Al Kooper

Those that know contemporary pop rock music, know the name Al Kooper. As a professional musician since his formative years, there’s little that the musical genius has not done. From sought-after session player to audio engineer, from jazz and blues to rock ’n’ roll, Kooper has seen, played, recorded and produced it all. 

 
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The disc opens with the rock and soul of “My Hands Are Tied.” Other
highlights include “Keep it To Yourself” and “Get Ready.” At 14 tracks,
it’s an ambitious record, but then again, this is Kooper’s first solo
recording in 30 years, so he had to make up for lost time. And, make up
for lost time he does. Backed by a first-rate brass section known as
the Funky Faculty, the musical mensch Kooper conducts this band of
musical brothers on a smooth and soulful ride. Black Coffee is aptly
titled since these 14 tunes are best listened to while sipping your
morning cup of Joe on Saturday morning while reading the paper.
Kooper’s soulful and soft delivery provides a great background for
casual conversation and it’s easy listening music. Just to keep the
listener awake though, there are songs where he turns up the decibel
level and lets the Funky Faculty jam it out — most notably the groovy
instrumental “Green Onions (Live)” that showcases Kooper’s manic
keyboard playing. The most ambitious of these tracks is the funk blues
of the other live track “Comin’ Back in a Cadillac,” which clocks in at
just under 10 minutes.



Overall, Black Coffee shows that like a good caffeine kick, the 61-year-old Kooper shows no signs of slowing down.



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To purchase this CD or learn more about Al Kooper, visit his website @ http://www.alkooper.com



-David McPherson