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The Best Of The Folk, Jazz, Rock, Rhythm And Blues Project

Mike King | Taunton, MA United States | 10/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Blues Project is the best sixties band you probably never heard of. Al Kooper wrote and sang the leadoff track, "No Time Like The Right Time." It's a catchy pop song with psychedelic touches, and was the closest the band ever came to a hit song. The band performs Chuck Berry's "I Want To Be Your Driver" with an updated sixties arrangement, featuring a blistering Al Kooper lead vocal. Danny Kalb sings lead on two bluesy covers of Muddy Waters' songs, "Goin' Down Louisiana" and the epic "Two Trains Running." Tommy Flanders sings "Violets Of Dawn," a folk-rock song written by Eric Anderson, which would have been right at home on a Byrds album. Steve Katz wrote and sang the appropriately named "Steve's Song." It's a folk ballad featuring harpsichord and flute. My favorite song is a great jazz instrumental, written by Al Kooper, entitled "Flute Thing." This collection includes the original studio version, as well as a live version recorded at their Central Park reunion concert in 1973. A diverse group that explored so many musical genres was destined not to last very long. Both Al Kooper and Steve Katz left The Blues Project to form Blood, Sweat And Tears. Fortunately for us, The Blues Project left a legacy of some great songs to enjoy."