Al Kooper Tickets

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

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.

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!