Record Reviews

BLUES PROJECT ~ LAZARUS / THE BLUES PROJECT ACADIA 8072 (Barcode: 805772807228) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2004 5th and 6th albums by US group Blues ProjectFind albums by this artist, which fell apart soon after recording their three original albums, with keyboardist Al KooperFind albums by this artist and guitarist Steve KatzFind albums by this artist leaving to form the legendary Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and bassist Andy KulbergFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy BlumenfeldFind albums by this artist creating SeatrainFind albums by this artist. Blues Project founder, guitarist Danny KalbFind albums by this artist, resurrected the band in 1971, first as a trio and later on as a quintet, with original band members Blumenfeld (who left Seatrain in the meantime) and singer Tommy FlandersFind albums by this artist. This band recorded two albums, the first of which was recorded in the UK and the second in the US, produced by the legendary Gabriel MeklerFind albums by this artist (who produced SteppenwolfFind albums by this artist among others) and who also guests on the album on keyboards. These two albums are quite different from the recordings by the original band, but still present fairly strong efforts by talented musicians, with occasional excursions into the Blues format, but mostly featuring original material written by the band. Considering the fact that these two albums have been out of circulation for ages, it´s great to see them available again.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BLUES PROJECT ~ LIVE AT THE CAFÉ AU GO GO (EXPANDED EDITION) ACADIA 8070 (Barcode: 805772807020) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2004 1st album by US group Blues ProjectFind albums by this artist, formed in 1965 by blues fanatic Danny KalbFind albums by this artist and four other Jewish NY youngsters (well who else would play the Blues if not Jewish kids), including the legendary keyboardist Al KooperFind albums by this artist, freshly out of the first electric Bob DylanFind albums by this artist band. The Blues Project became the resident band at the NY club Café Au Go Go, drawing large crowds and swiftly becoming one of the most popular NY bands, with the Blues revival flourishing in the background and Blues-Rock being born. Therefore it´s hardly surprising that the band would record their debut album live at the club, which has become their place of residence, although starting off with a live album was hardly an acceptable norm. They were however always strongest live, as their future albums would prove. Although firmly based in the Blues tradition, the band played a strange amalgam of tunes, which included early Psychedelic adventures, Rock, Jazz and Rhythm And Blues, creating a unique sound and breaking new musical ground on the way. Kalb played some nifty guitar licks, Kooper was always brilliant on organ and electric piano and the other band members contributed their share, which all together sounded quite brilliant. The album includes 2 sessions, the first with the band´s lead singer Tommy FlandersFind albums by this artist, who left the band soon after, and the second without him. This new reissue includes all the tracks recorded during both these sessions, presenting the full document of the band at the time. In retrospect this is all not only great music, but a great trip down the memory lane – no one plays such honest music today. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend