Al Kooper

Al Kooper & Mike Bloomfield Perform 'Albert's Shuffle' Live at Columbia Studio

Columbia Records Studio
Los Angeles, CA, United States

• In May 1968, during the recording of "Albert's Shuffle," Al Kooper was at a pivotal point in his career, having recently gained prominence through his... Read Full Description >

  In May 1968, during the recording of "Albert's Shuffle," Al Kooper was at a pivotal point in his career, having recently gained prominence through his involvement with the seminal album "Super Session." Released shortly after the live performance in Columbia Records Studio, "Super Session" showcased Kooper's talents as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter alongside notable guitarist Mike Bloomfield. This album marked a significant shift in Kooper's career, highlighting his collaborative spirit and ability to blend various musical styles, effectively bridging rock, blues, and jazz influences. Interestingly, the very format of "Super Session" was groundbreaking; it involved recording spontaneous jam sessions with different musicians, emphasizing the creativity and chemistry of live performance. This collaboration with Bloomfield was vital not only for the album's success but also for Kooper's reputation as an innovative artist in the music scene.

Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper Perform 'The Weight' Live at Fillmore West

Fillmore West
San Francisco, CA, United States

• In September 1968, during the time of the live recording "The Weight" at Fillmore West, Al Kooper was riding high on his success following the release... Read Full Description >

  In September 1968, during the time of the live recording "The Weight" at Fillmore West, Al Kooper was riding high on his success following the release of his album *You Never Know Who Your Friends Are* earlier that year. This album marked a significant point in his career as it showcased his versatility beyond his work with bands like Blood, Sweat & Tears and The Blues Project. Interestingly, this performance featured notable guitarist Carlos Santana, further highlighting the era's rich tapestry of musical collaboration. Kooper’s ability to blend rock, blues, and jazz elements became a defining characteristic of his style, and this live rendition of The Band's classic illustrates his role as a connector among prominent artists of the time.

Johnny Winter, Mike Bloomfield, and Al Kooper Perform 'It's My Own Fault' Live at Fillmore East

Fillmore East
New York, NY, USA

• In December 1968, when Al Kooper performed at the Fillmore East alongside Johnny Winter and Mike Bloomfield, he was in the midst of a vibrant and tran... Read Full Description >

  In December 1968, when Al Kooper performed at the Fillmore East alongside Johnny Winter and Mike Bloomfield, he was in the midst of a vibrant and transformative period in his career. His most recent studio album, "Kooper Session," was released earlier that same year. This album showcased Kooper's versatility and highlighted his collaborative spirit, while also featuring innovative arrangements that blended rock, blues, and jazz influences. The live recording from the Fillmore East captures not only the electric atmosphere of the concert but also illustrates Kooper's ability to improvise and adapt in a dynamic live setting. Notably, Kooper had gained acclaim as the founding member of the supergroup Blood, Sweat & Tears, which further solidified his reputation in the music industry. This concert reflected the burgeoning collaboration between Kooper and Winter, marking an exciting chapter in both artists' legacies.

Al Kooper and Mike Bloomfield Perform 'Season of the Witch' Live at Fillmore East

Fillmore East
New York, NY, United States

• In December 1968, Al Kooper was in an exciting phase of his career, having just released the album "Super Session" earlier that year, which was a sign... Read Full Description >

  In December 1968, Al Kooper was in an exciting phase of his career, having just released the album "Super Session" earlier that year, which was a significant success. This live performance at Fillmore East with Mike Bloomfield, showcased in the video "Season of the Witch," reflects the collaboration that was pivotal for both artists. "Super Session" capitalized on the burgeoning blues-rock genre and featured numerous other musicians, emphasizing Kooper's versatility as a keyboardist and producer. The Fillmore venue was a hotspot for live music during the late 1960s, adding to the cultural legacy of the performance. Kooper was known for his innovative approach, blending rock with elements of jazz and blues, which is evident in this recording. This period marked a high point in Kooper's creative output, demonstrating his ability to captivate audiences through compelling live music.