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Kool and the Gang – Live at P.J’s | Album Of The Day

Kool and the Gang recorded this great album live at P.J.’s in Hollywood California in 1971. The Album illustrated what great musicians these guys were, even through most of the band members were still teenagers at the time. ‘N.T’ (No title) is a funky bass led track with nice horns, flute and a drum break which has been sampled over 300 times. ‘Ricksonata’ has a slight Caribbean feel. There is  great version of Charles Lloyd’s Latin groover ‘Sombrero Sam’ with great flute playing from D.T. ‘Ronnie’s Groove’ is a funky tune written and led by tenor man Ronnie Bell. ‘Lucky For Me’ has a Quincy Jones soundtrack-esque feel to it. ‘Dujii’ is a Classic Kool & The Gang jazzy but funky groove. Their version of Isaac Hayes ‘Ike’s Mood’ blends into ‘You’ve lost that lovin feeling’ with added studio strings to become a 10 minute epic, that is soulful, funky , jazzy and almost classical in approach. This album showcases what a great live band they were but is recorded and produced so well by Gene Redd and engineered by Malcolm Addey, to stand alongside their studio work of the time.

Buy the LP HERE

Listen to the tracks below

Kool & The Gang – N.T.
Kool & The Gang – Ricksonata
Kool & The Gang – Sombrero Sam
Kool & The Gang – Ronnie’s Groove
Kool & The Gang – Ike’s Mood
Kool & The Gang – You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling
Kool & The Gang – Lucky For Me
Kool & The Gang – Dujii