Al Kooper

Great show. Al started out solo, playing his first three songs on both the piano or the guitar. He explained that while his birthday is on February 5, the weather in NYC is not so good, and even moving his annual birthday concert up into early spring, it still didn't help, so he settled on June. After three numbers, an opening act (Will Dailey) appeared, and he was OK, played a short set which included a Dylan number. Then Al came back out with a 5-piece backing band, including bass, guitar, drums and two horn players. They played an assortment of Al's hits and did a great job. Throughout the show, Al took time to tell a few stories and explain a few thing about his music. After about an hour, they took a short break and then Al came back out with Jimmy Vivino and the same rhythm section and they played until after 11 PM. The final numbers were a tribute to the late BB King. All told the concert was three and a half hours....a great time was had by all.

We hope Al's health is still good, because his energy level, and even the tempos he chose for beloved favorites like "I Can't Quit Her" were slower than we've seen in any of four previous shows. Enough of the soulfulness already, how 'bout more funk! Nevertheless, Al remains generous with the audience and with talented musician friends with whom he shares the stage, and even with his time - the show actually started early and lasted well over three hours. And he does remains the iconic professor of musicology who strongly defined his genre and played on Dylan sessions. As for the B.B. King Club, if you don't get there at 6 PM for a popular 8 PM show, plan to sit behind a pillar or way in back or side periphery where only the jumbotron will facilitate a decent view. And don't expect prompt service or great food.

Al opened up with my favorite song, 'Just One Smile', which was amazing, as was the entire show. I will be seeing his 'birthday' show at BB Kings every year. He's such a legend. Great music, excellent stories, amazing band. Al was also nice enough to stay for about an hour or so after the show to sign anything for the fans. (I had him sign my 'Child Is Father To The Man' CD.... Great guy! PS. Timothy B. Schmit was sitting at my table and I got a picture with him. Very nice guy! :)

Al played mostly the first BS&T album which is my favorite Totally fun concert

Love the venue - Bar was rocking. He doesn't have the voice he did but his musical talent is there and sense of humor. Love the memories and friends. Back up talent was spot on. Looking forward to next year. GOOD TIMES !!!

Great show. Al and band were in top form. Jimmy Vivino always adds some great energy. Loved the new arrangements. Still love to hear the old songs form CHild is Father to the Man. Will be there next year as always.

What a show! I was a bit disappointed last year, but this year's show certainly made up for it. Al was in great form.. Opening act was good. Loved all Al's chatting. He really makes the show personal. The tribute to BB King was great. One question -- Why isn't Al in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? The man is rock and roll history.

One of the best Al birthday bashes we've been to (and there have been quite a few). The funky faculty were great, jimmy was great and Al was hot. "new talent" was good. nice tribute to BB King. HBD Al and many more. We love you. p.s. tx for switching to spring, since we come in from CT

al's songs and stories were just great; the band tight as ever and jimmy vivino wow. this birthday show is a must see

If you like rock music, chances are that some of your favorite recordings have Al Kooper either on them or behind them. He's a rock & roll legend and visionary who has written, sung, played on, or produced many great songs by artists like The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Blood Sweat & Tears, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and others. I recommend seeing his show if you can - but first, read his entertaining memoir, Backstage Passes, if you aren't familiar with his many contributions to the rock canon. Guitarist Jimmy Vivino, who accompanied Al, is always a treat, Al's supporting band of professors from the Berklee College of Music were solid, and opening act , singer & songwriter Mieka Pauley, was impressive. Al generously came out after the show to sign memorabilia. I'm not crazy about BB King NY's seating policy, which is not based on first-come but on some arbitrary and mysterious criteria. Other than that, it's a nice club, perfectly sized, with a varied menu, decent food at reasonable prices, and the best slate of acts in the Northeast Region for boomers or those who appreciate the music.

This was the best small venue show we have ever seen. The performance was terrific as was the sound system. We had great seats and every seat in the room was close enough to the stage. Al had a competent band together and gave us 110% of his energy. The song selection was first rate. Food and drink were good too. We would definitely return to this venue as well as look forward to seeing Al Kooper again someday soon.

Have been attending Al's birthday shows for over 8 years. This is the first time disappointed. Usually, he features great new music to start show (ie Paul Thorn, James Maddock). This time the singer Mieka Pauly started the show on a down note. Luckily, after her set (which went on too long) was over, Jimmy Vivino came out and was fabulous. Then there was a mixup at BB Kings. While Al and Jimmy were jamming, checks were handed out at the tables, which usually signals the show is just about over. It was strange, because Al and Jimmy had been playing for only about 40 minutes. When they were done, Al announced a short break and in about 5 minutes came back out with the Funky Faculty. Rest of the show was fine. All in all, the entire night seemed a bit disorganized. He was playing again the next night. Hopefully, all the kinks were ironed out for that show.

For the third time in five years, I celebrated my birthday with Al Kooper at BB King's in Times Square in NYC (his the 5th, mine the 8th and 11 years later). He never disappoints. First he had us laughing our butts off with a short video of a squirrel calling his name rapid fire. Then he thanked us for braving the blizzard to see and hear him. What a guy. Three distinct sets with three different bands. First a set of R & B with his friend Freddie Henry, who you would swear was Wilson Pickett if you closed your eyes, but open you know he was a very white guy from Milwaukee. Included in that set was Midnight Hour and Stand By Me. After about a 45 minute set, his good friend Jimmy Vivino moved from piano to electric guitar with the Rekooperators for hard hitting blues and rock, including Albert's Shuffle (Super Session) and Somethin' Goin' On (Child Is Father To The Man). Hour three (we really thought Al was done after two and would not have complained), The Funky Faculty with a set that included How Am I Ever Gonna Get Over You (Black Coffee) and Funky Flute Thing (The Blues Project). There was more in the three hour show, with just one performer on stage for the whole show while others came and went. For the sake of those who have not seen him, I look forward to celebrating Al's 70th next February.

Al played with 3 bands for over 3 hours. He played played with old friends who were great musicians and had the house rocking.

I have seen Al live since 1983 and he still has it. The show was full of energy from his opening with Cracked Ice and Freddy Henry and reached that transcendant groove we all crave with his Funky Faculty. It's Korny to say that Al isn't getting older, he's getting better, but I am already looking forward to birthday number 70!

Al Kooper & Friends always play an inspired show at BB King's Blues Club. With brilliant performers like Jimmy Vivino and James Maddock joining him, Al's 68th Birthday Show, featured a great variety of music. The spirit of the great Mike Bloomfield was also in the house.

Funny banter, but the backing band did not perform at Kooper's level. James Maddock was a great performer. Jimmy Vivino also impressed.

You can't do better than that. Al's voice is showing its age. But his energy and longevity made up for it. The Funky Faculty backup was very, very good. The playlist -- about 13 songs -- covered the entire spectrum of Kooper's career. He even threw in a new song performed for the very first time to boot. Personally, I had hoped for more selections from The Blues Project era. I was disappointed he performed "I Can't Keep From Crying" on the guitar. The psychedelic version alone would have been worth the price of admission for me. The "new" band he introduced was good, but took up too much of the second set. They weren't who I was there to see. Overall, a good show.

Al, thank you for such an amazing show Friday night! Long may you run

Except for Al Kooper singing the first two songs, the concert was just great. We stayed for the first two bands, both of which were great live acts. Great musicianship, great arrangements. Much fun!

I like seeing a show at B B King's you eat drink and see the show. Al Kooper was very entertaining I thought he really enjoyed doing the show

Music legend Al Kooper was in fine form on Fri. night!! [My review title references a funny opening video featuring a surly woodchuck repeatedly calling out Al's full first name.] His eclectic musicianship, soulful voice, story-telling, and of course, his wit...were all there. This guy's just the best. And what a treat for Al to have brought out his long-time sideman, guitarist Jimmy Vivino!! Jimmy's blues guitar is ab-so-lut-ely gut wrenching! He makes that Les Paul of his Cryyyy! He is also extremely evocative of Al's late, great ol' buddy, Mike Bloomfield. For real, soulful, bluesy, poppy, jazzy, folky, no-nonsense music, Al is just the best. In an age of Lady GooGoo and assorted other over-produced pop-tarts, it is such a breath of fresh air every time I see Al. And yes, as Al quipped during the show, the average age of his audience these days is "deceased." Yes, lots of 40, 50, and 60-somethings. So what?? That's part of the joy of an Al Kooper show...you know your fellow audience members are with you and "get it" with Al and the music he represents. And a special "Al's Birthday Guest Set" was courtesey of one Mr. Charlie Gracie, rockabilly guitar master and his band...really fun, great music. Al was also gracious after the show, signing his albums and memoribilia at a meet-and-greet afterward. Please keep coming home for your birthday, Al!

When I 1) heard Al played an instrument he knew nothing about on Highway 61, 2) learned he quit BS&Ts after the first album, and 3) saw the cover of "I Stand Alone", I thought maybe Al was a nut. Now I know he's crazy, but who cares? He's a great musician and human. Who else would have thought to bring Charlie Gracie to NYC? If you haven't read his book, do yourself a favor. Stay forever young.

This is our 3rd. year and each birthday gets better . This year's guests were great . Jimmy Vavino played his National guitar as well as electric . Some really good blues songs !We were very pleasantly surprised with The Paul Thorn Band . A group of very talented misicians with an amusing point of view . Everyone should check them out . The Funky Faculty performed as well as ever . Al not only put together this great show including the ground hog who introduced him but played well on key board , organ , guita and mandolin .He really enjoyed the show as well as giving a first rate performance . Can't wait for next year .

I thought it was going to be a Paul Thorn and Band concert but he only played a few songs and not with his band. The place was jammed and although I had purchased seats in advance we had to stand for the whole show. I know it was general admission but I expected to be able to have a seat as my tickest said.

the show was great. The first time I saw Al perform was at his 50th birthday show at the bottom line. I have not missed Al's birthday shows since. If you could not tell, I'm a big fan of Al's. He has exposed me to other artists in addition to his own music. Why he is not a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a shame. Guess he does not have friends like Leon Russell has to get him nominated..... God Bless Al Kooper

Al is always amazing but the talent he brings with him(old and new) is always incredible. We may be too old for drugs and even sex but we can still rock and roll! Looking forward to next year...

i've been a fan since the Blues Project days and have been fortunate enough to be able to attend approx. the last 10 "birthday party" shows. each one has had it's own flavor and each one has provided fabulous musical entertainment. i highly recommend these shows to any music lover. hopefully Al hangs around and performs at these shows for many years to come. they are real gems.

Everything was right about this! The music, the mix, the surprise guests, the storytelling...can't wait for next years show!

amazing event. thanks to Al. and jimmy vivino was great as always.

I have seen Al perform live for 28 years and he is still the master showman. Aside from his musical vrtuosity on keyboards guitar and mandolin, he generously gave a lot of stage time to deserving groups like Charlie Gracie and Paul Thorn. The birthday concert was well worth waiting for and I am already planning to return to next year's show!