I haven’t played any Al Kooper in a very long time.So when I ran across this solo session he did in 1974 at The Record Plant in Sausalito, I had to run it tonight.
Anybody who’s familiar with Al Kooper and his legacy of great music and legendary collaborations has some idea of just what an incredible talent he is (and still is).
Al Kooper, aside from being a founding member of The Blues Project is also known for organizing Blood, Sweat & Tears, although he did not stay with the group long enough to share its popularity.Throughout much of the 1960s and 1970s he was a prolific studio musician, playing organ on the Bob Dylan song “Like a Rolling Stone”, French horn and piano on the Rolling Stones song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, and lead guitar on Rita Coolidge’s “The Lady’s Not for Sale”, among many other appearances. Kooper also produced a number of one-off collaboration albums, such as the Super Session album that saw him work separately with guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills. In the 1970s Kooper was a successful manager and producer, notably recording Lynyrd Skynyrd’s first three albums. He has also had a successful solo career, written music for film soundtracks, and has lectured in musical composition. He is currently retired.
Here he is during a particularly fruitful period in his career. He is introduced by another legend, and this is as close to an intimate get-together with friends that you’ll hear without actually being there.
Recorded on September 11, 1974 and broadcast live, here is the inimitable Al Kooper – no frills, no gimmicks, no backup singers, no band – just him.
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Thanks for posting this, Gordon. The “legend” introducing Al is Tom Donahue and the occasion was one of those great KSAN live shows from the Record Plant. Around the same time, Al was about to produce the Tubes’ first album. They were on at least one of those KSAN live shows. Do you have access to any of the other recordings? All of them were beautifully produced and would probably sound great now. Keep on posting this great material!