The Blues Project Albums (5)
'Original Blues Project Reunion in Central Park'
Release Date 1/1/1973
Tracks 10
Label MGM
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What The Critics Say
Considering the acrimony with which the original lineup had broken up six years earlier -- Tommy Flanders (who wasn't even here for this event) stomping out at the end of the group's beginning and Al Kooper cast out in an internal hijacking at the beginning of its end -- this ranks as one of the most artistically successful reunions in blues or rock. The participants are all on the same page and, to judge from the evidence of this recording, in the same groove from beginning to end. The rocking numbers like "You Can't Catch Me" work the best, but tracks like "Steve's Song" and "Louisiana Blues" are equally rewarding. If there were any personality conflicts, they don't show, and while Kooper and Danny Kalb are in the best position to shine, everyone acquits themselves well, and the quintet creates a truly long-lasting concert document of their work. Most important, the members seem to respect their own past -- and re-create it with spontaneity and energy. And the sound quality is first-rate as well. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide
'Planned Obsolescence'
Release Date 1/1/1968
Tracks 10
Label Forecast
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'The Blues Project Live at Town Hall'
Release Date 1/1/1967
Tracks 7
Label Verve Forecast
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What The Critics Say
A collection of studio outtakes and some live performances from Stony Brook College (not Town Hall) comprise this uneven last-ditch effort to get something out as Al Kooper was leaving to form Blood, Sweat & Tears. Kooper's "No Time Like the Right Time" is the studio single with canned applause added, and "Wake Me, Shake Me" is taken at a frantic pace. ~ Dan Forte, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Produced by Tom Wilson (Dylan, Zappa), the Blues Project's second effort was their finest hour. In less than a year the enthusiastic live band had matured into a seasoned studio ensemble. Steve Katz's features are lightweight folk but Al Kooper reworks two gospel themes ("Wake Me, Shake Me," "I Can't Keep from Crying") into ambitious blues-rock compositions, and Danny Kalb proves he's no mere folkie on extended versions of "Two Trains Running" and "Caress Me Baby." Bassist Andy Kulberg switches to flute and Kalb gets psychedelic on the jazzy "Flute Thing," penned by Kooper. ~ Dan Forte, All Music Guide
'Live at the Café Au Go Go'
Release Date 1/1/1966
Tracks 11
Label Verve Forecast
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What The Critics Say
Although Tommy Flanders (who'd already left the band by the time this debut hit the streets) is credited as sole vocalist, four of the then-sextet's members sang; in fact, Danny Kalb handles as many leads as Flanders (four each), Steve Katz takes center stage on Donovan's "Catch the Wind," and Al Kooper is featured on "I Want to Be Your Driver." The band could be lowdown when appropriate (Kalb's reading of "Jelly, Jelly"), high energy (Muddy Waters' "Goin' Down Louisiana" sounds closer to Chuck Berry or Bo Diddley), and unabashedly eclectic (tossing in Donovan or Eric Andersen with no apologies). Kalb's moody take on "Alberta" is transcendent, and the uptempo arrangement of "Spoonful" is surprisingly effective. [The Acadia label reissued Live at the Café Au Go Go in 2004 with six bonus tracks, including an alternative version of "Who Do You Love?"] ~ Dan Forte, All Music Guide
