AL KOOPER

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1. A Possible Projection Of The Future 6:30
A Possible Projection Of The Future

10. Come Down In Time 4:40

New York City Youre A Woman

18 Peacock Lady 3:23

Naked Songs

2. I Wish You Would 3:53

Championship Wrestling

11. Buckskin Boy 3:09

Easy Does It

19 Earth Mother 5:06

Unreleased

3. I Stand Alone 3:42 I Stand Alone 4. Bury My Body 8:56

Kooper Session

12. Love Theme from The Landlord 3:07

Easy Does It

20. She Gets Me Where I Live 3:34

Easy Does It

13. Ooh Baby I Love You/ Love Is A Mans Best Friend 4:20 14. I Got A Woman 6:28
Easy Does It

21. You Never Know Who Your Friends Are 2:53 22. The Man In Me 3:41

New York City (Youre A Woman)

You Never Know Who Your Friends Are

5. Be Yourself Be Real 3:26

Naked Songs

A Possible Projection Of The Future

6. Brand New Day 5:09

Easy Does It

15. The Warning (Someones On The Cross Again) 2:59 16. Unrequited 2:47 Naked Songs 17. Whiskey Train (Live at The Living Room NYC) 4:55
Unreleased

23. Where Were You (When I Needed You) 3:07

Naked Songs

7. One 2:50
I Stand Alone

New York City (Youre A Woman)

24. New York City (Youre A Woman) 4:55

New York City (Youre A Woman)

8. Going Quietly Mad 3:53

New York City (Youre A Woman)

9. Sad Sad Sunshine 5:05

Easy Does It

More Tracks

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For more track details, click on each track.

25. John The Baptist 3:32
New York City (Youre A Woman)

34. Lucille 3:24

You Never Know Who Your Friends Are

43. Childhoods End 3:26

A Possible Projection Of The Future

26. Living In My Own Religion 4:49

Rare & Well Done

35. Magic In My Sox 3:54

You Never Know Who Your Friends Are

44. Let The Duchess No 3:19

Easy Does It

27. Camille (backing track) 2:53

Unreleased

36. 500 Miles (Can You Hear It Now) 3:26

45. God Sheds His Grace On Thee 2:09

Easy Does It

28. Mourning Glory Story 2:12

You Never Know Who Your Friends Are 29. Test Drive 4:40 Unreleased 3

30. I Believe To My Soul 4:27

Rare & Well Done

New York City (Youre A Woman) 37.Fly On (for Levi Stubbs) 3:14 A Possible Projection Of The Future 38. Dearest Darling 3:53 New York City (Youre A Woman) 39. As The Years Go Passing By 6:02 Naked Songs

46. I Can Love A Woman 3:24

I Stand Alone 47. Jolie 3:44 Naked Songs

48. Touch The Hem Of His Garment 4:03

Naked Songs

31. Honest I Do (Live at The Living Room NYC**) 2:56

Unreleased

40. Nightmare #5 (demo) 3:06

Unreleased

49. I Dont Know Why I Love You 3:22

You Never Know Who Your Friends Are

32. Let Your Love Shine 4:00 33. Lookin For A Home 5:48
Kooper Session

41. Nightmare #5 3:01

50.Im Never Gonna Let You Down 4:36

A Possible Projection Of The Future

New York City (Youre A Woman) 42. Wrestle With This 5:22 Championship Wrestling

You Never Know Who Your Friends Are

Previous Tracks

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..... a kinda great way to start off with a Murphys Law-stricken old Al looking back at his life from 80 years old...fortunately, back in 1971, it was a POSSIBLE projection, and things are actually much better today than the outcome of said sad song... Al Kooper -all instruments except: Bass- Herbie Flowers/Guitar-Alan Parker/ Drums-Barry Morgan/ Intro narration by JohnPunter Engineered by John Punter at Trident Studios, London UK

1. A Possible Projection Of The Future (Al Kooper) 6:30

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.....The Atlantic Records version by John Hammond, Jr. was the inspiration and big fave of Jeff Baxter & myself. What a treat to play this song with these musicians... 2 much fun!!! Al Kooper - organ & synthesizers/Jeff Baxter & Elliott Randall-guitars Bass - Neil Stubenhaus/ Drums - Bruce Gary/Harp-Fingers Taylor Percussion-Joe Vitale/ Horns-Tower of Power/Produced, Engineered & Mixed by Bill Szymczyk

2. I Wish You Would (Billy Boy Arnold) 3:53

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.....a song in which the singer professes powerful passion for his woman despite all the obstacles in his way...also the genesis of my recording pseudo-soul music in Nashville as early as 1968... Al Kooper - keyboards/Guitars-Wayne Moss,Jerry Kennedy, Charlie Daniels Bass-Charlie McCoy/Drums-Kenny Buttrey/BG Vocals- The Blossoms Horns-unknown/ Horns Arranged by Al Kooper & Charlie McCoy Recorded at Columbia Studios, Nashville by Charlie Bragg

3. I Stand Alone

(Al Kooper) 3:42

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.....thrilled to discover 15-year-old guitar genius Shuggie Otis, I got his parents permission to make an album with him. It starts off like this: Keyboards - Al Kooper/Guitar-Shuggie Otis/Bass-Stu Woods/ Drums: Wells Kelly BG Vocals - Hilda Harris,Albertine Robinson, Eileen Gilbert, Maretha Stewart, Melba Moore. Engineered by Roy Segal at Columbia Studios, New York City

4. Bury My Body

(Al Kooper) 8:56

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5. (Be Yourself) Be Real

(Al Kooper) 3:26

..... as a lyricist, one of my favorite openings: Why do we try to be what we wanna be If we can never be what we are? And if we could nd a way to enjoy every day We would have nothing to look forward to at all..... Keyboards,Guitars & Synths-Al Kooper/Bass-John Paul Fetta/Drums-Eddie Barbato/BG Vox- Tasha Thomas, Linda November, Eileen Gilbert, Maretha Stewart,Patti Austin, Albertine Robinson. Engineered by Don Puluse at Columbia Studios, NYC

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......written for my rst lm score, and re-recorded for the Easy Does It album in 1970. This was my rst experiment playing 8 different guitar tracks. Phasing at the end courtesy of Roy Halee... Guitars & Keyboards-Al Kooper/Bass-Stu Woods/ Drums-Rick Marotta Horns-Unknown/ Horns arranged by Al Kooper & Charles Calello Engineered by Don Puluse at Columbia Studios NYC

6. Brand New Day

(Al Kooper) 5:09

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...by this time I had become a huge fan & friend of Harry Nilssons. This was the second of four songs I recorded of his. An amazing singer & songwriter! Arranged & Conducted by Jimmy Wisner/Backround Vocals by Robert John, Mike Gately & Jim Fairs/Musicians - unknown Engineered by Frank Laico at Columbia Studios NYC

7. One

(Harry Nilsson) 2:50

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.....extremely Beatle-inuenced as it was, so begins the three-guitar harmony solos a la Les Paul & Randy Californias modernization of what Les started. This became an identifying trait of this period for me... Keyboards, Guitar solos - Al Kooper/Verse Guitar Fills-Caleb Quaye Bass-Herbie Flowers/Drums-Roger Pope/Engineered by Ken Scott at Trident Studios, London, UK

8. Going Quietly Mad

(Al Kooper) 3:53

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.......rst I was taught a new acoustic guitar tuning; then George Harrison taught us all about Indian music; and nally the end of an all night LSD journey found me in a San Francisco motel room on the beach where I wearily composed this song in 1966. Years later, it appeared on the Easy Does It album... Acoustic Guitars - Al Kooper, Keith Allson, Freddy Weller/Sitar - Al Kooper Tabla-Milt Holland/Bass-Joe Osborne/Drums-Joe Corero Jr./Strings Arranged by Charlie Calello/BG Vocals - Al Kooper/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, CA by Sy Mitchell

9. Sad Sad Sunshine

(Al Kooper)

5:05

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....Elton & Bernie assisted me tremendously in recording the New York City (Youre A Woman) and A Possible Projection Of The Future albums in the UK and introducing me to bassist Herbie Flowers with whom I had always wanted to record with in the studio. This track was a tip of the hat to the forever songwriting duo of Elton and Bernie.... Keyboards, mellotron, & speedy guitar solo - Al Kooper/Acoustic guitars-Louie Shelton/Acoustic Bass-Bobby West/Electric Bass - Herbie Flowers Percussion-Bobbi Hall Porter/Drums-Paul Humphries/BG Vox-Rita Coolidge, Dorothy Morrison, Claudia Lennear, Donna Weiss,Julia Tilman, Lorna Willard Recorded at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, CA by Sy Mitchell

10. Come Down In Time

(Elton John-Bernie Taupin) 4:40

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.....after delving into many volumes concerning the travails of the American Indian, I was able to contain that acquired knowledge into a sprawling, question-lled lyric I have always been proud of. At the time, the rocking trio Bretheren (Stu, Tom & Rick) backed me up majestically along with David Bromberg and the cinematic orchestrations of Charlie Calello. The guitar solo here is another of the Al-three guitars-in harmony collection. One of my favorite tracks I ever recorded... Keyboards & Guitar Solo-Al Kooper/Skanky Guitar Fills - Tom Cosgrove/Rhthym Guitar-David Bromberg/Bass-Stu Woods/ Drums- Rick Marotta/Strings & Horns Arranged by Charlie Calello & Al Kooper/ Engineered by Glenn Kolotkin at Columbia Studios, NYC

11. Buckskin Boy

(Al Kooper)

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.....I was priviliged that my rst lmscore was for Hal Ashbys maiden directorial effort. There were tears in my eyes when I rst watched how this particular aural landscape blended with Ashbys vision. More 3 guitar carrying-on in the fade. Years later, this track was inexplicably sampled by Jay Z as well as The Alchemist in the hip-hop world..... Keyboards & Ending Guitar Solo - Al Kooper/Acoustic Guitars - Stu Scharff, Joe Beck/Bass-John Miller/ Drums-Al Rogers/Percussion-George Devens/ BG Vox unknown/ Arranged by Charlie Calello & Al Kooper/ Engineered by Stan Tonkel at Columbia Studios, NYC

12. Love Theme (from the lm The Landlord)

(Al Kooper) 3:07

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.......a cover of Fred Hughes Wand Records hit at the time fused with a similar song I wrote with Bob Brass & Irwin Levine in the early sixties. These west coast studio players & singers nailed this one to the wall!!! Piano, Organ & Wah Guitar-Al Kooper/Guitar-Louie Shelton/Bass-Bobby West Drums-Paul Humphries/Percussion-Bobbi Hall Porter/BG Vox-Rita Coolidge, Donna Weiss, Julia Tillman, Lorna Willard, Jesse Smith, Robbie Montgomery Recorded at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, CA by Robert Gratz Special thanks - Denny Cordell

13. Medley: Oooh Baby I Love You/Love Is A Mans Best Friend (Richard Parker-Al Kooper-Bob Brass-Irwin Levine) 4:20

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....I guess enough time has passed to mention that I was extremely inuenced tempo-wise by the Gerry Gofn produced Freddy Scott cover. But arrangement-wise, Charlie Calello & I went to our own place - paying tribute to a Ray Charles ballad; which this was NOT, originally.... Piano, vibraphone-Al Kooper/Bass-Stu Woods/Drums-Rick Marotta/Alto saxFred Lipsius/Arranged by Charlie Calello & Al Kooper/Engineered by Don Puluse at Columbia Studios, NYC

14. I Got A Woman

(Ray Charles)

6:28

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...Phyliss & I collaborated on about ten songs on which she was the lyricist. The gospel side of me enjoyed her Biblical research and topics, and Vanetta Fields step-out vocals in the choruses. I was thrilled to be able to get the sound I heard in my head onto tape and out to all of you.... Piano, Organ, Harmonium, Horn Arrangement-Al Kooper, Guitar-Louie Shelton/ Pedal Steel-Sneeky Pete/Bass-Carol Kaye/Drums-Paul Humphries/ Vocal SolosVanetta Fields(!)/ BG Vox- Rita Coolidge, Clydie King, Donna Weiss, Julia Tillman, Edna Wright, Maxine Willard, Jay Siegel,Robert John, Mike Gately/ Recorded at Columbia Studios Hollywood, CA by Brian Ross-Myring

15. The Warning (Someones On The Cross Again) (Al Kooper-Phyliss Major) 2:59

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..... a biography of an affair I had with a woman who was in an open marriage. Covered wonderfully by Lynn Christopher shortly thereafter, but sadly out of print today. Musically inuenced by Bachrach, Nilsson & Jim Webb...... Piano-Al Kooper/all other personell unknown/Arranged by Jimmy Wisner Recorded by Frank Laico at Columbia Studios, NYC

16. Unrequited

(Al Kooper)

2:47

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......A Procol Harum obscurity loved by boomer guitarists. Usually played as an encore by my current rockabilly trio captured here in 2006.... Electric Guitar-Al Kooper/Bass-Jesse Williams/Drums-Larry Finn/ Recorded Live by Steve Rosenthal

17. Whiskey Train (live at the Living Room NYC) (Robin Trower-Keith Reid) 4:55

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.....maybe the most folkie track I ever recorded. BIG help from Stu Scharff, Maruga, and the always correct Jimmy Wisner. For all you folked-up fans out there.... Rhthym & gut-string guitar, harpsichord, Arp synthesizer (ute) Fender Bass-Al Kooper/ lead acoustic gut-string guitar-Stu Scharff/clay & tuned hand drumsMaruga/String Arrangement by Jimmy Wisner/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, NYC by Don Puluse

18. Peacock Lady

(Al Kooper)

3:23

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...One of my favorite lyrics I ever wrote. A Jackson Browne-sounding ballad dedicated to a folksinging old friend. Never released because the term earth mother got square by the time I nished the track, but I kinda love it today and Im glad its nally released...... Piano, Organ-Al Kooper/Guitars-Reggie Young,Steve Gibson/Pedal Steel-Pete Drake/ Bass-Mike Leech/Drums-Kenny Buttrey/ Background Vocals- Ron Hicklin Singers/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, Nashville, TN by Neil Wilburn & Hollywood, CA by Sy Mitchell

19. Earth Mother

(Al Kooper) 5:06

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.....My rst Wrecking Crew session as an artist. Pretty amazing evening. Jimmy Haskells arrangement was spot on and NOT easy for trumpeters. Pretty commercial for me but of course, not a hit..... Acoustic Guitar, Organ-Al Kooper + The Wrecking Crew - Nylon String Guitar Tommy Tedesco/12 String Guitar-Louie Shelton/Piano-Larry Knechtel Bass-Lyle Ritz/Drums-Earl Palmer/Strings & Horns Arranged by Jimmy Haskell Recorded at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, CA by Brian Ross-Myring

20. She Gets Me Where I Live

(Al Kooper)

3:34

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........the hardest I ever TRIED to have a hit single. Lotsa bells & whistles, Beach Boy & Beatle stuff, and the three guitars in harmony in the fade. Lucky for me my mantra has always been: if you dont expect anything, youre never disappointed....but a fer sure fun listen nowadays.... Piano-Frank Owens/Guitars-Ralph Casale,Stu Scharff/ End Guitarsolo-Al Kooper/Synthesizer-Walter Sear/Bass-John Miller/Drums-Al Rogers/BG Vox-Mike Gately,Robert John, Lou Christie/ Arranged by Al Kooper & Charles Calello/ Horns-unknown/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, NYC by Don Puluse

21. You Never Know Who Your Friends Are

(Al Kooper) 2:53

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....I played on Bobs version of this, but later came up with this arrangement including falsetto vocals and a George Harrison-like solo. Dylanheads should enjoy this.... Organ,Mellotron, Acoustic Guitar, Guitar Solos, - Al Kooper/Acoustic & Electric Guitar-Alan Parker/Bass-Herbie Flowers/Drums-Barry Morgan Recorded at Air Studios, London, UK by John Punter.

22. The Man In Me

(Bob Dylan)

3:41

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....some New York-style R&B written there by Irwin & I in 1963. Covered unsuccessfully by a few soulsingers back then, but served up brand new with THAT organ ten years later....... Keyboards,Wah-Wah Guitar, Finger Snaps-Al Kooper/Rhthym Guitar-Frank Ribando/Bass-John Paul Fetta/Drums-Eddie Barbato/BG Vox- Tasha Thomas, Linda November, Eileen Gilbert, Maretha Stewart,Patti Austin, Albertine Robinson/String Arrangement-Jimmy Wisner/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, NYC by Don Puluse

23. Where Were You (When I Needed You) (Al Kooper-Irwin Levine) 3:07

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....I was attempting to write a mini-symphony and this was the intro. I wanted to capture what Manhattan was all about, musically & lyrically. I wrote hours of instrumental passages and movers lost the envelopes when I moved from downtown to uptown. I guess this is all thats left. Bass players will enjoy the uniqueness of Herbie Flowers on this track.... Piano , Organ, Mellotron, All Guitars-Al Kooper/Bass-Herbie Flowers/Drums-Roger Pope/BG Vox- Liza Strike, Barry St. John, Claudia Linnear, Linda Lewis/ Engineered by Ken Scott at Trident Studios, London, UK

24. New York City (Youre A Woman)

(Al Kooper) 4:55

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...another biblically inspired lyric by Ms. Major complemented by a Band-inspired arrangement. Ironically covered by Blood Sweat & Tears..... Piano, Organ, Acoustic Guitar -Al Kooper/Electric Guitar-Louie Shelton/BassCarol Kaye/ Percussion-Bobbi Hall Porter/Drums-Paul Humphries/BG Vox-Rita Coolidge,Vanetta Fields,Clydie King, Donna Weiss, Julia Tillman, Edna Wright, Maxine Willard, Robert John, Mike Gately, Jay Siegel/ Horn Arrangement by Jimmy Haskell/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, Hollywood CA by Brian Ross Myring & NYC by Don Puluse

25. John The Baptist

(Al Kooper-Phyllis Major) 3:32

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...it took me seven tries to write this song explaining my spirituality; i.e., that I am a man of God, but not a religion-follower. Finally, after all those attempts, it came out just the way I hoped it would. One sings better when one is praising the Lord, ya know.... All Instruments by Al Kooper/BG Vox by Etta Britt, John Cowan & Bill Lloyd Recorded by Gary Laney at Sound Emporium Studios, Nashville, TN.

26. Living In My Own Religion

(Al Kooper) 4:49

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........inspired by an Iber overture and written for the rst Blood Sweat & Tears album, this was nally recorded (with vocal) on my rst solo album, I Stand Alone. Here, one gets to hear the intricacies of this early Calello-Kooper arrangement... Organ,Piano-Al Kooper/Guitars-Hugh McCracken, Ralph Casale, Stu Scharff/ BassJohn Miller/ Drums-Johnny Cresci/Arranged by Charlie Calello & Al Kooper Strings, Horns, BG Vocalists-unknown/ Recorded by Fred Catero at Columbia Studios, NYC

27. Camille (backing track) (Al Kooper-Tony Powers)

2:53

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...With the exception of the horns, this session started at 10 AM on a Tuesday and went straight through to 10 AM the next day. The hard parts were the vocal arrangements. The horns were recorded prior to the rest of the track - too bad no photos were taken Wednesday morning at 10:01 AM..... Piano-Al Kooper/Voices -Lou Christie, Robert John, Mike Gately, Charlie Calello,Al Kooper/Saxes: George Young, Sol Schlinger, Seldon Powell, Joe Farrell/Trumpets: Bernie Glow, Ernie Royal, Marvin Stamm/Trombones: Ray Desio, Jimmy Knepper, Bill Watrous, Tony Studd/Voices & Horns Arranged by Al Kooper & Charlie Calello/ Recorded by Don Puluse at Columbia Studios, NYC

28. Mourning Glory Story

(Harry Nilsson)

2:12

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.....I actually recorded the track BEFORE I wrote the nished song, which is very rare. This was done in 1986, in between scoring the NBC-TV series Crime Story I enlisted the services of the always amazing Buzzy Feiten on lead guitar to complete this Prince tribute..... All Instruments & Voices - Al Kooper except Lead Guitar - Buzzy Feiten (!!)/ Recorded at The Slammer, N. Hollywood, CA by Richard US MacIntosh

29. Test Drive

(Al Kooper)

4:40

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.......Originally the b side of Ray Charles Im Movin On, when I was barely in my teens, this was a life-changer for me and probably for young Bobby Zimmerman who appropriated the intro to each verse for Ballad Of A Thin Man. Add two dollops of Mick Taylor in his prime and a new groove and a little in-studio yakking before & after... Keyboards & wah-wah guitar-Al Kooper/Lead Guitar-Mick Taylor/Bass-Bobby West/Drums-Paul Humphries/ BG Vox - The Blossoms/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, CA by Robert Gratz & Air Studios, London, UK by John Punter Mixed By Bill Szymczyk & Al Kooper at Reection Sound, Charlotte NC

30. I Believe To My Soul

(Ray Charles)

4:27

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.......another oldie from my childhood, Jimmy Reed made raw simplicity an art form. I can listen to hours of Jimmy Reed nowadays to clear my ears of bad music, when it occasionally crosses my path. Here I am live, with my rockabilly trio, spreading the simplicity gospel in 2006..... Guitar - Al Kooper/Bass & BG Vocal-Jesse Williams/Drums-Larry Finn/ Produced by Al Kooper & Steve Rosenthal/ Engineered Live by Steve Rosenthal

31. Honest I Do (Live At The Living Room NYC)

(Jimmy Reed) 2:56

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...Id be lying if I said this wasnt inuenced by the After The Gold Rush album.A smiling tribute to Neil, a year before I produced the defamatory Young smear Sweet Home Alabama............ Piano, Organ,Electric Guitars & Solos-Al Kooper/ Acoustic Guitars-Alan Parker Bass-Herbie Flowers/Drums-Barry Morgan/Backup Vocals-Mike Gately, Robert John, Lou Christie/Recorded at Air Studios, London, UK by John Punter

32. Let Your Love Shine

(Al Kooper)

4:00

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.........While listening to Gloria & George Coleman play jazz in a seedy bar in Jamaica, Queens in the early 60s, someone popped a nickel in the jukebox and unleashed Little Busters version of this song. Bought the 45 the next day,and teamed up with 15-yearold Shuggie Otis in 69 to allow him to scream on this version. In the 70s my father became the lawyer for blind Little Buster. Small world........ Keyboards - Al Kooper/Guitar-Shuggie Otis/Bass-Stu Woods/Drums: Wells Kelly/BG Vocals - Hilda Harris,Albertine Robinson, Eileen Gilbert, Maretha Stewart,Melba Moore/ Recorded at Columbia Stdios, NYC by Roy Segal

33. Lookin For A Home (Edward Forehand) 5:48

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...what if the Beach Boys and The Four Seasons teamed up on a track ? That was the concept I had for this songs arrangement. Having Charlie Calello onboard didnt hurt, as he arranged all the Four Season singles originally. The Brian Wilson stuff we emulated to the best of our abilities.... Organ & Celeste-Al Kooper/Guitar- Yuma Cracken/Bass-Jerry Jemmott / DrumsBuddy Salzman/Arranged by Charlie Calello & Al Kooper/Backup Vocals-Mike Gately, Robert John, Lou Christie/Recorded at Columbia Studios, NYC by Don Puluse

34. Lucille

(Al Kooper) 3:24

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.......One of the craziest songs (musically AND lyrically) I ever wrote. Powered by one of the best arrangement collaborations, this definitely doesnt sound much like anybody elses work.... and thats what its all about sometimes...... Organ, Piano,Guitar Solos, Wah Wah Guitar-Al Kooper/Rhythm Guitar-Hugh McCracken/Bass-Chuck Rainey/Drums-Al Rogers/ Saxes: George Young, Sol Schlinger, Seldon Powell, Joe Farrell/Trumpets: Bernie Glow, Ernie Royal, Marvin Stamm Trombones: Ray Desio, Jimmy Knepper, Bill Watrous, Tony Studd/Arranged by Al Kooper & Charlie Calello/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, NYC by Glenn Kolotkin

35. Magic In My Sox

(Al Kooper)

3:54

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.....folk songs can b soulful if youre in the right frame of mind. A rare (outside of the group Chicago) guitar solo by Terry Kath who,contractually at the time, had to do it on the sly; and wonderful wailing by Rita Coolidge in the fade...... Organ, Piano, Mellotron-Al Kooper/Guitar-Louie Shelton/Guitar Solo-Terry Kath/ Bass-Bobby West/Drums-Paul Humphries/Percussion-Bobbi Hall Porter/Ending Vocal Solo-Rita Coolidge/BG Vocals-Julia Tillman, Edna Woods, Lorna Willard, Robbie Montgomery, Jesse Smith, Donna Weiss, Rita Coolidge/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, CA by Robert Gratz

36. 500 Miles (Can You Hear It Now)

(adptd&arrngd-Al Kooper) 3:26

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....songwriting very inuenced by the 4 Tops. One of my fantasies was that they might record it someday. There are few better compliments to a songwriter than to have had Levi sing your song..... Electric Guitar, Mellotron, Piano, Organ, Arp Synthesizer-Al Kooper/ Acoustic Guitar-Alan Parker/Bass-Herbie Flowers/Drums-Barry Morgan/BG Vox-Claudia Linnear,Linda Lewis, Mike Gately, Robert John/ Recorded at Air Studios, London UK by John Punter

37. Fly On (for Levi Stubbs)

(Al Kooper)

3:14

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...there must always be at least one Bo Diddely tune no matter what. A bizarre arrangement in relation to the Diddelyness of it, but it trucks on nonetheless. Again, what wonderful players and singers to work with! Piano, Organ, wah wah & lead Guitar, horn arrangement-Al Kooper/BassCarol Kaye/ Guitar- Louie Shelton/Percussion-Bobbi Hall Porter/Drums-Paul Humphries/BG Vox-Rita Coolidge, Vanetta Fields, Clydie King, Donna Weiss, Julia Tillman, Edna Wright, Maxine Willard/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, CA by Robert Gratz

38. Dearest Darling

(Elias McDaniel)

3:53

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....an actual live jam, warts and all, not planned to be on an album, and then overdubbed with piano, organ and voices. Recorded with my live band at the time aka Frankie & Johnny. A great keepsake for us and hopefully you... Organ,Piano,Lead Guitar-AlKooper/Rhthym Guitar-Frank Ribando/Bass-John Paul Fetta/Drums-Eddie Barbato/BG Vox- Tasha Thomas, Linda November, Eileen Gilbert, Maretha Stewart,Patti Austin, Albertine Robinson/ Recorded at Columbia Studios New York City by Glenn Kolotkin

39. As The Years Go Passing By

(Don Malone) 6:02

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......I would usually rush into the nearest studio to record demos when I nished a few new songs. This was an actual dream I had 3 nights in a row when I was 16 years old. It was quite memorable and I was amazed I could get it into songform so easily..... All instruments- Al Kooper except Drums-Roy Markowitz. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios, NYC by Kim King

40. Nightmare#5 Demo

(Al Kooper) 3:06

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....The main difference, other than better sound between the demo & master (here) is the amazing bass playing of Herbie Flowers and the great English drum sound of engineer Ken Scott. I probably sing it better here as well..... Piano, Organ, Mellotron, Acoustic Guitar-Al Kooper/Acoustic 12-String GuitarCaleb Quaye/Bass-Herbie Flowers/Drums-Roger Pope/ Recorded at Trident Studios, London UK by Ken Scott

41. Nightmare#5

(Al Kooper)

3:01

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...actually the shell arrangement of a song that never survived. I submitted this to the World Wrestling Federation for theme song consideration. Im still waiting for a call back..... Clavinet, Fender Rhodes Piano, Lead Guitar (verses)-Al Kooper/ Rhythm Guitar & Guitar Synthesizer solos-Jeff Baxter/Bass-Neil Stubenhaus/Drums -Vince Coliauta / Horns-Tower of Power/Percussion - Steve Forman/Horns Arranged by Al Kooper & Charlie Calello/Recorded At Rudy Records, Hollywood, CA by Bill Szymczyk, who also produced.

42. Wrestle With This

(Al Kooper)

5:22

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......a sad song about growing up. I still believe that the core brainstance of each senior citizen never exceeds 27 years of age and that none of us actually see our true image in the mirror....... Electric Guitar, Mellotron, Piano, Organ, Arp Synthesizer-Al Kooper/ Acoustic Guitar-Alan Parker/Bass-Herbie Flowers/Drums-Barry Morgan / BG Vox-Claudia Lennear,Linda Lewis,Barry St. John, Liza Strike, Mike Gately, Robert John/ Recorded at Air Studio, London, UK by John Punter

43. Childhoods End

(Al Kooper)

3:26

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....Seatrain was a Blues Project spin-off band led by bassist Andy Kulberg. This song was in their live show at the time and I took a shine to it. In hindsight, this is most remembered (by me) for the piano solo played right at Ray Charles.... Piano, Organ, - Al Kooper/Guitars -Wayne Moss & Charlie Daniels/ Bass - Charlie McCoy/ Drums- Kenny Butty/ Pedal Steel - Pete Drake / BG Vocals - The Blossoms/ Strings Arranged by Charles Calello/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, Nashville, TN by Neil Wilburn

44. Let The Duchess No

(Jim Roberts-John Gregory)

3:19

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....a fear tone poem spurred on by the reigning Nixon administration. Sounded like it was written yesterday as the economy began to crumble in the last days of the Bush administration...... a nervous closer for the Easy Does It album... The Wrecking Crew - Guitars- Tommy Tedesco, Louie Shelton/Piano-Larry Knechtel/Bass-Lyle Ritz/Drums-Earl Palmer/Arranged by Jimmy Haskell & Al Kooper/ Recorded at Columbia Studios Hollywood, CA by Sy Mitchell

45. God Sheds His Grace On Thee

(Al Kooper)

2:09

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....A love song the way you hope it will come out. One of those that takes less than two hours and spills out with no obstacles. The middle instrumental is a tribute to Beach Boy Brian & Pet Sounds.......... Organ,Police Car-Al Kooper/Piano-Paul Grifn/ Guitars-Hugh McCracken, Ralph Casale, Stu Scharff/ Bass-Chuck Rainey/Drums-Johnny Cresci/Arranged by Charlie Calello & Al Kooper/ Recorded at Columbia Studios, NYC by Fred Catero

46. I Can Love A Woman

(Al Kooper)

3:24

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.....I had a short affair with Quincy Jones daughter. I chronicled it in a song and played it for her. After it was recorded, she made me play it for Quincy. He listened intently and when it ended he said: I feel like Im peepin thru the keyhole!....Willie Mitchell picked it up for an Al Green session, but a new song by Al knocked it off the date. Musically, I kinda wrote it for Al Green....... Acoustic Piano,Mellotron, Arp Synthesizer-Al Kooper+ The Atlanta Rhythm Section - Wurlitzer Piano-Dean Daughtry/Guitars-Barry Bailey, J.R. Cobb/Bass-Paul Goddard/Drums-Robert Nix/BG Vox- Tasha Thomas, Linda November, Eileen Gilbert, Maretha Stewart,Patti Austin, Albertine Robinson/ Recorded at Studio One, Doraville, GA by Rodney Mills/Voices recorded in NYC by Don Puluse

47. Jolie

(Al Kooper)

3:44

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.... I ended up one somg short for the Naked Songs album. So, late one night, I tried this out, all by myself and left it as it was. A gospel fan, I loved the Soul Stirrers when Sam Cooke & Johnnie Taylor were in the group on the Specialty label.... Piano, Organ, all voices - Al Kooper/Recorded at Studio One, Doraville, GA by Rodney Mills

48. Touch The Hem Of His Garment

(Sam Cooke)

4:03

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....an amazing composition originally recorded by Stevie Wonder. I always wanted to record it and here was my chance with the band of my choice... Guitar Solo, Organ-Al Kooper/Guitars-Eric Gale,Cornell Dupree/Electric PianoPaul Grifn/Bass-Chuck Rainey/Drums-Bernard Purdie/Percussion-George Devens/ Saxes: George Young, Sol Schlinger, Seldon Powell, Joe Farrell/Trumpets: Bernie Glow, Ernie Royal, Marvin Stamm/Trombones: Ray Desio, Jimmy Knepper, Bill Watrous, Tony Studd/Strings-unknown/Arranged by Al Kooper & Charlie Calello/Recorded at Columbia Studios, NYC by Stan Tonkel

49. I Dont Know Why I Love You (Hunter-Hardaway-Wonder-Riser) 3:22

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....Another raging love song - a great album closer. At the end the song, the background singers are singing: ..this is the end of the album, trumpet solo by Marvin, etc.. Also a great sax solo by Joe Farrell. God surely blessed me by allowing me to collaborate with all the legendary players and engineers he sent my way over the course of this fty year career....so far..... Organ-Al Kooper/Piano-Frank Owens /Guitars-Eric Gale, Hugh McCracken, Ralph Casale/Bass-Jerry Jemmott/ Drums-Al Rogers/Percussion-George Devens/Background Vocals-Toni Wine, Linda November,Albertine Robinson, Melba Moore/ Saxes: George Young, Sol Schlinger, Seldon Powell, Joe Farrell/Trumpets: Bernie Glow, Ernie Royal, Marvin Stamm/Trombones: Ray Desio, Jimmy Knepper, Bill Watrous, Tony Studd/Sax Solo-Joe Farrell/Trumpet Solo-Marvin Stamm/Strings-unknown/Arranged by Charlie Calello & Al Kooper/Recorded at Columbia Studios, NYC by Frank Laico
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50. Im Never Gonna Let You Down

(Al Kooper)

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This is what I though Id look like

Photo Credit: HORN-GRINER PHOTO

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...and this is what I actually look like

Photo Credit: GUY WEBSTER

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Shuggie Otis at the kooper session

Photo Credit: SONY RECORDS

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Al w/ Bernie Taupin in the early 70s

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Al shows Frank Owens why he hired Frank to play piano on this song
Photo Credit: SONY RECORDS

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The Easy Does It band live At the Bitter End NYC 1970 w/ Stu Woods on bass & Rick Marotta on drums

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Tie-dyed and mystied with Landlord director Hal Ashby - 1969

Photo Credit: AL KOOPER COLLECTION

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Al & Charlie Calello making arrangements

Photo Credit: SONY RECORDS

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The actual person being discussed in this song

Photo Credit: AL KOOPER COLLECTION

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Photo from the singles sleeve

Back roW LeFt to rigHt: SandY SPeiser, HaroLd KoMisar, Ed Lee, Giorgio GoMeLskY,Mike GateLY, SandY (WaLLY GoLds secretarY), LLoYd ZiFF, UnidentiFied Lad, UbidentiFied Man, JaMes FoUratt. Front roW: TWo Midgets actUaLLY FroM tHe cast oF THe Wizard oF Oz MoVie, and AL WHo Was tied UP at tHe MoMent
Photo Credit: SONY RECORDS

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King of The Bass, wide-eyed Herbie Flowers rolls along...

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Screamin Buzzy Feiten needs no test drive

Photo Credit: GARY NICHAMIN

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My usual NYC femme fatales: Maretha Stewart, Melba Moore, Albertine Robinson, Hilda Harris & Eileen Gilbert get ready put down amazing vocals on Looking 4 A Home
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Shuggie Otis nds a home

Photo Credit: SONY RECORDS

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Charlie Callelo
Photo Credit: AL KOOPER COLLECTION

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Here I am convincing Kris Kristofferom to let go of Rita Coolidge long enough for her to sing the fade in 500 Miles. I did it, she hit it, and he lit it..
Photo Credit: AL KOOPER COLLECTION

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Al & Bill Szymczyk reminisce about working together on Championship Wrestling reversing their roles in this photo
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Trombonist Ray Desio, Charlie Calello, Al & Frank Owens change what is necessary during the recording of Im Never Gonna Let You Down , 1968 NYC

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Recording Where Were You with my live band: Frank Ribando, Eddie Barbato & John Paul Fetta 1972 NYC
Photo Credit: AL KOOPER COLLECTION

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COMPILATION PRODUCED BY AL KOOPER EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: BRUCE DICKINSON & JOHN JACKSON PROJECT DIRECTOR: ADAM BLOCK REMASTERED AT SUBTERRANEAN HOMESICK STUDIOS,SOMERVILLE, MA BY DAVE ROBERTS & AL KOOPER ORIGINAL TRACKS PRODUCED BY AL KOOPER I WISH YOU WOULD & WRESTLE WITH THIS PRODUCED BY BILL SZYMCZYK MASTERS TRANSFERRED AT BATTERY STUDIOS BY MARIA TRIANA ART DIRECTION: AL KOOPER DESIGN BY TATIANA MARCUSIAN & ROB CARTER BOOKLET COVER DESIGN BY TATIANA MARCUSIAN & AL KOOPER DIGITAL BOOKLET ASSISTANCE: ROB CARTER LINER NOTES BY JAMES ISAACS & BOB LEFSETZ

SPECIAL THANKS
Adam Block, Tom Cording, Randy Haecker, Bruce Dickinson, both John Jacksons, Allan Tucker, Charles Calello, Tatiana Marcusian, Rob Carter,James Isaacs, Susan Monosson, Bob Lefsetz, Sam Gomez, Che Williams, Jamie Bush, Arthur Levy, Thom Jurek, Mike Goldsmith, Phil Antoinades, Nimbit, Dave Cofn, Rebecca Rist, Darren Salmieri, Donna Kloepfer, Mike Kull, Courtney Smith. ,Mark Ostow, and all the musicians and photographers contained herein without whom this particular compilation would not exist..

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CHILD IS FATHER TO THE MAN

SUPER SESSION

THE LIVE ADVENTURES OF MIKE BLOOMFIELD & AL KOOPER

I STAND ALONE

KOOPER SESSION

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOUR FRIENDS ARE

EASY DOES IT

NEW YORK CITY (YOURE A WOMAN)

A POSSIBLE PROJECTION OF THE FUTURE

NAKED SONGS

ALS BIG DEAL

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING

RARE AND WELL DONE

LOST FILIMORE CONCERT

50/50

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JAMES ISAACS 1 2 3 4 5

So, you think you know Al Kooper?

If you are a longtime fan you know that Kooper broke into big-time rocknroll at age 14, when he joined the Royal Teens, whose Short Shorts gave him a leg up in the music business. And if youre a child of the 60s you are well aware that Kooper helped create Bob Dylans hard, radically new rock nroll sound (and, by extension, what came to be known as folk rock )_when he played the organ on Dylans epochal single, Like a Rolling Stone. You also are acquainted with Koopers work with the Blues Project, and that he founded the pioneering jazz-rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears. And it might come as no surprise that he co-wrote the 1965 chart-topper This Diamond Ring for Gary Lewis and the Playboys. More Kooper achievements that might ring a bell: came up with the concept of Super Session, and produced the hit LP on which he co-starred with guitarists Michael Bloomeld and Stephen Stills; recorded as a sideman with, among many, many others, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, the Who, George Harrison, BB King, Tom Petty and The Who. And if you own certain discs by Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd (a Kooper discovery), the Tubes and Rick Nelson then you know that Koopers producing credits are formidable.

But THIS you really should know:

Musician/producer/memoirist/prolific recording artist Al Kooper has self-compiled the best of his Columbia Records solo career. Most of the songs in this compilation - appropriately titled 50/50 for the number of songs in the package and the half-century Kooper has been at the fore-

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front of the music industry. Previously unavailable digitally in the United States prior to this release, Kooper took great care to locate the original master tapes of each song and in his home studio transferred them carefully to utilize the latest technology, in order to bring the sound up to date. Creatively, they are untouched and stand up proudly on their own merits. For the rst time, the listener can evaluate Als comparatively early tracks by todays standards. As a songwriter, Koopers body of work pays homage to its inuences, yet intelligently transforms them. Koopers ear for talent led him to cover other songwriters material, many quite early in their careers (Elton John and Harry Nilsson). Rounding out 50/50 are 15 numbers written by other artists such as songs by the aforementioned John and Nilsson alongside legendary gures such as Bob Dylan, Jimmy Reed, Sam Cooke, Bo Diddely, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder.

Thirty-ve songs were written or cowritten by Al decades ago and they easily stand up to any of todays noted songwriters. Ask musicians in their 20s what the chords are to Buckskin Boy, Unrequited Magic In My Socks or Im Never Gonna Let You Down and they surely will be as ummoxed as if you had asked them to essay the harmonic structure of Laura, Tenderly or Dave Brubecks The Duke. No wonder Donny Hathaway, The Beastie Boys, Keely Smith, Gene Pitney, Carmen MacRae, Lorraine Ellison, The Staple Singers, Pat Boone, Bobby Vee, Rufus, Ten Years After, Roger McGuinn, Leo Sayer, Jay-Z , Marc Broussard and many others have all recorded Kooper compositions. As a lyricist, Kooper is able to recount stories eloquently such as Nightmare #5 Peacock Lady, Earth Mother or Living In My Own Religion with the skill and grace recalling those of his fabled inuences. His fans ARE his fans because they easily relate to his tales the way he tells em.

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Providing musical assistance on these tracks is a mini Whos Who of the past four decades. Mick Taylor and Terry Kath, respectively, rip off some searing solos. Superstar studio musicians, the usually uncredited and unknown geniuses that made Brian Wilson, Burt Bachrach, Bob Dylan, Phil Spector, and Motown shine on vinyl all those years ago are also present. Kooper would travel great distances to use certain brilliant players such as bassist Herbie Flowers in the UK, pedal steeler Pete Drake in Nashville, guitarist Little Beaver in Florida, and drummer Earl Palmer in Los Angeles. And lets not overlook LAs Wrecking Crew on a couple of these included goodies. Many of todays studio stalwarts started out on these Kooper sessions like drummers Rick Marotta and Vinnie Coliauta, the latter of whom Kooper snatched out of school at age twenty to go on the road for the rst time. In Koopers hometown of New York, regular pickers on his dates were keyboardists Paul Grifn and Frank Owens, guitarists Eric Gale, Hugh McCracken and Al Gorgoni, bassists Chuck Rainey

and Jerry Jemmott and drummers Bernard Pretty Purdie and Al Rogers. These musicians relished the arrangements of Kooper and Charles Calello, his most frequent arranging collaborator. In addition, Kooper sometimes employed uber-arrangers Jimmy Wiz Wisner and Jimmy Haskell. The personnel of all tracks are included in detail, whenever possible, in this digital anthology. Finally, Kooper was one of the rst to selfproduce his recordings, beginning here with I Stand Alone, his rst solo album, and continuing up to the present. His mentors, John Simon, Jerry Ragavoy, Brian Wilson and Steve Alaimo remain good friends and fans today. 50/50 is a must-have for the Kooper Kompleatist. Its all here, and its Al here in all his undiscovered, new-sounding glory.

And you thought you knew Al Kooper . . .

James Isaacs December 2008

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.....a few words from Bob Lefsetz...

Back in the day every time I saw that Super Session record, I spun it. I didnt own it. I couldnt afford it. But I needed I -Stand Alone . You see I purchased that rst BS&T album from a kid in Social Studies class. Used. Its a masterpiece. People remember I Love You More Than Youll Ever Know , Al has to play it at every gig, but my absolute favorite is the closer, So Much Love ... More than enough to last a whole life through And its all for you! I HAD to buy Als rst solo record, I Stand Alone . I needed more of THIS! There was an overture, that seemed to pick up where the Underture from that rst BS&T album left off. Then came those swinging horns, a groove people south of the MasonDixon Line thought no white boy could pull off, and soulfully Al sang...I STAND ALONE! Maybe you listened to your records at parties. I played mine in my bedroom. They elated me, they made me believe a better life was coming. But it wasnt only the title track. There was a cover of One that cut Three Dog Nights hit version of the Nilsson song to shreds - I was converted. I had my mother mail I Stand Alone to me that summer I spent in Chicago. I had to play it for Paul, the frat rat in the basement who ended up becoming a famous AIDS doctor. Thats what you do with your favorite records, you play them for everybody you know. I purchased You Never Know Your Friends Are the day it came out. At E.J. Korvette in Trumbull, Connecticut. Time goes by so slowly now, while we contemplate where all the great records went, albums that we ripped the shrinkwrap off of and played for a week straight to decode their essence. Magic In My Sox was the record what was left of BS&T wished they could cut. The cover of Mourning Glory Story has got the haunting feel from that rst BS&T effort. Dont forget, this was YEARS before Harry Nilsson broke through on his own. Al knew all the great cuts. Hell, youve got to love ANYBODY who covers Trafcs Coloured Rain .

Dont we all.

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BOB LEFSETZ 1 2 3 4 5

I nally went to college. There was no Amazon. com, I had no automobile, I was hours from Korvettes. A dedicated record collector like myself couldnt pay full price for an album. But I forked over my money for Als 1970 release Easy Does It at the Vermont Book Shop in Middlebury, Vermont. I needed it. When I listen toBrand New Day now it brings me right back there. Literally right to the record bins in the back of that establishment. You remember purchasing important records. And how could a New Yorker be so prescient as to move to Hot Lanta and sign one of the best southern rock bands ever, the one with the perennial top three track, Free Bird? Al doesnt get enough credit, nor royalties, for making the rst three Lynyrd Skynyrd albums. But he was still a deity in my book. I remember moving to L.A. and seeing him drive his Excalibur down Sunset. Not long thereafter I saw him shopping for records at Tower close to midnight. Thats Al. Always in the right place, at the right time. And all the players he worked with on the tunes in this package. Everybody from Tommy Tedesco to Herbie Flowers. He marvels that he got these gods to play with him.

But in my book Al Kooper is a god. My heart skipped a beat when I rst saw his name in my e-mail inbox. Al may not contemplate his place in rock history, but in my world he will never be forgotten. Hes Top Ten. Now youve got pristine versions of these classic tracks. Revel in their sonic purity, bathe in their aural greatness, marvel at the incredible work of this living legend. I AM!

Bob Lefsetzs internet blogs are read by the entire music industry and then some. Bob doesnt hold back and praises and skewers those that deserve his kindesses or rantings. Visit the archive: http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/ If you would like to subscribe to the Lefsetz Letter, http://www.lefsetz.com/lists/?p=subscribe&id=1

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Photo Credit: SONY RECORDS

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Photo Credit: AL KOOPER COLLECTION

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Photo Credit: ALICE OCHS

50 50
tracks years

NOTES

TRACKS

PHOTOS

DISCOGRAPHY

CREDITS

Photo Credit: IRA WEXLER

50 50
tracks years

NOTES

TRACKS

PHOTOS

DISCOGRAPHY

CREDITS

Photo Credit: AL KOOPER COLLECTION

50 50
tracks years

NOTES

TRACKS

PHOTOS

DISCOGRAPHY

CREDITS

Photo Credit: SONY RECORDS

50 50
tracks years

NOTES

TRACKS

PHOTOS

DISCOGRAPHY

CREDITS

Photo Credit: SONY RECORDS

50 50
tracks years

NOTES

TRACKS

PHOTOS

DISCOGRAPHY

CREDITS

Photo Credit: MIcHAeL SULLIVAn

50 50
tracks years

NOTES

TRACKS

PHOTOS

DISCOGRAPHY

CREDITS

Photo Credit: BrIAn Hennesy

50 50
tracks years

NOTES

TRACKS

PHOTOS

DISCOGRAPHY

CREDITS

Photo Credit: SONY RECORDS

50 50
tracks years

NOTES

TRACKS

PHOTOS

DISCOGRAPHY

CREDITS

Photo Credit: DILLArd Bodden

50 50
tracks years

NOTES

TRACKS

PHOTOS

DISCOGRAPHY

CREDITS

Photo Credit: DAVID GAHR

50 50
tracks years

NOTES

TRACKS

PHOTOS

DISCOGRAPHY

CREDITS

Photo Credit: JAN ZLOTNICK