Can't judge it really as I have not heard it "really" live (and that's important as I learned a few weeks ago), but for me, after listening to some recordings, Redbud Tree didn't work live especially well.
There are many songs from Mark's catalogue that are brilliant on the record, because of brilliant recording process (A Place Where We Used To Live for example), or great inspiration and atmosphere, but were not nailed exactly the same live on stage. The great thing about RT is the sheer shining brilliance of the solo and the very punchy and touching way Mark's vocals sound on the album version - if he doesn't get the solo played that great, and to be honest, with a pretty bad, short-winded and powerless singing voice this part of the previous tour so far, it might be better to drop it.
You could say this about any other song from the set but as RT is that spartanic and simple, the voice is much more in the foreground.
Was puzzled after listening to the first audience recordings to be honest because Mark's singing is by far not as good as last year.
I found his singing MUCH better last year, in fact I was deeply impressed by his vocals on Privateering and Haul Away from 2011, but all I heard until now is below his usual standard. In my opinion. (Oh, no offence meant, yes, I am still a fan and no I will not sell my ticket...)
LE
