We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..
You would think losing a vocalist the caliber of David Clayton-Thomas along with founding members Fred Lipsius and Dick Halligan would have slowed down Blood, Sweat & Tears. Not so much as they released their fifth album, “New Blood” in 1972.
Jerry Fisher doesnt have the power of Clayton-Thomas but he does fine. The new musicians are also solid..Larry Willis on keyboards and George Wadednius who joins holdover Steve Katz on guitar both have their moments.
The horn section is great led by Lou Marini, Lew Soloff, Chuck Winfield and the excellent Dave Bargeron on trombone.
And the rhythm section is more than competent with Bobby Colomby on drums and Jim Fielder on bass. They both get a workout on a cover of Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage” that closes the record.
Side two of the album is really good….including covers of Carole King’s ‘Snow Queen” (check out Marini’s sax and Bargeron’s trombone on this one), and the Barry Mann-Cynthia Weill tune “So Long Dixie”. Bargeron’s original “Over The Hill” injects some humor and good playing too.
Side on has some clinkers but Marini’s original “Alone” has some excellent work from Wadenius and Bargeron’s trombone again. And they do a nice cover of Dylan’s “Down In The Flood”.
The Jazz and Pop sides of this band were always in conflict. This album gives you some of both, and considering the talent that had to be replaced, it’s a nice accomplishment.
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