I'm happy to have read this article. Have you ever met anyone who didn't think Blood, Sweat and Tears killed itself off by getting rid of Al Kooper?
B,S&T's fast fade post Kooper was, I think, a deserved fate for ingratitude. The pity of it all is that 99% of the public which is even aware of B,S&T's existence knows only of the David Clayton Thomas B,S&T. They don't know that this brilliant first album, which was Grammy worthy if anything that year was, even exists.
There certainly is a consensus that artistically, the Kooper version of Blood, Sweat & Tears was best. In listening to a recent interview with Bobby Colomby about the new documentary, there does seem to be a sense that Kooper was domineering and that he just wasn't the singer that could get them to the big time. Clayton-Thomas certainly did and the first album with him as lead singer is often great, nothing less than good - he's marvelous on 'Smiling Phases' and 'You've Made Me So Very Happy' and Katz's 'Sometimes in Winter' is a beautiful piece (I remember first hearing almost 30 years ago and being knocked out by it). By the time of B,S & T 3, it was clear that they were running out of steam and the narrative being pushed out that the '70 State Department tour is the cause of B,S & T's demise is dubious at best, in my opinion.
I only ever owned "Child" and I could have sworn it was on the LP, which I don't have anymore. I do have the CD, though I haven't played it, but you're right, it isn't on there. I'm confusing it with something else, or maybe someone done put the mojo on me.
I wish more of it was released - the extended version of 'Smiling Phases' is super interesting. For the State Department documentary, over an hour of live recordings will be released from it on Friday.
Great essay. You are spot on. I was at the BS&T show at the Village Theatre. Besides being a great musician, Al is a great story teller. Each song had a story and he commented. Projections is one of my top 5 albums of all time. As I have followed Al thru the years on records and in person it is sad to note that he is legally blind as you may know. David Clayton Thomas who I saw a few times with BS&T had and still does have a good voice, but in my opinion, too soft for the band. Once again, great essay.
Thanks so much for the kind words, especially from someone who was eyewitness to what I am writing about. I didn't know that Kooper is now blind - a true giant of a musician and record personality.
I'm happy to have read this article. Have you ever met anyone who didn't think Blood, Sweat and Tears killed itself off by getting rid of Al Kooper?
B,S&T's fast fade post Kooper was, I think, a deserved fate for ingratitude. The pity of it all is that 99% of the public which is even aware of B,S&T's existence knows only of the David Clayton Thomas B,S&T. They don't know that this brilliant first album, which was Grammy worthy if anything that year was, even exists.
There certainly is a consensus that artistically, the Kooper version of Blood, Sweat & Tears was best. In listening to a recent interview with Bobby Colomby about the new documentary, there does seem to be a sense that Kooper was domineering and that he just wasn't the singer that could get them to the big time. Clayton-Thomas certainly did and the first album with him as lead singer is often great, nothing less than good - he's marvelous on 'Smiling Phases' and 'You've Made Me So Very Happy' and Katz's 'Sometimes in Winter' is a beautiful piece (I remember first hearing almost 30 years ago and being knocked out by it). By the time of B,S & T 3, it was clear that they were running out of steam and the narrative being pushed out that the '70 State Department tour is the cause of B,S & T's demise is dubious at best, in my opinion.
Robert, your memory tricketh thee. Sometimes in Winter is on the Child is Father to the Man album. It's a wonderful song.
It is a wonderful song but can confirm it's on the 2nd album: https://www.discogs.com/master/35401-Blood-Sweat-And-Tears-Blood-Sweat-And-Tears
I only ever owned "Child" and I could have sworn it was on the LP, which I don't have anymore. I do have the CD, though I haven't played it, but you're right, it isn't on there. I'm confusing it with something else, or maybe someone done put the mojo on me.
Maybe 'Meagan's Gypsy Eyes,' which sounds similar to 'Sometimes in Winter.'
Fine article Robert! I used to listen to "Projections" quite a bit when it first came out.
Thanks so much. 'Projections' is a great record - so wide-ranging, hope to write about it at some point for Substack.
I had forgotten about their "Live At The Cafe Au Go Go" that had some good music on it too.
I wish more of it was released - the extended version of 'Smiling Phases' is super interesting. For the State Department documentary, over an hour of live recordings will be released from it on Friday.
Great essay. You are spot on. I was at the BS&T show at the Village Theatre. Besides being a great musician, Al is a great story teller. Each song had a story and he commented. Projections is one of my top 5 albums of all time. As I have followed Al thru the years on records and in person it is sad to note that he is legally blind as you may know. David Clayton Thomas who I saw a few times with BS&T had and still does have a good voice, but in my opinion, too soft for the band. Once again, great essay.
Thanks so much for the kind words, especially from someone who was eyewitness to what I am writing about. I didn't know that Kooper is now blind - a true giant of a musician and record personality.
Oh ok. Good to know thanks.