Back in June I had the pleasure of experiencing a concert at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the first time. I'd been to the venue before but never seen a show. Upon exiting, I said I would see anyone there, the beauty of it all only matched by the pristine sound. While much of that was expected, the opening act was the real shocker. Heading in, I knew nothing of Neal Francis. By the time he was done, I couldn't wait to dive into his catalog. And then...I was underwhelmed. His studio output lacked the energy, and at least half the performers, of what transpired on that Morrison stage. Yet on his first live release, Francis Comes Alive, the keyboardist makes the songs sparkle, no doubt thanks in part to the horn section, helping him more fully display the capabilities of his prowess. The Chicagoland native with a hardon for New Orleans piano-based R&B grooves, finally, Francis truly comes alive on this one.