R E S T A U R ANT

`Al Hooper: Rare Well Done'

The Greatest and Most Obscure Recordings
1964-2001 (Columbia/Lev())

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is easier to compare Al Kooper to deluxe set's Rare disc offers both the
a Rubik's Cube than to describe
casual listener and Kooper devotee
him as a major figure in rock 'n'
marvelous insights into the maverick
roll. But no matter which way one
musician's personal tastes.
twists, turns or strategizes, arranging
There's a closeted stockpile of
his colorful, multifaceted career into
relics, dating from as far back as his
perspective is either a frustrating puz-
first solo 45, "New York's My Home
zle or a triumphant reward.
(Razz-a-Ma-Tazz)" in 1964, plus
Most of the challenge, however, is
freshened and updated material that
eased by this double-CD retrospec-
rook Kooper back into the studio
tive, which reissues highlights from
earlier this year.
several of Kooper's out-of-print solo
The latter tracks are among the most
albums and entreats collectors with a satisfying, particularly a 2001 R&B
trove of previously unreleased mate-
revamping of the classic Blood,
rial and obscure collectibles.
Sweat & Tears song
Both unreleased and obscure ---------,
is Kooper's own version of his
composition "This Diamond
Ring," best remembered as a
No 1 hit by Gary Lewis and
the Playboys in 1965. Despite
the version heard millions of
times on the radio, Kooper had
written the song with an R&B
feel. The song was originally
intended for the Drifters, and
Kooper presents it here as it was first
'I Can't Quit Her."
conceived.
And Kooper's emulating of Brian
On the collection's Well Done disc, Wilson on "Autumn Song" shows
Kooper revisits vintage tracks and
why he considers the California
presents reinvigorated live perform-
genius' Pet Sounds to be his favorite
ances of milestones from his late-
album of all time.
'60s heydays with the eclectically
This attractively designed, tri-fold
influential rock-jazz-blues group the
collection is also visually enhanced by
Blues Project, the first incarnation of a booklet that's filled with Kooper's
Blood Sweat & Tears, and from his
commentaries about each of its 33
Super Session jams with guitarists
selections. It arrives in stores Sept. 18.
Mike Bloomfield and. Stephen Stills.
Reviewed by Martin Natchez
Unquestionably, the bait of the

ties, he is almost instantly accessible.
Kooper calls it "a place for Al-ficiona-
dos," and, he says, "it's great to be
one-on-one with my supporters and
answer any questions they may have
on a daily basis." (This interview was
conducted exclusively by e-mail in the
wee hours of the morning.)
Kooper always has a number of
projects going and works daily in his
home studio. Just next week, Sony
Legacy Records will release Kooper's
latest, a two-disc set, Rare +11,76'11
Done: The Greatest And Most Obscure
Recordings 1964-2001.
Kooper considers the package of
his hits, which he re-mastered, and
18 unreleased tracks "a fan's dream
— a career retrospective with lots of

new things to enjoy."
As his musical career enters its fifth
decade, Kooper is still creating new
musical experiences. Not bad for a guy
who claims his success is "90 percent
ambition and 10 percent talent." ❑

Al Kooper and the Funky Faculty
perform 7:15-9 p.m. Saturday,
Sept. 15, on the AAA/Metro
Times Center Stage at the Detroit
Festival of the Arts, which runs
Friday-Sunday, Sept 14-16, in the
University Cultural Center. Free.
For a complete schedule, call
(313) 577-5088, or visit the Web
site at www.detroitfestival.com .

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