You've Asked" with , and a gorgeous version of ' "Helplessly Hoping" with . Other highlights include a steely reading of 's "Diamonds and Rust" and her own rocking "Open the Door." The set closes, of course, with 's "Send in the Clowns." has performed the song for decades, but even now it flows without artifice or any hint of weariness. The stellar sound, the inspired performance, and the song selection will more than likely make an essential album for fans. [ was also released as a 29-track CD/DVD set.] ~ Thom Jurek