Al Kooper - Black Coffee

Written by SkinnyDevil on Tuesday, 09 August 2005 16:31

Al Kooper is one of those guys who truly is a legend. From his work with Lynyrd Skynyrd to Bob Dylan to Jimi Hendrix to the Rolling Stones to Johnny Van Zant to George Harrison & Ringo Star (and so many more) as musician & producer to his songwriting - his songs have been recorded by everyone from 10 Years After to the Beastie Boys - to his solo albums release from 1968-1976, Al Kooper has long-since established himself as top-tier among popular music's royalty.

Now, Al has released his first solo album in 30 years. With the help of a few friends (including Anton Figg, Larry Finn, & others), Kooper mixes some wonderful new originals with some classics (including Keb Mo's "Am I Wrong" and Cropper's "Green Onions") for a collection that will amaze.

From the opening soul of "My Hands are Tied" to the dark & bluesy "Am I Wrong" to the lounge-esque "How Am I Ever Gonna Get Over You", Al starts off the CD with a bang, and keeps the surprises coming!

He sways into Smokey Robinson's "Get Ready" to his soulful "Imaginary Lover" (chock full of deceptive changes and classic chorus hook) to a rockin' rendition of "Green Onion" recorded live in Norway in 2001.

Mixing the dark "Another Man's Prize", the islandy "Got My Ion Hue", and the smokey "Just for the Thrill", Al keeps you listening and on the edge of your seat. He closes it up with the ballad "Tell Me the Truth", capping one helluva fine collection of songs!

Of no small note is the fact that Kooper plays a dizzying array of instruments, from guitar to keys to mandolin to percussion, and plays them well. He also knows when to step aside and let his friends rip - allowing lush horns & backing vocals to both take center stage and set the mood. Al, of course, produces the project as well.

Bottom line: A great collection of classic sounds. Treat yourself now!

Visit Al Kooper on the web at Al Kooper.

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