Longtime admirers of Who guitarist Pete Townshend know that, as an artist, he is something of a paradox--at once the embodiment of his band"s Sturm und Drang but also by turns introspective and spiritual, restlessly experimental, and deeply steeped in folk and jazz traditions. Those facets permeate this previously unreleased compilation of live performances from 1979 and "80, recorded at private in-studio shows for the Meher Baba Oceanic Centre with journeyman harpist-pianist and fellow Baba disciple Raphael Rudd. Using inventive acoustic guitar, Townshend delivers a rich, revealing slate of songs culled from the Who"s canon ("Drowned," "The Seeker," "Bargain," "Tattoo") plus solo gems ("The Ferryman," "Sleeping Dog," "O" Parvavardigar," "Let My Love Open the Door" and "Little Is Enough"), while graciously showcasing his collaborator"s own skills as a composer and musician. (Rudd would later score parts of the Quadrophenia soundtrack and collaborate on "Rough Boys.") It"s a warm, welcome surprise for Townshend and Who fans alike. --Jerry McCulley