I would have guessed that they wanted to get it out while NPH was still in the show.
I haven't heard it yet (and I will be buying the physical cd when it comes out) but several people whose opinions I trust have all agreed that it's not a very good recording.
There are things I like about his new recording, but I think Mr. Mitchell is a better singer than Mr. Harris. No disrespect intended to NPH, who more than delivered live.
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"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." Philip K. Dick
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It is surprising how tepid it is. It's not a bad recording, but it has none of the thrill of Harris' performance live. Maybe it's one case where a live album would have been wise.