Al Kooper - Naked Songs (1973)

Al Kooper was a big hero of mine in the early '70s. Long out of print and now available on CD only as an overpriced Japanese import, his 'Naked Songs' is one of those albums that take you back instantly to a bygone era the moment the music starts.

For a seemingly haphazard project — Kooper recorded the album to fulfil a contractual obligation with Columbia — it sounds remarkably rounded and cohesive. All his seminal influences, including blues, gospel, country and jazz, are marvellously melded in the songs.