Al Kooper - New York City (You're A Woman) (1971)

Al Kooper is an American singer-songwriter, producer and musician.

In the early 70s Al Kooper met and befriended Elton John, of whose music he had been a fan of for some time. He was particularly impressed with the bass playing on some of Elton's tracks, and was told the bassist was one Herbie Flowers. Kooper then flew to England to record with Flowers, resulting in three songs (also featuring guitarist Caleb Quaye and drummer Roger Pope). Back in the US, he recorded a further eight in L.A. with some top session musicians (bassist Carole Kaye, guitarist Louie Shelton, drummer Paul Humphries and percussionist Bobbye Hall Porter) and a host of backing singers (including, among others, Rita Coolidge, Vanetta Fields and Clydie King). Kooper himself played keyboards, and a fair bit of guitar too. There was also a guest appearance from pedal steel guitarist Pete Kleinow.
The result of both these sessions came together as his fourth album, a splendid mix of rock, R&B and gospel. New York City (You're A Woman) turned out to be one of his strongest and most consistent records, and included some of his very best songs (two of them co-written with Phyllis Major). It also featured two covers - Bo Diddley's "Dearest Darling" and Elton John's "Come Down In Time" (the original being one of the songs where he had first heard Herbie Flowers' bass playing).

Easy Does It (1970) <|> A Possible Projection Of The Future / Childhood's End (1972)
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