Goin’ Down Louisiana/You Go I’ll Go With You/Catch The Wind/I Want To Be Your Driver/Alberta/The Way My Baby Walks/Violets Of Dawn/Back Door Man/Jelly Jelly Blues/Spoonful/Who Do You Love
The Blues Project became the resident band at the New York club Café Au Go Go, drawing large crowds and swiftly becoming one of the city’s most popular bands. This live album captured their performance. (US:77)
“It is hardly surprising that the band would record their debut album live at the club, which has become their place of residence, although starting off with a live album was hardly the norm back then. They were however always strongest live, as their future albums would prove. Although firmly based in the blues tradition, the band played a broad amalgam of tunes.”
“The Blues Project were definitely one of the more underappreciated groups of the 60s. Reasons why are not hard to find. In the world of pop, the blues were somewhat in eclipse in 1966 and the late-60s was still in the future. Also, it was becoming crucial for musicians to have their own material, and the original Blues Project were primarily interpreters - everything on this album is a cover. Third, the group had no real standout lead vocalist, and it seems that bands with only so-so vocals don't tend to do too well.”
“This album, recorded when the band had really been together only a few months, shows them already quite capably handling a wide spectrum of blues songs. Their primary strength is hard-driving, back-beat blues but they are also very effective on slower numbers. Two folk tunes point the way towards the more eclectic mix that would appear on their next album.”
“This album, their first, was recorded live; freshness, spontaneity, and sheer fun leap out from the speakers with amazing clarity. The later studio work from this group does not have the spark found on this one. If you have never heard it, and want to experience how a golden era of music began, a treat awaits.”
“This album was one of the most significant records of the '60s by a group that has been all but forgotten. The Blues Project was the seminal New York City psychedelic band, members of which became influential throughout the music industry. If you love '60s music and have never heard this you owe it to yourself to buy this album.”
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