Everyone who knew Hendrix says how shy he was. But when he performed, he was so confident. Amazing how the stage and his guitar transformed him into a different person.
Me too. I have several documentaries with him in it. How he accidentally, by chance played keyboards on Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone, recording Skynyrds 1st 2 albums (and his experiences recording them and hard-headedness RVZ), Monterrey Pop. Has lot of memories to tell. I use the term 'hard headed'. More like 'head strong' or 'determined'.
This guy is still 70' cool. It is a pleasure just to listen to him. Thanks so very much for interviewing him and the memories he brings back to me. Keep it up and enjoy your day.
While a youth I met Frank Zappa before a show in the Garrick Theater in NYC! Soon Al K. came up to Zappa and started talking and Lo and behold Richie Havens joined in the conversation. Frank introduced me to them but I don't think I said anything but hello pleased to meet you. Suddenly Neil Diamond came out of the Bitter End Club across the street and Frank started to verbally harass Neil and Al just busted out laughing. Richie seemed uncomfortable about it. Years later 46 to be exact I met Richie again after a show in Alabama and we had quite a laugh about this event!
Electric Lady Studios, previously Generation, was originally The Village Barn. My band played gigs there in the '60s. You had to descend a long set of stars , when you entered the building. Good times.
that rice dish he spoke of is very english ...my wife who is from the uk...says its called a kedgery...she has been making that dish since we met...its very good
This man has played with and for many of the biggest artists and legends of rock...Dylan, Hendrix, the Stones, the Who. He formed B, S & T, produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, helped the Zombies' "Time of the Season" become a hit in the States. What a legacy man!
I've heard mike Bloomfield (blues guitarist?)'name' like 1980? I was young reading guitar player magazine. Michael Bloomfield was mentioned often. I'm almost sure Bloomfield knew Jimi personally, although I don't know if they recorded? Im not really into traditional blues.(my idea of blues is heavy tone mahogany rush , pat Travers born under bad sign, or Shawn lane, once upon time in the west.uli jon roth fly to the rainbow Starbucks, Blues waiting for the fretboard gymnastics to kick in
I've heard mike Bloomfield (blues guitarist?)'name' like 1980? I was young reading guitar player magazine. Michael Bloomfield was mentioned often. I'm almost sure Bloomfield knew Jimi personally, although I don't know if they recorded? Im not really into traditional blues.(my idea of blues is heavy tone mahogany rush , pat Travers born under bad sign, or Shawn lane, once upon time in the west.uli jon roth fly to the rainbow Starbucks, Blues waiting for the fretboard gymnastics to kick in
In every interview i have come across they all said high praises about not only his playing guitar but what a shy and humble person he was.Ever once in lifetime the universe. brings a new incentive ( i never thoght or looked or new it could be done in that manner).Some people embrace it or say you can't do that and give it praise or it's garbagr.Then like a comet that person who gave us a new insight is gone But not forgotten.It is then that for some the idea came to light and then praise is astounding.Once i had heard Jimi Hendrix all i could think of this man is walking in his own path.It was even more so after his passing that revelance was woven into our musical tapestry.Every now and then somebody tries to emulate him but they just can't...not to say there intent is good or bad.but Jimi Hendrix opened up doors to perception.May he rest in peace.God bless this gentle soul.If 6 turned out to be 9.And thank you for this interview with Al Kooper.
Jimi Hendrix: "Hey Al ... why don't you sit in with us on this song?" Al: "I can't man ... I'm working." Just ... wow. A brush with greatness. Cool stuff.
Al Kooper is pretty great himself - just look at a list of the songs he has played on, and the people he has produced. His keyboard part on 'Like A Rolling Stone' is brilliant, and he was only learning the instrument at the time (he turned up at the session with a guitar, thinking that he might get to play that on the session).
You don't really think Al was being honest, do you? Of course, he could have gotten permission to play one song -- especially the song he played the organ on in the studio version by Dylan. Al's boss and the other musicians at the festival would have loved it. He just used that an excuse. Use you life experience, as judge's ask jurors to do in the stock jury instructions.
Man, Al is one well-spoken storyteller. Please give us more stories from your life! That was thoroughly enjoyable. And btw, thanks a million for your contribution to "Still Rainin'." Hell, thanks for your many contributions to the music of my youth. You've truly elevated yourself to my pantheon by virtue of this interview, and I consider myself to be exceedingly discriminating. Never knew how articulate and measured your words are, and it feels like a very personal gift to those of use who were there in the sixties. So please, before it's too late, please give us more stories! 😎
Todd... thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.. there is another clip I did with Al on our MHOF channel... Look for Al’s interview about recording “Like A Rolling Stone” . You’ll enjoy it... best... Joe
Fantastic , and heart warming. People loved Jimi for his magical guitar playing , but also for him being a humble man. God bless you Jimi. And thanks to Al Kooper for tellin this lovely thing
I have limited respect for Kooper...he seems to have been one of those dudes who hang on the edge of whatever is happening musically, but his actual musical prowess is not so great...but he was there, and does tell good stories!
Al Kooper, Tom Dowd, Eddie Kramer: I could listen to them talk all day about the back stories, their studio work and the 'baby sitting' duties they had to sometimes perform. Thanks MHOFM !
Thanks.. I haven't listened to that in a long time. Gonna play it now. Bloomfield is criminally underrated whenever there's talk of the greatest gtr players. He could blow away most other gtr players easily.
Mike Lenowsky Bloomfield is criminally underrated. I remember playing along with his instrumentals at just the right time for both my own playing ability, as well as my musical taste. It influenced me quite a bit. I also think Stills doesn’t get enough respect for his skill on the electric. He has some of my favorite use of Wah on Season of the Witch. Recently, I’ve been listening to the version with the horns removed, and it’s really inspired me to use my wah in different situations.
This is so great. So straight forward about his acquaintances and accomplishments and in such a modest way. I recommend his book, "Backstage Passes & Backstabbing Bastards: Memoirs of a Rock 'N' Roll Survivor" ...
First of all I am glad that Al came through. Even what I saw and heard in the early 90's of Al...it was like he was still messed up from the muxsic "biz" that he had been in. Here he sound solid. Got a wife, healthy, for a guy his age. And it's like NOW he can remember this stuff. This is an authentic remembrance of Hendrix. Most real stuff was published in the 1st 5 years posthumously. Thumbs up Al.
I never knew I was making a "Jimi Hendrix" all these years. Sometimes I use whole wheat elbow pasta instead of rice. I'm gonna call that the "Al Kooper".
Great to see Al is doing great these days. I got to see him a couple of times when he was teaching Music Production in Boston at Berklee College of Music. A wealth of great info and he had some amazing stories to share. I got an autographed copy of his book he had out at the time. Happy to have had the opportunity to be around back then.
I met and hung out with Al on a few occasions back between ‘01-‘05. After moving to the Boston area he received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music. During this time Al formed the Funky Faculty - a band consisting of Berklee staff professors. Tom Stein, professor of professional music and bassist is a close friend of mine. Soon I’d be tagging along with him to some of the gigs with my camera in tow. For Al’s 60th birthday party Berklee hosted him to play a concert at the BPC (performance center.) Of course I was there and had permission from him to photograph the night. Al used one of my photos for the inner sleeve of his upcoming (at the time) cd called Black Coffee. I’m proud to have one page in the history of this legendary figure.
Nope...Nope that was Mike Finnegan...Kooper contributed a little piano riffing in another tune, called Long, Hot Summer Night"....he says that the tune wa s not so good, but actually it is very nice, very atmospheric and full of a rhythm and blues feel.
Al seems, and probably is, a great guy. He seems so down to earth and has some great stories. I love his track on BST's Child Is Father To The Man, "I Can't Quit Her". Play it all the time when I am driving in my car.
This is COOL ! Al Kooper has memories that are just Unbelievable !! Thank you very much for sharing this Joe, this information means so much to so many.. Lary
Sounds like savoury mince to me here in Ireland.We call ground beef mince beef.Its the same thing.Fry the beef and set aside.Fry ANY veg of your choice with ANY spices or herbs of your choice and then add the beef and cover with beef stock and simmer for 30 minutes.Add boiled rice any time before serving.A small can of sweet corn near the end is great.This is NOT Asian fried rice. It's cheap and delicious Rollo.Asain fried rice is just fried rice.Of course you can add fried rice instead of boiled to this dish.You might have been joking when you DEMANDED the recipe.I don't care man.I LOVE Al Cooper.
I saw Jimi Hendrix and George Benson the same year, my big influences for playing my 1964 Strat in 1970. But it was figuring out the intro for "I've Got a Woman on the Other Side of Town", by Al Kooper, that got me in.
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum: Thanks for your reply. Al looks really good, something I'm still trying to keep together for myself, so he's inspiring me now as much as he did back then. I was playing friends' guitar upside down as a lefty, sometimes borrowing one to turn the strings around, always a deal about putting new ones on to give it back. Playing upside-down with the bass strings on the bottom and the highs on top was by far the easiest way to play. It took some effort at the gig, but George Benson took me to his dressing room to help me finally decide which way to play after I bought my Stratocaster and Marshall amp with effects. He encouraged me to play this way and explained pickups, exchanging his 1955 Gibson L5 back and forth with me. I better stop typing. I hope you're in tune everywhere you are.
Great reflections of an incredible era of music... I distinctly remember coming back from Vietnam, (1971), and when I'd left it was "Peace, Love & Happiness"... CSNY and now all my high school buddies were listening to Black Sabbath (No offense Ozzie). It just hit me so hard that everything had gotten so ugly... (We were spit on by protestors in Long Beach when we left the ship) So much had gone down while I was gone... Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison all lost and the combined insanity of Charles Manson & Altamont Rock Festival really put "the screws" to my psyche. Thank you Mr Chambers & Mr. Kooper for sharing these vignettes with such a disarming quality... no BS or hype... just as if you were sharing a beer & a story with all of us. (I subscribed & liked)
...i got out my original copy of "Live Adventures of Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper" and held it as i watched this...God bless Al Kooper ! and God i miss MB...
Yes...he was just a so-so musician, but was great at networking his way through the music business...a not often mentioned fact, is that he briefly played guitar for the the group that made a huge hit Short Shorts, in 1958...but he joined them after they made that record....I believe their name was The Royal Teens.
Superb interview . That Strat that Jimi gave him has been pictured in several vintage guitar books since Al sold it btw. I hope the collector who owns it ,still plays it sometimes & enjoys it for what it is . It's ironic in the 21st century that many of us guitar players want 50 - 60 year old relics but if Jimi was still with us ,I bet he'd be playing brand new, off the shelf, American Professional series Fender Strats ! I know Al Kooper is a great musician but never watched any other interviews with him, so didn't know he's such a nice chap !
@@darrell6800 That's awful isn't it . Also if somebody steals it , wtf do they think they will do with it ? Hide it until their own death or waltz down to Norm's Rare Guitars hoping to sell it ?! Just insane.
I would guess the strat is either locked up in a vault or behind bullet proof glass being unplayed. Once a guitar with that much history and value is bought it probably never gets played. Sad
@@shaunw9270 its not just this guitar, it seems like all 50s and early 60s guitars are under lock and key or in huge collections that will not ever be played again because its an investment now. These instruments were made to be played, and make amazing music, not a 401k. This is just my opinion.
Al truly lived the dream through an extraordinary career which he has been severely under appreciated for. Great post because as music heroes go Al (like Jimi) is always at the top of the charts!
that "Aha!" moment 2:41 The Tin Angel....... "in a Bleeker Street Café, I found someone to love today" Joni Mitchell, my other first love (Chelsea Morning was my first 45 rpm single ) met Roy Blumenfeld. Suddenly a circle is completed! I'd been hearing "blinkered" street café for 52-odd years
I love your story. It's always amazing when you make a connection like this to a song. Sometimes it takes years, but when you get it, it's music magic.
Hi Bubba.... Time flys Bubba.... I had no idea how many of these I had done over the years until we started sharing them on youtube. There’s more but the Vault is getting low. Hopefully we’ll start shooting new ones again soon... Best... Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum God bless you sir. You do a great job. This music has to survive. You love all the same music i do. "I love American music ..."
So awesome! (I want some 'Jimi Hendrix' too. I get rice and chicken and vegetables from a great Thai restaurant every week!) Hendrix is THE musician for me. On my studio wall I have two big portrait photographs of the two poles of my music's divine inspiration. The Beatles for creative evolution and song COMPOSITION vs Hendrix as the perfect MUSICIAN! As Jim Morrison put it, the two legs of American music being the Black and the White traditions. The concept definition vs the improvising inspiration!
The beatles wrote phenomenal songs, but Jimi wrote on so many levels. IMHO, he was better songwriter than John & Paul. In a comparison of my favorites: Axis > Paperback Writer. Night Bird > Strawberry Fields (Both brilliant!). Drifting > Taxman. Even skipping Jimi's virtuousity on the guitar, the lyric/melodic content is much more profound than the Beatles. However, Beatle vocals/harmonies are vastly superior to Jimi's. Of course, music is highly subjective. There are those who say, for example, the Ramones were better than both Hendrix and Beatles! There are no 'greatest,' there is simply personal preferences. On a spiritual level, both were singing about world peace and love. I strongly disagree with their message as I have found that the true 'Axis' is Jesus Christ; He is the light of the world. All the best to you and yours!
Just this week I learned that Jimi had another famous musician neighbour - this time in London: no lesser person than George Frederick Handel. Just separated by one wall and a mere 200 years! I've been an Al Kooper fan since 'Super Session'.
These really are terrific interviews, an oral history archive from people at the heart of an important cultural movement back then. Thanks again for sharing them.
After reading many (and I mean many) books about Jimi, a story from Al Kooper is a real jem. Al, Take care of yourself brother. BTW, my favorite from you was the, "Super Sessions" with Bloomfield.
To sit around a campfire and hear these great stories from the greats.... amazing. Sounds like a great cookbook for musicians.... I'll have the Jimi Hendrix, the Jimmy Page and oh.. a side order of Eric Clapton please.
Al Kooper has more authentic rock and roll karma than most anyone of his generation. Plus, he’s got the real stories to tell. If you’re a fan, read his book, “Back Stage Passes And Back Stabbing Bastards.” It’s funny and a great read, and it’s been reprinted including up to date comments and tales. He starts off with the real story of recording “Like A Rolling Stone,” and it goes from there. Al’s been a resident of Cambridge, MA, and has been for many years. He doesn’t get out too much due to near blindness, but he’s alive and well. What a life in music he has had.
Al, your truthfulness is beautiful. I grooved to the Blues Project and tried to make it in "two times before the heaven doors close" ( more than once) ; )
Wow Mr Kooper.. Awesome Stories and Memories of Jimi... Thanx a Million for Sharing Them With Us All 😀😀😎👊💯💝 (And I'd Say Mike Snatched Those Tapes Up (That Survived) from His New York Apartment Upon His Death 😡😡)
Exactly...Joe you know how to interview people, giving them space, like a great musician, you know yours. I honestly forgot you there until hearing your voice...fly on the wall, cool!
When he start talking you realize that he is a nice guy to listent to. Maby thats why Jimi likened his company. Yes, people like this man, you can goi into the studio and come up with something beathyful.
@Joe Chambers ... Joe, I don't know if you'll read this but my wife and I with our adult kids will be down in Nashville for our 30th anniversary around Easter... A present from our kids... I've been playing guitar for almost 40 years and we're gonna stop by and check out your museum if we can..... God bless ya!
I wish he would have told all the ingredients to the meal he calls Jimi Hendrix. Sounds like something I would like I like goulash, everything mixed together. Anyway this is a priceless interview and much appreciated, as well as all the other ones you do
"ground beef, rice & vegetables all mixed together" wow these guys were easily impressed. anyway, i think al kooper played on the song "long hot summer night".
@profnastyAlan Douglas got involved later but as a producer. Eddie Kramer and Gary Kellgren were engineers, Chas Chandler and eventually Jimi Hendrix were the producers of the Electric Ladyland album.
Have to admit the 3 versions I've heard with a guest keyboard player of Like a Rolling Stone are nothing compared to the Monterey take with Jimi more or less playing all the fills with just the Experience is by far the best version. So as good as Al is I feel even he would still detract from the effect.
Everyone who knew Hendrix says how shy he was.
But when he performed, he was so confident. Amazing how the stage and his guitar transformed him into a different person.
I could listen to this guy tell Rock & Roll stories .. all day :)
Me too. I have several documentaries with him in it. How he accidentally, by chance played keyboards on Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone, recording Skynyrds 1st 2 albums (and his experiences recording them and hard-headedness RVZ), Monterrey Pop. Has lot of memories to tell. I use the term 'hard headed'. More like 'head strong' or 'determined'.
Buy his book: "Backstage Passes & Backstabbing Bastards (Memoirs Of A Rock'n'Roll Survivor)". It's GREAT.!!
He comes across a lot better than a number of other Hendrix acquaintances doing the I Knew Jimi circuit.
@@The121Hammer He knew more than just Hendrix, dude .. lol
He was an incredible asshole...I did backline support for him in NYC in'73 and he was a complete prick
Al Kooper is such a huge fan of rock and roll and is never too proud to let it show. I love the guy.
Al Kooper with Blood Sweat and Tears on "Child is Father to the Man" is one of the best albums ever.
Great album, and the cover always fascinated me.
Brilliant!
This guy is still 70' cool. It is a pleasure just to listen to him. Thanks so very much for interviewing him and the memories he brings back to me. Keep it up and enjoy your day.
Thanks.......... Joe
While a youth I met Frank Zappa before a show in the Garrick Theater in NYC! Soon Al K. came up to Zappa and started talking and Lo and behold Richie Havens joined in the conversation. Frank introduced me to them but I don't think I said anything but hello pleased to meet you. Suddenly Neil Diamond came out of the Bitter End Club across the street and Frank started to verbally harass Neil and Al just busted out laughing. Richie seemed uncomfortable about it. Years later 46 to be exact I met Richie again after a show in Alabama and we had quite a laugh about this event!
Electric Lady Studios, previously Generation, was originally The Village Barn. My band played gigs there in the '60s. You had to descend a long set of stars , when you entered the building. Good times.
He is the Forest Gump of rock he's everywhere through the decades. Skynyrd, Butterfield,blood sweat tears etc
Thanks again for watching 650..... I thought the same thing.....Best, Joe
Just happens to be in a studio sitting at a warmed up Hammond B3 when Dylan records Like a Rolling Stone.
that rice dish he spoke of is very english ...my wife who is from the uk...says its called a kedgery...she has been making that dish since we met...its very good
Originally from India
Great story! Al, you are such a lovable character. It’s easy to see why gentleman Jimi took such a liking to you.
Thanks again Joe. I find Am Kooper to be one of the more fascinating people I have ever heard interviewed.
Thanks mtc.... I agree...joe
His book Back Stage Passes and Back Stabbing Bastards is an essential read!
That's the greatest name for a book I've ever heard. I'm getting it.
@@Diggerdog2nd You're right and so am I! 😆
I will read this
Sound familiar. What year is it from approximately?
This man has played with and for many of the biggest artists and legends of rock...Dylan, Hendrix, the Stones, the Who. He formed B, S & T, produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, helped the Zombies' "Time of the Season" become a hit in the States. What a legacy man!
You forgot to mention the most important of all those mentioned: Mike Bloomfield. This is a serious sin deserving a highest fine ;)
I've heard mike Bloomfield (blues guitarist?)'name' like 1980? I was young reading guitar player magazine. Michael Bloomfield was mentioned often. I'm almost sure Bloomfield knew Jimi personally, although I don't know if they recorded? Im not really into traditional blues.(my idea of blues is heavy tone mahogany rush , pat Travers born under bad sign, or Shawn lane, once upon time in the west.uli jon roth fly to the rainbow Starbucks, Blues waiting for the fretboard gymnastics to kick in
I've heard mike Bloomfield (blues guitarist?)'name' like 1980? I was young reading guitar player magazine. Michael Bloomfield was mentioned often. I'm almost sure Bloomfield knew Jimi personally, although I don't know if they recorded? Im not really into traditional blues.(my idea of blues is heavy tone mahogany rush , pat Travers born under bad sign, or Shawn lane, once upon time in the west.uli jon roth fly to the rainbow Starbucks, Blues waiting for the fretboard gymnastics to kick in
In every interview i have come across they all said high praises about not only his playing guitar but what a shy and humble person he was.Ever once in lifetime the universe. brings a new incentive ( i never thoght or looked or new it could be done in that manner).Some people embrace it or say you can't do that and give it praise or it's garbagr.Then like a comet that person who gave us a new insight is gone But not forgotten.It is then that for some the idea came to light and then praise is astounding.Once i had heard Jimi Hendrix all i could think of this man is walking in his own path.It was even more so after his passing that revelance was woven into our musical tapestry.Every now and then somebody tries to emulate him but they just can't...not to say there intent is good or bad.but Jimi Hendrix opened up doors to perception.May he rest in peace.God bless this gentle soul.If 6 turned out to be 9.And thank you for this interview with Al Kooper.
Thanks for watching Michael... Joe
Al needs his own show each week ,,Im sure he has endless stories from the early days that everyone would love to hear.
Love Al Kooper he is so down to earth and personable, very nice stories about events now lost to the mists of time.
Al has sure had an interesting life. I bet he could tell stories forever. Wow. What a guy. Great interview Joe 👍🏻😎
Thank you David... joe
Al Kooper...a legend in his own right...
Jimi Hendrix: "Hey Al ... why don't you sit in with us on this song?"
Al: "I can't man ... I'm working."
Just ... wow. A brush with greatness. Cool stuff.
Stephen Lennartz incredible isn’t it HAHAHAHA
Al Kooper is pretty great himself - just look at a list of the songs he has played on, and the people he has produced.
His keyboard part on 'Like A Rolling Stone' is brilliant, and he was only learning the instrument at the time (he turned up at the session with a guitar, thinking that he might get to play that on the session).
You don't really think Al was being honest, do you?
Of course, he could have gotten permission to play one song -- especially the song he played the organ on in the studio version by Dylan.
Al's boss and the other musicians at the festival would have loved it.
He just used that an excuse. Use you life experience, as judge's ask jurors to do in the stock jury instructions.
@@DexterHaven explain?
@@rushpittsburgh4 Think. It's common sense. Reread.
Man, Al is one well-spoken storyteller. Please give us more stories from your life! That was thoroughly enjoyable. And btw, thanks a million for your contribution to "Still Rainin'." Hell, thanks for your many contributions to the music of my youth. You've truly elevated yourself to my pantheon by virtue of this interview, and I consider myself to be exceedingly discriminating. Never knew how articulate and measured your words are, and it feels like a very personal gift to those of use who were there in the sixties. So please, before it's too late, please give us more stories! 😎
Todd... thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.. there is another clip I did with Al on our MHOF channel... Look for Al’s interview about recording “Like A Rolling Stone” . You’ll enjoy it... best... Joe
Kooper's autobiography, Backstage Passes and Backstabbing Bastards is well worth reading. One of the best rock-related books I've ever read.
Al Kooper is just amazing! I would love to sit at a bar, buy him drinks and listen to him tell stories all night.
Fantastic , and heart warming. People loved Jimi for his magical guitar playing , but also for him being a humble man. God bless you Jimi. And thanks to Al Kooper for tellin this lovely thing
Ooo I
Talking about being in the right place at the right time in history. Must have been awesome to jam with all those people.
I have limited respect for Kooper...he seems to have been one of those dudes who hang on the edge of whatever is happening musically, but his actual musical prowess is not so great...but he was there, and does tell good stories!
Al Kooper, Tom Dowd, Eddie Kramer: I could listen to them talk all day about the back stories, their studio work and the 'baby sitting' duties they had to sometimes perform. Thanks MHOFM !
Thank you Marcus... Joe
“Super Session” with Bloomfield and Stills was on repeat my fall of 1995.
CorbCorbin Mine too a few falls earlier. And a few years later too.
Discovered that album late...truly a great one....think I'll listen to it tonight!
Thanks.. I haven't listened to that in a long time. Gonna play it now. Bloomfield is criminally underrated whenever there's talk of the greatest gtr players. He could blow away most other gtr players easily.
Mike Lenowsky Criminally underrated in the pantheon of great blues-rock guitarists during the electric guitars defining era.
Mike Lenowsky
Bloomfield is criminally underrated. I remember playing along with his instrumentals at just the right time for both my own playing ability, as well as my musical taste. It influenced me quite a bit.
I also think Stills doesn’t get enough respect for his skill on the electric. He has some of my favorite use of Wah on Season of the Witch. Recently, I’ve been listening to the version with the horns removed, and it’s really inspired me to use my wah in different situations.
This is so great. So straight forward about his acquaintances and accomplishments and in such a modest way.
I recommend his book, "Backstage Passes & Backstabbing Bastards: Memoirs of a Rock 'N' Roll Survivor" ...
Great listening to Al reminiscing about Jimi... love the story about the ‘magic’ guitar Jimi gave him, well... he was indeed a “magic boy”!
First of all I am glad that Al came through. Even what I saw and heard in the early 90's of Al...it was like he was still messed up from the muxsic "biz" that he had been in. Here he sound solid. Got a wife, healthy, for a guy his age. And it's like NOW he can remember this stuff. This is an authentic remembrance of Hendrix. Most real stuff was published in the 1st 5 years posthumously. Thumbs up Al.
I never knew I was making a "Jimi Hendrix" all these years.
Sometimes I use whole wheat elbow pasta instead of rice.
I'm gonna call that the "Al Kooper".
Now you're talking about "American chop suey".
The Jimi Hendrix stir fry
Yum
Are photos of him eating
at a restaurant?
@John Gardy I give up.
You knew someone would ask!
What's KD?
Great to see Al is doing great these days. I got to see him a couple of times when he was teaching Music Production in Boston at Berklee College of Music.
A wealth of great info and he had some amazing stories to share. I got an autographed copy of his book he had out at the time.
Happy to have had the opportunity to be around back then.
I met and hung out with Al on a few occasions back between ‘01-‘05. After moving to the Boston area he received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music. During this time Al formed the Funky Faculty - a band consisting of Berklee staff professors. Tom Stein, professor of professional music and bassist is a close friend of mine. Soon I’d be tagging along with him to some of the gigs with my camera in tow. For Al’s 60th birthday party Berklee hosted him to play a concert at the BPC (performance center.) Of course I was there and had permission from him to photograph the night. Al used one of my photos for the inner sleeve of his upcoming (at the time) cd called Black Coffee. I’m proud to have one page in the history of this legendary figure.
I'd love to meet Al
Al Kooper played on "Rainy Day Dream Away" and "Still Dreaming" which of course is the same song but cut in half! Great songs great story!
Nope...Nope that was Mike Finnegan...Kooper contributed a little piano riffing in another tune, called Long, Hot Summer Night"....he says that the tune wa s not so good, but actually it is very nice, very atmospheric and full of a rhythm and blues feel.
Love Al Kooper!
I wish I could tell a story as calm as AL tells it.
Al seems, and probably is, a great guy. He seems so down to earth and has some great stories. I love his track on BST's Child Is Father To The Man, "I Can't Quit Her". Play it all the time when I am driving in my car.
I would like to hear the story of who/how BST got rid of Kooper--the main founder, and lead singer of that group!
Thank you Joe. You are filling a very needed niche in the history of American music.
Thanks for your support Patrick…..Joe
This is COOL ! Al Kooper has memories that are just Unbelievable !! Thank you very much for sharing this Joe, this information means so much to so many.. Lary
Thanks Larry....
Lary I meant:)
No problem my friend... Lary
Ok I hereby DEMAND the recipe for "Jimi Hendrix."
I too....
he said it was "ground beef, rice & vegetables, all mixed together".
That’s good eatin’
Sounds like savoury mince to me here in Ireland.We call ground beef mince beef.Its the same thing.Fry the beef and set aside.Fry ANY veg of your choice with ANY spices or herbs of your choice and then add the beef and cover with beef stock and simmer for 30 minutes.Add boiled rice any time before serving.A small can of sweet corn near the end is great.This is NOT Asian fried rice. It's cheap and delicious Rollo.Asain fried rice is just fried rice.Of course you can add fried rice instead of boiled to this dish.You might have been joking when you DEMANDED the recipe.I don't care man.I LOVE Al Cooper.
Yes!!
I feel great beauty in this. Thanks, Al Kooper.
I saw Jimi Hendrix and George Benson the same year, my big influences for playing my 1964 Strat in 1970.
But it was figuring out the intro for "I've Got a Woman on the Other Side of Town", by Al Kooper, that got me in.
Thanks for sharing your comments John....Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum: Thanks for your reply. Al looks really good, something I'm still trying to keep together for myself, so he's inspiring me now as much as he did back then. I was playing friends' guitar upside down as a lefty, sometimes borrowing one to turn the strings around, always a deal about putting new ones on to give it back. Playing upside-down with the bass strings on the bottom and the highs on top was by far the easiest way to play. It took some effort at the gig, but George Benson took me to his dressing room to help me finally decide which way to play after I bought my Stratocaster and Marshall amp with effects. He encouraged me to play this way and explained pickups, exchanging his 1955 Gibson L5 back and forth with me. I better stop typing. I hope you're in tune everywhere you are.
All Cooper is one of the coolest guys in rock n roll.He got so many bands started.
That was fascinating. Many thanks for posting it.
This is great
Gosh, how much of this great stuff are you sitting on? I begged for "more Neil" a week ago, please, more Al Kooper! :) Thanks!
Al made great music , saw him live many times , always put on a fantastic show .
Great reflections of an incredible era of music... I distinctly remember coming back from Vietnam, (1971), and when I'd left it was "Peace, Love & Happiness"... CSNY and now all my high school buddies were listening to Black Sabbath (No offense Ozzie).
It just hit me so hard that everything had gotten so ugly... (We were spit on by protestors in Long Beach when we left the ship)
So much had gone down while I was gone... Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison all lost and the combined insanity of Charles Manson & Altamont Rock Festival really put "the screws" to my psyche.
Thank you Mr Chambers & Mr. Kooper for sharing these vignettes with such a disarming quality... no BS or hype... just as if you were sharing a beer & a story with all of us.
(I subscribed & liked)
...i got out my original copy of "Live Adventures of Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper" and held it as i watched this...God bless Al Kooper ! and God i miss MB...
He seems like such an "everyman" - like anyone could have been there and done this. One of us?
Yes...he was just a so-so musician, but was great at networking his way through the music business...a not often mentioned fact, is that he briefly played guitar for the the group that made a huge hit Short Shorts, in 1958...but he joined them after they made that record....I believe their name was The Royal Teens.
And after all Al has done, the jerks at the RNRHOF still have not honored Mr. Kooper. Great story Al.
They just announced he’s being inducted yesterday!
Al ur the coolest man that ever knew Jimi,as far as I'm concerned brother,I love the Jimi special at that cafe, what was in that food
its overwhelming to hear this story from such a Humble Man , its beyond words , Thank you Kindly for sharing this Masterpiece.
Thanks Joe 😎👌 Great Video
Thanks again outlaw…..Joe
Superb interview . That Strat that Jimi gave him has been pictured in several vintage guitar books since Al sold it btw. I hope the collector who owns it ,still plays it sometimes & enjoys it for what it is . It's ironic in the 21st century that many of us guitar players want 50 - 60 year old relics but if Jimi was still with us ,I bet he'd be playing brand new, off the shelf, American Professional series Fender Strats ! I know Al Kooper is a great musician but never watched any other interviews with him, so didn't know he's such a nice chap !
I spoke with him. he thought he'd get killed over it. Even had a break in. he HAD to sell it. Used it to move to Cambridge, MA for Berkeley Boston.
@@darrell6800 That's awful isn't it . Also if somebody steals it , wtf do they think they will do with it ? Hide it until their own death or waltz down to Norm's Rare Guitars hoping to sell it ?! Just insane.
I would guess the strat is either locked up in a vault or behind bullet proof glass being unplayed.
Once a guitar with that much history and value is bought it probably never gets played.
Sad
@@BIZARBIES It's paranoia . If it gets stolen ,it's so well known what would a thief realistically do with it ?
@@shaunw9270 its not just this guitar, it seems like all 50s and early 60s guitars are under lock and key or in huge collections that will not ever be played again because its an investment now. These instruments were made to be played, and make amazing music, not a 401k. This is just my opinion.
These videos with Al Kooper are great.
Hope you have a lot more footage of this interview joe coz I could listen to the guy all night...so down to earth just tellin it like it was!
I’ll see what might be if interest. If there’s enough I’ll put it up. Glad you’re enjoying it.best...Joe
Al is a living legend. Great post, thanks 😊
Al is one of those artfully friendly guys, who know how to BS their way into good situations.
Al truly lived the dream through an extraordinary career which he has been severely under appreciated for. Great post because as music heroes go Al (like Jimi) is always at the top of the charts!
Al is always so down to earth and humble. Love Al Kooper.
that "Aha!" moment 2:41 The Tin Angel....... "in a Bleeker Street Café, I found someone to love today" Joni Mitchell, my other first love (Chelsea Morning was my first 45 rpm single ) met Roy Blumenfeld. Suddenly a circle is completed! I'd been hearing "blinkered" street café for 52-odd years
I love your story. It's always amazing when you make a connection like this to a song. Sometimes it takes years, but when you get it, it's music magic.
These stories are incredible, thanks so much for getting them out there and recognizing these people
I dig these vault videos
I’m really happy to hear this because I have a lot to share with you!!! Best...Joe
Boy you got some really great interviews in that vault man. Thank you!
Hi Bubba.... Time flys Bubba.... I had no idea how many of these I had done over the years until we started sharing them on youtube. There’s more but the Vault is getting low. Hopefully we’ll start shooting new ones again soon... Best... Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum God bless you sir. You do a great job. This music has to survive. You love all the same music i do.
"I love American music ..."
So awesome! (I want some 'Jimi Hendrix' too. I get rice and chicken and vegetables from a great Thai restaurant every week!) Hendrix is THE musician for me. On my studio wall I have two big portrait photographs of the two poles of my music's divine inspiration. The Beatles for creative evolution and song COMPOSITION vs Hendrix as the perfect MUSICIAN! As Jim Morrison put it, the two legs of American music being the Black and the White traditions. The concept definition vs the improvising inspiration!
The beatles wrote phenomenal songs, but Jimi wrote on so many levels. IMHO, he was better songwriter than John & Paul. In a comparison of my favorites: Axis > Paperback Writer. Night Bird > Strawberry Fields (Both brilliant!). Drifting > Taxman. Even skipping Jimi's virtuousity on the guitar, the lyric/melodic content is much more profound than the Beatles. However, Beatle vocals/harmonies are vastly superior to Jimi's.
Of course, music is highly subjective. There are those who say, for example, the Ramones were better than both Hendrix and Beatles! There are no 'greatest,' there is simply personal preferences.
On a spiritual level, both were singing about world peace and love. I strongly disagree with their message as I have found that the true 'Axis' is Jesus Christ; He is the light of the world.
All the best to you and yours!
The first BS&T with Al is one of the best 60s albums - still holds up well today.
Just this week I learned that Jimi had another famous musician neighbour - this time in London: no lesser person than George Frederick Handel. Just separated by one wall and a mere 200 years! I've been an Al Kooper fan since 'Super Session'.
thank you al for sharing,,,
I love the live stuff Kooper recorded with Mike Bloomfield.
Always liked Al Kooper. No pretense, what you see is what you get.
Thank You, Al Kooper man what an awesome story.
These really are terrific interviews, an oral history archive from people at the heart of an important cultural movement back then. Thanks again for sharing them.
Thanks!!!!!
Yes!
Al I loved your playing on ELL
*That* is what's called "a great story"
Al Kooper, you made the world a better place, in many ways.
Mr. Chambers, really like these videos, thanks for sharing them!
After reading many (and I mean many) books about Jimi, a story
from Al Kooper is a real jem.
Al,
Take care of yourself brother.
BTW, my favorite from you
was the, "Super Sessions"
with Bloomfield.
To sit around a campfire and hear these great stories from the greats.... amazing. Sounds like a great cookbook for musicians.... I'll have the Jimi Hendrix, the Jimmy Page and oh.. a side order of Eric Clapton please.
Thank you mister Al Cooper , all of a sudden I feel like eating & listening 2 JIMI HENDRIX!!🎸♩🍜
Al Kooper has more authentic rock and roll karma than most anyone of his generation. Plus, he’s got the real stories
to tell. If you’re a fan, read his book, “Back Stage Passes And Back Stabbing Bastards.” It’s funny and a great read, and
it’s been reprinted including up to date comments and tales. He starts off with the real story of recording “Like A
Rolling Stone,” and it goes from there. Al’s been a resident of Cambridge, MA, and has been for many years. He
doesn’t get out too much due to near blindness, but he’s alive and well. What a life in music he has had.
Al, your truthfulness is beautiful. I grooved to the Blues Project and tried to make it in "two times before the heaven doors close" ( more than once) ; )
Myself, I'll try to make it in due time, before the heaven doors close. (Hopefully, I'll only need one shot at it!)
"Wake me, shake me..."
Wow Mr Kooper.. Awesome Stories and Memories of Jimi... Thanx a Million for Sharing Them With Us All 😀😀😎👊💯💝 (And I'd Say Mike Snatched Those Tapes Up (That Survived) from His New York Apartment Upon His Death 😡😡)
Wow Al Kooper sounds like a really down-to-earth dude... And jimmy sounds pretty cool too
Jesus, Al’s seen it all. Great musician as well. What a career.
OK - Al Kooper may be the coolest guy ever.
I love to listen to Al Cooper stores About the old days in the music business. Keep up the great content Joe.
Thanks for watching Hot Rod……Joe
Joe, thanks so much for publishing these Hendrix stories from other great artists. Do more!
Thanks... more coming...Joe
Thanks Joe, this is magic.
So glad you enjoyed it! Best... Joe
Exactly...Joe you know how to interview people, giving them space, like a great musician, you know yours. I honestly forgot you there until hearing your voice...fly on the wall, cool!
Al is a character , I never heard anyone dog Jimi , God bless him 😎🇺🇸⚓️
Really enjoyed this video
Wonderful interview with Al Kooper!
Just seeing this now. Thank you Joe!
Great interview. Great show. Thanks Joe Chambers for your important work in keeping this history alive and known.
Thanks John... Best, Joe
Al Kooper...has a great book out..good read..
When he start talking you realize that he is a nice guy to listent to. Maby thats why Jimi likened his company. Yes, people like this man, you can goi into the studio and come up with something beathyful.
@Joe Chambers ... Joe, I don't know if you'll read this but my wife and I with our adult kids will be down in Nashville for our 30th anniversary around Easter... A present from our kids... I've been playing guitar for almost 40 years and we're gonna stop by and check out your museum if we can..... God bless ya!
I wish he would have told all the ingredients to the meal he calls Jimi Hendrix. Sounds like something I would like I like goulash, everything mixed together. Anyway this is a priceless interview and much appreciated, as well as all the other ones you do
Great stories thanks!!
I started cooking this meal and me and my boy both like it
This is awesome!
He played piano on Long Hot Summernight.On the Electric Lady Land Album.
Thank you Al and thank you MHofF&M
"ground beef, rice & vegetables all mixed together"
wow these guys were easily impressed.
anyway, i think al kooper played on the song "long hot summer night".
@profnasty eddie kramer was engineer for that album. my favorite album!
@profnastyAlan Douglas got involved later but as a producer. Eddie Kramer and Gary Kellgren were engineers, Chas Chandler and eventually Jimi Hendrix were the producers of the Electric Ladyland album.
Have to admit the 3 versions I've heard with a guest keyboard player of Like a Rolling Stone are nothing compared to the Monterey take with Jimi more or less playing all the fills with just the Experience is by far the best version. So as good as Al is I feel even he would still detract from the effect.
@profnasty Absolutely man.
I was wondering which track he played on.