Al Kooper – one of the seminal figures of the New York scene in the late Sixties – was a ubiquitous multi-instrumentalist and producer. He was also a talent scout, as became apparent when he discovered the remarkable guitarist and singer Shuggie Otis.

After working with Bob Dylan and creating Blood, Sweat & Tears, Kooper began to devote more time to producing other musicians. Among the first results of this activity was a superb 1969 album that showcases the talents of Shuggie, then just 15-years old.

The lad’s youthful enthusiasm and energy blends with Kooper’s more mature musical contribution on keyboards on a selection of songs and blues jams. The pair are backed by a solid ‘house band’ on the rave up gospel number ‘Bury My Body’, and the styles vary from the funk of a Booker T & The MGs ‘cover’, to the traditional blues of ‘Shuggie’s Old Time Slide Boogie’ with its nifty piano and slide guitar duet.

A satisfying blues bash, full of musical surprises.