Vinyl Vault — Al Kooper, “Kooper Session; Al Kooper Introduces Shuggie Otis”

The Vinyl Vault has some blues on tap with a 1969 album from Al Kooper entitled “Kooper Session” subtitled “Al Kooper Introduces Shuggie Otis.”

Al Kooper, born February 5, 1944, may be best known as an early member of Blood, Sweat, and Tears, although he stayed with the group for only a short time. Before his retirement three years ago, he sang, wrote songs, produced records, played keyboards and guitar, and performed as a studio musician. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

But back in the late 1960s, he organized a couple of “Supersession” albums. The first featured guitarists Stephen Stills and Mike Bloomfield. The second featured then-15-year-old guitarist Shuggie Otis playing straight-up blues tunes as well as some gospel and R&B. In fact, the album is divided in two, with side one labeled “The Songs” and side two denominated “The Blues.” On Tuesday night, we’ll hear some from each.

Shuggie Otis, born November 30, 1953, is the son of R&B pioneer Johnny Otis. Besides guitar, Shuggie plays keyboards, bass, and drums and sings and is a songwriter. However, on “Kooper Session” he sticks to guitar.

Check out “Kooper Session” on the next Vinyl Vault with Geoff Anderson on Tuesday, September 24 at 8:30 p.m. on KUVO JAZZ.

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