Description:
Raven presents, on a Double CD, two landmark albums by legendary multi-instrumentalist, producer and solo artist Al Kooper. Few American musicians have pursued a more diverse or more fascinating career than Kooper. As well as playing organ on Bob Dylans timeless Like a Rolling Stone, having formed Blood Sweat & Tears and produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kooper has issued a dozen solo albums. I Stand Alone (his debut LP, 1968) incorporates soul and pop, jazz and classical elements, making for a seamless and enjoyable whole. As well as covers of Hey, Western Union Man, Coloured Rain and Blue Moon of Kentucky, Kooper excels with classy originals I Can Love a Woman and Right Now For You. You Never Know Who Your Friends Are (1969) ups the ante with the brassy Magic in My Socks, the swooping, soulful Loretta (Union Turnpike Eulogy), the joyous pop-rock of the title track and extraordinary covers of Motown tunes Too Busy Thinking about My Baby and I Dont Know Why I Love You. This top-value package comes complete with seven bonus tracks, including Brand New Day from Koopers original soundtrack for the film The Landlord (1970). Kooper maintains a busy touring and recording schedule to this day (Black Coffee, 2005) and, as All Music states, he remains a formidable performing talent, and one of the most inspired and intelligent people in rock music. This great value 2-CD set showcases Koopers incredible musicianship at its creative and innovative peak. (Raven)
