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This day-by-day diary of The Blues Project's live, studio, and private activities is the result of three decades of research and interview work by Bruno Ceriotti, but without the significant contributions by other kindred spirits this diary would not have been possible. So, I would like to thank all the people who, in one form or another, contributed to this timeline: Steve Katz, Danny Kalb (RIP), Roy Blumenfeld, Jonathan Kalb, Al Kooper, David Bennett Cohen, Scott R. Benarde, Ross Hannan, Corry Arnold, Dag Warner, David Callow, John Platt (RIP), Deena Canale, Greg Vick, Joe Jupille, Alan Miller, Dave Van Ronk (RIP), T.C. Boyle, Dave Brown, Greg Shaw, Christopher Hjort, Nick Warburton, Doug Scott, Anne B. Barnard, Michael Erlewine, H. Nat Stevens, Marvin Welkowitz, Jeff Sheldon, Charles Roxin, Debbie Goodman, Dick Sandhaus, Tommy Garelick, David Rea, The East Village Other, The Heights, Village Voice, Berkeley Barb, Albany Student Press, The Philadelphia Inquirer, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Express Times, The Daily Californian, The Seed, Los Angeles Free Press, Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections of Northwestern University Libraries, The Daily Titan, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Brad Kelly, Stefan Grossman, Harold Black, Courier Post, San Francisco Examiner, Bill Cooper, Ken Viola, Don Johnston, Means Johnston III, John Zimmer, Michael Jacobs, Rob Branigin, The Broadside, Mike Esterson, Mandy Minasian, Erik-Mattsoon Abrahamsson, Michael Kurgansky, Walter Roland Moore, Jim Marshall, Ella Castleberry, and Ira Saxman Landsman, Delaware County Daily Times, Los Angeles Times, Charles Weisenberg, The Shreveport Journal, Daily News, Newport Daily News, The North Adams Transcript, Hartford Courant, Pamela Larratt, Ridgewood Herald News, The Bridegeport Post, Teri Ross, Ralph J. Gleason, The Post Crescent, Barnard Bulletin, Morris Grossner, Boston Globe, San Bernardino County Sun, Minneapolis Star, Star Tribune, Ernie Santasuosso, Kingston Daily Freeman, Fred H. Russell.
March 1965
Undoubtedly one of the most innovative and influental rock bands of the 1960s, The Blues Project emerged from a New York City-based four-piece named The Danny Kalb Quartet. The band was put together by singer and lead guitar player Daniel 'Danny' Kalb (b. Saturday, September 19, 1942, Brooklyn, New York City, New York - d. Saturday, November 19, 2022, in a Brooklyn hospice home after a three-years battle with a cancer of the liver) and drummer Roy Blumenfeld (b. Thursday, May 11, 1944, Bronx, New York City, New York), after the pair met by chance one day up in the Lower East Side, a neighborhood in the southeastern part of Manhattan, where both lived at that time. Danny and Roy knew each other since they were kids because they both grew up in Mount Vernon, Westchester County, New York, and their two families were friendly. They also attended the same high school (where Roy played clarinet in the school orchestra, while Danny led a rockabilly quartet named The Gay Notes) and shared similar musical tastes, although, being a little younger, Roy was actually closer to Danny's younger brother Jonathan, who is, by the way, an excellent guitar player himself. Anyway, in September 1960 they lost touch when Danny (after turned down an offer by John Lee Hooker to come on the road with him) moved to Madison, Wisconsin, to pursued studies in history at the local University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, Danny also started performing blues and bluegrass at local beatnik coffeehouses with such folkies as Marshall Brickman and the not yet famous Bob Dylan. After two years, however, Danny moved back to New York and headed straight for Greenwich Village's thriving folk scene. There, he played again with Bob Dylan, but also as solo folksinger, at least until 1963 when he became a member of the True Endeavor Jug Band. Later that same year, he joined his mentor and former guitar teacher Dave Van Ronk's band The Ragtime Jug Stompers. In 1964, Danny left that band too, and other than doing some solo gigs from time to time, he and his longtime partner in crime Sam Charters (who had played with him in both the True Endeavor Jug Band, and Dave Van Ronk and The Ragtime Jug Stompers) put together the New Strangers, a piano-and-guitar duo inspired by pre-war Chicago blues. Also that same year, he played in an instrumental trio called The Folk Stringers, and as backup guitar player on Phil Och's debut album. A one-shot recording date also in 1964 was to have a longer-lasting impact on Kalb's career than any other recordings he made since then. With an adaption of Muddy Waters' 'I Be's Troubled' (here retitled as 'I'm Troubled') and his own song 'Hello Baby Blues', Danny was one of the eight artists featured on 'The Blues Project', an Elektra Records folk blues compilation album which sold over 300,000 copies and introduced a new generation of would-be bluesmen to the music, and gave Kalb the name for what would become his most famous band a year later. The album was a great success in its own right, but it also brought Danny undoubted recognition as an acoustic guitarist. Despite that, and perhaps ironically, he was starting to feel the lure of the electric guitar for the first time since high school. He heard Tim Hardin played electric guitar at The Night Owl Cafe in November 1964 and he was knocked on his ass. He said to himself that he should to start something that takes all this in, jazz, blues, r&b, and rock and roll. And it was within about a month that he decided to start his own band. The real starting pointing for Danny’s fronting a band was at a party he gave the following New Year’s Eve. Says Danny, “It was a wild party, a tremendous burst of energy. We had equipment set up. I played guitar an a little piano and my cousin Peter Kogan played drums, he’s now the timpanist with the Minneapolis Symphony. Later that evening my younger brother Jonathan arrived with another old friend, Roy Blumenfeld.” Blumenfeld sat in on drums on a blues tune and he and Danny clicked and had a great time. However, they lost touch again after that night, at least until the following March 1965 when Danny ran into Roy again on the streets of the Lower East Side. At the time, Roy was attending New York University but was in the process of dropping out. Roy remembers Danny saying that he had a gig booked at a little place somewhere on Long Island, called El Toro, and why didn’t Roy bring his drum kit along and play? Danny was getting more gigs, and the idea of putting a genuine band together really took hold. Roy’s roomate who was going to NYU music school and he had a friend there who played upright bass and a bit of flute. That was Andy Kulberg (b. Andrew M. Kulberg, Sunday, April 30, 1944, Buffalo, Erie County, New York). Roy ran into Andy in a dormitory at the NYU while Andy was schlepping his upright bass down the hall, and Roy invited him to a rehearsal. With Danny Kalb on vocals and lead guitar, Roy Blumenfeld on drums, and Andy Kulberg on bass and flute, plus Danny’s former True Endeavor Jug Band bandmate Artie Traum on rhythm guitar (b. Arthur Roy Traum, Saturday, April 3, 1943, Bronx - d. Sunday, July 20, 2008, Bearsville, Ulster County, New York), the quartet became, nedless to say, the Danny Kalb Quartet. The band, influenced by Tim Hardin, would play traditional acoustic folk and blues on electric instruments.
Undoubtedly one of the most innovative and influental rock bands of the 1960s, The Blues Project emerged from a New York City-based four-piece named The Danny Kalb Quartet. The band was put together by singer and lead guitar player Daniel 'Danny' Kalb (b. Saturday, September 19, 1942, Brooklyn, New York City, New York - d. Saturday, November 19, 2022, in a Brooklyn hospice home after a three-years battle with a cancer of the liver) and drummer Roy Blumenfeld (b. Thursday, May 11, 1944, Bronx, New York City, New York), after the pair met by chance one day up in the Lower East Side, a neighborhood in the southeastern part of Manhattan, where both lived at that time. Danny and Roy knew each other since they were kids because they both grew up in Mount Vernon, Westchester County, New York, and their two families were friendly. They also attended the same high school (where Roy played clarinet in the school orchestra, while Danny led a rockabilly quartet named The Gay Notes) and shared similar musical tastes, although, being a little younger, Roy was actually closer to Danny's younger brother Jonathan, who is, by the way, an excellent guitar player himself. Anyway, in September 1960 they lost touch when Danny (after turned down an offer by John Lee Hooker to come on the road with him) moved to Madison, Wisconsin, to pursued studies in history at the local University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, Danny also started performing blues and bluegrass at local beatnik coffeehouses with such folkies as Marshall Brickman and the not yet famous Bob Dylan. After two years, however, Danny moved back to New York and headed straight for Greenwich Village's thriving folk scene. There, he played again with Bob Dylan, but also as solo folksinger, at least until 1963 when he became a member of the True Endeavor Jug Band. Later that same year, he joined his mentor and former guitar teacher Dave Van Ronk's band The Ragtime Jug Stompers. In 1964, Danny left that band too, and other than doing some solo gigs from time to time, he and his longtime partner in crime Sam Charters (who had played with him in both the True Endeavor Jug Band, and Dave Van Ronk and The Ragtime Jug Stompers) put together the New Strangers, a piano-and-guitar duo inspired by pre-war Chicago blues. Also that same year, he played in an instrumental trio called The Folk Stringers, and as backup guitar player on Phil Och's debut album. A one-shot recording date also in 1964 was to have a longer-lasting impact on Kalb's career than any other recordings he made since then. With an adaption of Muddy Waters' 'I Be's Troubled' (here retitled as 'I'm Troubled') and his own song 'Hello Baby Blues', Danny was one of the eight artists featured on 'The Blues Project', an Elektra Records folk blues compilation album which sold over 300,000 copies and introduced a new generation of would-be bluesmen to the music, and gave Kalb the name for what would become his most famous band a year later. The album was a great success in its own right, but it also brought Danny undoubted recognition as an acoustic guitarist. Despite that, and perhaps ironically, he was starting to feel the lure of the electric guitar for the first time since high school. He heard Tim Hardin played electric guitar at The Night Owl Cafe in November 1964 and he was knocked on his ass. He said to himself that he should to start something that takes all this in, jazz, blues, r&b, and rock and roll. And it was within about a month that he decided to start his own band. The real starting pointing for Danny’s fronting a band was at a party he gave the following New Year’s Eve. Says Danny, “It was a wild party, a tremendous burst of energy. We had equipment set up. I played guitar an a little piano and my cousin Peter Kogan played drums, he’s now the timpanist with the Minneapolis Symphony. Later that evening my younger brother Jonathan arrived with another old friend, Roy Blumenfeld.” Blumenfeld sat in on drums on a blues tune and he and Danny clicked and had a great time. However, they lost touch again after that night, at least until the following March 1965 when Danny ran into Roy again on the streets of the Lower East Side. At the time, Roy was attending New York University but was in the process of dropping out. Roy remembers Danny saying that he had a gig booked at a little place somewhere on Long Island, called El Toro, and why didn’t Roy bring his drum kit along and play? Danny was getting more gigs, and the idea of putting a genuine band together really took hold. Roy’s roomate who was going to NYU music school and he had a friend there who played upright bass and a bit of flute. That was Andy Kulberg (b. Andrew M. Kulberg, Sunday, April 30, 1944, Buffalo, Erie County, New York). Roy ran into Andy in a dormitory at the NYU while Andy was schlepping his upright bass down the hall, and Roy invited him to a rehearsal. With Danny Kalb on vocals and lead guitar, Roy Blumenfeld on drums, and Andy Kulberg on bass and flute, plus Danny’s former True Endeavor Jug Band bandmate Artie Traum on rhythm guitar (b. Arthur Roy Traum, Saturday, April 3, 1943, Bronx - d. Sunday, July 20, 2008, Bearsville, Ulster County, New York), the quartet became, nedless to say, the Danny Kalb Quartet. The band, influenced by Tim Hardin, would play traditional acoustic folk and blues on electric instruments.
THE DANNY KALB QUARTET (MARCH 1965 - JUNE 1965)
1) Danny Kalb vocals, lead guitar
2) Roy Blumenfeld drums
3) Andy Kulberg bass, flute
4) Artie Traum rhythm guitar
1) Danny Kalb vocals, lead guitar
2) Roy Blumenfeld drums
3) Andy Kulberg bass, flute
4) Artie Traum rhythm guitar
Saturday, April 3, 1965: 'Free Speech Hoot', Empire Hotel, 44 West 63rd Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The Danny Kalb Quartet’s debut gig. Also on the bill: John Hammond Jr., Judy Roderick. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was a benefit for striking students from Bloomington, Ohio.
Thursday, May 6 - Wednesday, May 19, 1965: Gaslight Cafe, 116 MacDougal Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
These shows were advertised as solo gigs by 'Talented New Folksinger' Danny Kalb, but supposedly he actually played there with his Danny Kalb Quartet. Also on the bill: Doc Watson.
June 1965
By June things were beginning to take off for the Danny Kalb Quartet. The band were being noticed, reviews were favorable, and they were gaining a reputation for high energy blues and r&b. They got bookings at The Night Owl Cafe where they would open for The Lovin' Spoonful, but in what must have seemed a strange move to the others, the band cancelled the gig and went on hiatus after Danny Kalb decided to go to England for the summer, just after they had signed with the prestigious William Morris Agency.
Late August 1965
After travelled to England where he performed at London folk clubs like Les Cousins, as well as travelled to Paris in France, Danny Kalb received a telegram from the William Morris Agency, probably because there was the possibility of a record deal for the Danny Kalb Quartet. So he returned home to got together again with Roy, Andy, and Artie, and also just in time to see the release of Judy Collins’ breakthrough 'Fifth Album', where he had played guitar as sessionman on the song, 'Daddy You’ve Been On My Mind'. However, Artie Traum had also gone to Europe in the meantime and showed up no signs of returning. A new rhythm guitarist was needed.
September 1965
One Saturday afternoon, Danny Kalb was in a music store in the Village caled Fretted Instruments, where he ran into singer and guitar player Steve Katz (b. Wednesday, May 9, 1945, Brooklyn, New York City, New York), that Danny knew vaguely as member of the Even Dozen Jug Band and also as another of Dave Van Ronk's guitar students. By the summer of ’65, however, Steve himself was teaching. He was going to school at C.W. Post on Long Island, but spending most of his time in the Village, including teaching at Fretted Instruments on Saturdays. He took over from David Bennett Cohen, who’d gone out to California and eventually joined Country Joe and The Fish. Anyway, Danny came up to Steve in the store and hardly ever hearing him play a note, asked him if he could fill in for Artie Traum. Steve had never played an electric guitar, so he made some inquiries, borrowed a De Armand pick-up from a friend.
Saturday, October 2, 1965
Supposedly on the afternoon of this day, the group that would become known as The Blues Project rehearsed together for the first time at The Night Owl Cafe in the Village. The as-yet unnamed band feature Danny Kalb, Roy Blumenfeld, and Andy Kulberg from the old Danny Kalb Quartet, plus Steve Katz and a singer and harmonica player from Boston named Tommy Flanders, formerly of Tom Jones and The Trolls ('Tom Jones' was Flanders’ former stage name). According to Steve Katz, at first the band toyed with the name 'The Danny Kalb Quartet featuring Tom Jones', but their leader Danny Kalb had already decided to change it to 'The Blues Project' after expropriated the name from the above mentioned Elektra compilation. According to Danny Kalb, however, it was Tommy Flanders that actually suggested the band name. Anyway, soon after the band started rehearsed in the waterlogged and roach infested sub-basement of the Hotel Albert, in the Village, that they shared with the not yet famous James Taylor, and where they jammed one afternoon with the great late Mose Allison.
The Danny Kalb Quartet’s debut gig. Also on the bill: John Hammond Jr., Judy Roderick. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was a benefit for striking students from Bloomington, Ohio.
Thursday, May 6 - Wednesday, May 19, 1965: Gaslight Cafe, 116 MacDougal Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
These shows were advertised as solo gigs by 'Talented New Folksinger' Danny Kalb, but supposedly he actually played there with his Danny Kalb Quartet. Also on the bill: Doc Watson.
June 1965
By June things were beginning to take off for the Danny Kalb Quartet. The band were being noticed, reviews were favorable, and they were gaining a reputation for high energy blues and r&b. They got bookings at The Night Owl Cafe where they would open for The Lovin' Spoonful, but in what must have seemed a strange move to the others, the band cancelled the gig and went on hiatus after Danny Kalb decided to go to England for the summer, just after they had signed with the prestigious William Morris Agency.
Late August 1965
After travelled to England where he performed at London folk clubs like Les Cousins, as well as travelled to Paris in France, Danny Kalb received a telegram from the William Morris Agency, probably because there was the possibility of a record deal for the Danny Kalb Quartet. So he returned home to got together again with Roy, Andy, and Artie, and also just in time to see the release of Judy Collins’ breakthrough 'Fifth Album', where he had played guitar as sessionman on the song, 'Daddy You’ve Been On My Mind'. However, Artie Traum had also gone to Europe in the meantime and showed up no signs of returning. A new rhythm guitarist was needed.
September 1965
One Saturday afternoon, Danny Kalb was in a music store in the Village caled Fretted Instruments, where he ran into singer and guitar player Steve Katz (b. Wednesday, May 9, 1945, Brooklyn, New York City, New York), that Danny knew vaguely as member of the Even Dozen Jug Band and also as another of Dave Van Ronk's guitar students. By the summer of ’65, however, Steve himself was teaching. He was going to school at C.W. Post on Long Island, but spending most of his time in the Village, including teaching at Fretted Instruments on Saturdays. He took over from David Bennett Cohen, who’d gone out to California and eventually joined Country Joe and The Fish. Anyway, Danny came up to Steve in the store and hardly ever hearing him play a note, asked him if he could fill in for Artie Traum. Steve had never played an electric guitar, so he made some inquiries, borrowed a De Armand pick-up from a friend.
Saturday, October 2, 1965
Supposedly on the afternoon of this day, the group that would become known as The Blues Project rehearsed together for the first time at The Night Owl Cafe in the Village. The as-yet unnamed band feature Danny Kalb, Roy Blumenfeld, and Andy Kulberg from the old Danny Kalb Quartet, plus Steve Katz and a singer and harmonica player from Boston named Tommy Flanders, formerly of Tom Jones and The Trolls ('Tom Jones' was Flanders’ former stage name). According to Steve Katz, at first the band toyed with the name 'The Danny Kalb Quartet featuring Tom Jones', but their leader Danny Kalb had already decided to change it to 'The Blues Project' after expropriated the name from the above mentioned Elektra compilation. According to Danny Kalb, however, it was Tommy Flanders that actually suggested the band name. Anyway, soon after the band started rehearsed in the waterlogged and roach infested sub-basement of the Hotel Albert, in the Village, that they shared with the not yet famous James Taylor, and where they jammed one afternoon with the great late Mose Allison.
THE BLUES PROJECT #1 (OCTOBER 2, 1965 - NOVEMBER ?, 1965)
1) Danny Kalb vocals, lead guitar
2) Roy Blumenfeld drums
3) Andy Kulberg bass, flute
4) Steve Katz vocals, rhyhthm guitar, harp, and sometime bass
5) Tommy Flanders lead vocals, harp
Thursday, October 7 - Saturday, October 9, 1965: The Night Owl Cafe, 118 West 3rd Street, b/w MacDougal Street and 6th Avenue, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Advertised as 'Blues Project featuring Danny Kalb, Tom Flanders' (although the club marquee initially billed the band as 'The Danny Kalb Quartet featuring Tom Jones'), the band played together for the first time at the Night Owl Cafe for a three-night stand. Opening for them were New York-based folk-rock band The Magicians.
October ??, 1965: unknown recording studio, New York City, New York
The Blues Project recorded a demo tape for Columbia Records with Tom Wilson as producer and, at the latter’s suggestion, a songwriter and musician named Al Kooper (b. Alan Peter Kooper (formerly Kuperschmidt), Saturday, February 5, 1944, Brooklyn) on organ. 'Koop', as he was later affectionately known by his bandmates, was mostly known for his recent work in the Bob Dylan's album 'Highway 61 Revisited' (he was the guy who played the organ riff for which 'Like A Rolling Stone' was known). Anyway, Columbia then passed, but after the band signed with Verve Folkways Records a month later (and also Tom Wilson left Columbia for Verve), the two tracks they cut that day - 'Back Door Man' and 'Violets Of Dawn' - were subsequently released as their debut single in January 1966. In the meantime, the day after the session, during a lunch at the Keneret Restaurant in the Village, The Blues Project asked 'Koop' to officially join them and he accepted.
November ?, 1965
Al Kooper and The Blues Project rehearsed together for the first time in the living room of the Greenwich Village Grove Street apartment of Andy Kulberg's sister, Julie. They rehearsed about four hours until the neighbors complained about excessive noise and called the police (!!). Fortunately, sometime later the band managed enough cash to rent a rehearsal space at 1697 Broadway, in Manhattan's Theater District.
Advertised as 'Blues Project featuring Danny Kalb, Tom Flanders' (although the club marquee initially billed the band as 'The Danny Kalb Quartet featuring Tom Jones'), the band played together for the first time at the Night Owl Cafe for a three-night stand. Opening for them were New York-based folk-rock band The Magicians.
October ??, 1965: unknown recording studio, New York City, New York
The Blues Project recorded a demo tape for Columbia Records with Tom Wilson as producer and, at the latter’s suggestion, a songwriter and musician named Al Kooper (b. Alan Peter Kooper (formerly Kuperschmidt), Saturday, February 5, 1944, Brooklyn) on organ. 'Koop', as he was later affectionately known by his bandmates, was mostly known for his recent work in the Bob Dylan's album 'Highway 61 Revisited' (he was the guy who played the organ riff for which 'Like A Rolling Stone' was known). Anyway, Columbia then passed, but after the band signed with Verve Folkways Records a month later (and also Tom Wilson left Columbia for Verve), the two tracks they cut that day - 'Back Door Man' and 'Violets Of Dawn' - were subsequently released as their debut single in January 1966. In the meantime, the day after the session, during a lunch at the Keneret Restaurant in the Village, The Blues Project asked 'Koop' to officially join them and he accepted.
November ?, 1965
Al Kooper and The Blues Project rehearsed together for the first time in the living room of the Greenwich Village Grove Street apartment of Andy Kulberg's sister, Julie. They rehearsed about four hours until the neighbors complained about excessive noise and called the police (!!). Fortunately, sometime later the band managed enough cash to rent a rehearsal space at 1697 Broadway, in Manhattan's Theater District.
THE BLUES PROJECT #2 (NOVEMBER ?, 1965 - JANUARY ?, 1966)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Tommy Flanders
6) Al Kooper vocals, organ
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Tommy Flanders
6) Al Kooper vocals, organ
Tuesday, November 9 - Sunday, November 21, 1965: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Advertised as 'The Blues Project with Danny Kalb and Tommy Flanders', the band played live for the first time with Al Kooper in the lineup. Opening for them was the great late stand-up comedian Richard Pryor.
Wednesday, November 24, 1965: Village Theatre, 105 2nd Avenue at East 6th Street, East Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The Blues Project opened for Chuck Berry and also backed him up. The Undercurrents were also on the bill as opening act. The show, which started at 8:30pm, was hosted by Jack Walker.
The Blues Project rehearsed with Chuck Berry at Village Theatre, November 24, 1965
Wednesday, November 24 - Saturday, November 27, 1965: 'The Blues Bag', Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The shows were promoted by 'Verve Folkways Records - Co-Sponsor Cavalier Magazine Presents'. Also on the bill: Big Joe Williams, Judy Roderick, David Blue, Son House, Bukka White, Skip James, Eric Andersen, John Hammond Jr., John Lee Hooker, Geoff Muldaur, The Seventh Sons, Buzzy Linhart, T. Bone Walker, Izzy Young (MC), Harvey Brooks, Fred Neil, Barbara Dane, New York Public Library, and great surprise guests. Verve Folkways Records, The Blues Project’s label, had the idea of recording the band live and several tracks from the band debut album, 'Live at the Cafe Au Go Go featuring Tommy Flanders' (1966), were actually recorded at these shows (also some previously unreleased outtakes from these “sessions” were released in 1997 only in the US on their posthumous 2-CD compilation 'The Blues Project Anthology' (Polydor 31452 9758-2), and also in 2004 only in the UK on the CD reissue of their debut album (Acadia ACA 8070)). To justify the project, they had a sort of “blues and folk festival” and also recorded (almost) all the acts. The famous American novelist and short story writer T.C. Boyle, then only a seventeen year old high school kid, saw The Blues Project play one night (this was also the first time he ever heard a band play live in a club) and he was so excited by them that years later he wrote about first seeing them for GQ magazine.
Wednesday, December 1 - Thursday, December 2, 1965: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Workshop. I'm not sure exactly what was meant by "Workshop," but I assume it was along the lines of events held at folk festivals, where musicians demonstrated specific styles or techniques.
Friday, December 3 - Saturday, December 4, 1964: King's Rook, 4th South Main Street, Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts
Tuesday, December 7 - Wednesday, December 8, 1965: Club 47, 47 Palmer Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Friday, December 10 or Saturday, December 11, December 1965 (approximate date): Cafe Imbroglio, Tufts University campus, 419 Boston Avenue, Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Friday, December 10 or Saturday, December 11, December 1965 (approximate date): 'Frat Party', unknown venue, Wesleyan University campus, 45 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown, Middlesex County, Connecticut
Friday, December 17 - Sunday, December 26, 1965: 'A Special Xmas Program of Blues & Folk Music', Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: The Fugs, and David Blue. Initially these shows - promoted by 'Cafe Au Go Go presents - were advertised from December 17 to December 25.
Monday, January 3 - Wednesday, January 5, 1966: 'MGM/Verve’s Annual Sales Convention', Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, California
The Blues Project had been flown out to Los Angeles, California, for the huge, annual MGM Records sales convention (Verve was part of MGM). Apparently someone at MGM had decided that the band were going to be America’s answer to The Rolling Stones. And if things had worked out differently, it might have happened. The trip was in all respects bizarre, MGM gave them the red carpet threatment. They were put up at the Hilton, given the tour of the film studios, and they attended the LA premiere of Doctor Zhivago, an MGM movie. They even performed on a soundstage at the MGM lot, much to the mystification of the invited guests.
Early January 1966: 'The Lloyd Thaxton Show', KCOP-TV (Channel 13), KCOP Television Studios, 915 North La Brea Avenue, West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California (filmed date)
Somewhere in January (no documentation exists of the exact day of performance), The Blues Project make their television debut on Lloyd Thaxton’s TV show, performing: 'Hoochie Coochie Men' and 'Back Door Man'. This episode of the show, that also featured Del Shannon, was broadcast on Thursday, February 3, in the Los Angeles area between 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Thaxton’s TV show was also syndicated to nearly 100 cities, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
Early January 1966: Sunset Marquis Hotel, 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California
After the MGM sales convention, with The Blues Project now ensconced at the Sunset Marquis, the problem with Tommy Flanders came to head. Since the day one, Tommy enjoyed his position as front man to such an extent that he seems to have resented any attention or praise directed toward the others. There was often tension between him and the other members, so when they were in LA, all the old arguments were rehashed, but the major problem, apparently, was Tommy’s girl friend Maxine, who had convinced him that he was the Real Star and should be in films, etc. In a scene reminiscent of Spinal Tap, a showdown took place, and she told the band that her Tommy was quitting, which he did, then and there. Tommy’s immediate post-Blues Project plans included embarking upon some kind of round-the-world, horseback, candlelight vigil for peace. It didn’t happen. He did, however, sign with Verve as solo artist, and in August 1967 (over a year recording it on Friday, April 1, 1966) Verve released a single, 'Friday Night City / Reputation', in which Frank Zappa plays guitar. Two years later, in 1969, Tommy released an album on Verve, 'Moonstone', which was the last that was heard of him until he joins again The Blues Project a couple of years later. With their front man and lead singer gone, the band were in a quandary and the record company were none too pleased. Without Tommy, they were unlikely to be the American Stones. Although they left the possibility of a replacement open, they decided to carry on, by splitting the vocals between them. Danny, mot unnaturally, would handle the blues. Steve had the folkie material, and Al got the r&b and rock numbers. The band rehearsed the revised set in a small ballroom at the hotel and even organized an impromptu gig, inviting local underground celebrities like Vito Paulekas and his freak crowd of go-go dancers. The “gig” was enough of a success to convince them to continue as a five piece line-up for the time being.
THE BLUES PROJECT #3 (JANUARY ?, 1966 - MARCH 2?, 1966)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Al Kooper
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Al Kooper
Early/Mid January 1966
The Blues Project debut single, 'Back Door Man (Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon) / Violets Of Dawn (Eric Andersen)' (Verve Folkways KF 5004), was released in the US. Both tracks were later included on the band’s anthology album, 'Al Kooper, Roy Blumenfeld, Danny Kalb, Tommy Flanders, Steve Katz, Andy Kulberg Of The Blues Project' (Verve Forecast FTS-3069), released in April 1969 only in the US. 'Violets Of Dawn' was later also included on another one of the band’s anthology albums, 'Best Of The Blues Project' (Verve Forecast FTS3977), released in 1969 only in the US. By the way, the single was also released in Australia on Friday, December 9, 1966 (as Verve V-5110).
January 1966: unknown recording studio, Newark, Essex County, New Jersey
A toy company from Newark, New Jersey, called Tifton Record Company, wanted to release a children’s record called 'Batman and Robin' (Tifton M-78002 (Mono) / S.78002 (Stereo); Side A: 1. Batman Theme (Neal Efti) / 2. Batman’s Batmorang (Public Domain) / 3. Batman And Robin Over The Roofs (Public Domain) / 4. The Penguin Chase (Public Domain) / 5. Flight Of The Batman (Public Domain) / 6. Joker Is Wild (Public Domain) - Side B: 1. Robin’s Theme (Public Domain) / 2. Penguin’s Umbrella (Public Domain) / 3. Batman And Robin Swing (Public Domain) / 4. Batmobile Wheels (Public Domain) / 5. The Riddler’s Retreat (Public Domain) / 6. The Bat Cave (Public Domain)) to cash in on the popular TV series of the same name. The music on the album, released later that year only in the US, was credited to The Sentational Guitars Of Dan & Dale, but in fact the band including the core of Sun Ra’s Arkestra and yours truly The Blues Project. The album is all instrumental with the exception of 'Batman Theme' and 'Robin’s Theme', that featured a couple of uncredited female singers. Both songs were also released later that year only in the US as single, 'Batman Theme / Robin’s Theme' (Tifton 45-125). Tom Wilson was the producer and when he called The Blues Project to book them for this session, Al Kooper refused to go apparently because that day was his father Samuel's 57th birthday and he did not want to miss it (actually Samuel's birthday was on April 3 so...). Wilson then called Sun Ra to play the organ instead of Kooper (the latter was credited on organ on the liner notes of the May 14, 2001 US/Italy CD reissues of the album, but he actually did not appear or perform on it). The exact line-up that performed in the album was: Sun Ra (Hammond B-3 organ), John Gilmore (tenor sax), Marshall Allen (alto sax), Pat Patrick (baritone sax), Andy Kulberg (bass), Roy Blumenfeld (drums), Steve Katz (lead guitar), Danny Kalb (guitar), ? (unknown female vocalist on 'Batman Theme'), ? (unknown female vocalist on 'Robin’s Theme'), ? (harmonica), Jimmy Owens (trumpet), and Tom McIntosh (tuba).
Saturday, January 29 - Sunday, January 30, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Oscar Brown Jr. Verve Folkways Records, The Blues Project’s label, recorded the band live again, and several tracks from the band debut album, 'Live at the Cafe Au Go Go featuring Tommy Flanders' (1966), were actually recorded at these shows (also some previously unreleased outtakes from these “sessions” were released posthumously on 'The Blues Project Anthology' (1997) and on the CD reissue of the band debut album in 2004).
Monday, January 31 - Sunday, February 13, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Fred Neil (31, 1-13), Judy Roderick (4-13), Richie Havens (7-13).
The Blues Project debut single, 'Back Door Man (Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon) / Violets Of Dawn (Eric Andersen)' (Verve Folkways KF 5004), was released in the US. Both tracks were later included on the band’s anthology album, 'Al Kooper, Roy Blumenfeld, Danny Kalb, Tommy Flanders, Steve Katz, Andy Kulberg Of The Blues Project' (Verve Forecast FTS-3069), released in April 1969 only in the US. 'Violets Of Dawn' was later also included on another one of the band’s anthology albums, 'Best Of The Blues Project' (Verve Forecast FTS3977), released in 1969 only in the US. By the way, the single was also released in Australia on Friday, December 9, 1966 (as Verve V-5110).
January 1966: unknown recording studio, Newark, Essex County, New Jersey
A toy company from Newark, New Jersey, called Tifton Record Company, wanted to release a children’s record called 'Batman and Robin' (Tifton M-78002 (Mono) / S.78002 (Stereo); Side A: 1. Batman Theme (Neal Efti) / 2. Batman’s Batmorang (Public Domain) / 3. Batman And Robin Over The Roofs (Public Domain) / 4. The Penguin Chase (Public Domain) / 5. Flight Of The Batman (Public Domain) / 6. Joker Is Wild (Public Domain) - Side B: 1. Robin’s Theme (Public Domain) / 2. Penguin’s Umbrella (Public Domain) / 3. Batman And Robin Swing (Public Domain) / 4. Batmobile Wheels (Public Domain) / 5. The Riddler’s Retreat (Public Domain) / 6. The Bat Cave (Public Domain)) to cash in on the popular TV series of the same name. The music on the album, released later that year only in the US, was credited to The Sentational Guitars Of Dan & Dale, but in fact the band including the core of Sun Ra’s Arkestra and yours truly The Blues Project. The album is all instrumental with the exception of 'Batman Theme' and 'Robin’s Theme', that featured a couple of uncredited female singers. Both songs were also released later that year only in the US as single, 'Batman Theme / Robin’s Theme' (Tifton 45-125). Tom Wilson was the producer and when he called The Blues Project to book them for this session, Al Kooper refused to go apparently because that day was his father Samuel's 57th birthday and he did not want to miss it (actually Samuel's birthday was on April 3 so...). Wilson then called Sun Ra to play the organ instead of Kooper (the latter was credited on organ on the liner notes of the May 14, 2001 US/Italy CD reissues of the album, but he actually did not appear or perform on it). The exact line-up that performed in the album was: Sun Ra (Hammond B-3 organ), John Gilmore (tenor sax), Marshall Allen (alto sax), Pat Patrick (baritone sax), Andy Kulberg (bass), Roy Blumenfeld (drums), Steve Katz (lead guitar), Danny Kalb (guitar), ? (unknown female vocalist on 'Batman Theme'), ? (unknown female vocalist on 'Robin’s Theme'), ? (harmonica), Jimmy Owens (trumpet), and Tom McIntosh (tuba).
Saturday, January 29 - Sunday, January 30, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Oscar Brown Jr. Verve Folkways Records, The Blues Project’s label, recorded the band live again, and several tracks from the band debut album, 'Live at the Cafe Au Go Go featuring Tommy Flanders' (1966), were actually recorded at these shows (also some previously unreleased outtakes from these “sessions” were released posthumously on 'The Blues Project Anthology' (1997) and on the CD reissue of the band debut album in 2004).
Monday, January 31 - Sunday, February 13, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Fred Neil (31, 1-13), Judy Roderick (4-13), Richie Havens (7-13).
The Blues Project #3, Cafe Au Go Go, 1966 . from left: Danny Kalb, Roy Blumenfeld, Steve Katz, Andy Kulberg, and Al Kooper
Early 1966: unknown recording studio, in or around New York City, New York
Al Kooper on vocals, piano and guitar, backed up (uncredited) by Roy Blumenfeld on drums and Andy Kulberg on bass, recorded an adaption of Blind Willie Johnson's 'Lord I Just Can't Keep From Crying' (here retitled 'Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes') for a blues-rock compilation album entitled 'What's Shakin', which was released by Elektra Records in June 1966 only in the US (Al was one of the five artists featured on it). Later that same year Al re-recorded it as 'I Can't Keep From Crying' with The Blues Project, who made it the opening track of their second album, 'Projections'.
Late February/Early March 1966: unknown venue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Also on the bill: Stan Getz.
Friday, March 4, 1966: ‘1st Annual Swarthmore College Rock Festival,’ Clothier Hall, Swarthmore College campus, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
A formal concert by the Blues Project at 9pm in Clothier Hall, closed the first day of activities of this two-day (March 4-5) rock festival.
Saturday, March 5, 1966: Antioch College, 1 Morgan Place, Yellow Springs, Greene County, Ohio
The Antioch College gig was one of the most infamous and legendary among the band members. They arrive late and exhausted after a long road trip but are excited by the thought of showing these midwestern college kids what a bunch of real degenerates from New York can do. First of all, their dressing room is in the science lab, which, of course, is weird-full of body parts in bottles, cut-up frogs, and the overpowering odor of formaldehyde. Undaunted, they change into their glittery togs (well, Al does) and smoke a little dope between paranoid giggles. Convinced they are the hippest thing ever to hit town, they go on stage. Steve recalls what happened next: “We go out on stage, but we’re behind a curtain, all giggling, going, ‘Boy, am I stoned.’ We’re announced, and the curtain opens, and my jaw drops. The audience is ten times more stoned than us. Half the girls don’t have tops on. They’re looking at us through taleidoscopes, and they’re all tripping on acid or mescaline. I said, ‘Something weird is happening in America.’”
March ?, 1966: Memorial Field House, The University of Toledo campus, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio
According to eye witness Bill Cooper, The Blues Project played here on the same week of their above mentioned Antioch College gig.
Tuesday, March 15 - Sunday, March 27, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Richie Havens (15-27), The Myddle Class (15-27), The Seventh Sons featuring Buzz Linhart (19). The Blues Project were originally scheduled to play from March 11 to April 10.
Thursday, March 17, 1966: Dorothy M. Haas Lounge, Norton Hall, S.U.N.Y. (State University of New York) campus, 345 Main Street, Buffalo, Erie County, New York
Monday, March 28, 1966: unknown recording studio, New York City, New York
The Blues Project backed up a young folksinger called David Soul on the recording of his debut single, 'The Covered Man (Garofalo) / I Will Warm Your Heart (unknown author)' (MGM K13510), released only in the US on Thursday, April 21, 1966. The session was produced by Tom Wilson. Oh, by the way, David Soul (born David Richard Solberg) later became famous as 'Hutch' from TV's Starsky and Hutch.
March 2?, 1966
Cafe Au Go Go’s singing waitress Emmaretta Gloria Marks (b. Thursday, March 15, 1945, Washington D.C. - d. Tuesday, January 4, 2022, Windham, New York, after a long battle with dementia) joined The Blues Project on backing vocals and tambourine.
THE BLUES PROJECT #4 (MARCH 2?, 1966 - MAY 31, 1966)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Al Kooper
6) Emmaretta Marks backing vocals, tambourine
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Al Kooper
6) Emmaretta Marks backing vocals, tambourine
Thursday, March 31, 1966: 'Annual Spring Arts Festival', Dorothy M. Haas Lounge, Norton Hall, S.U.N.Y. (State University of New York) campus, 345 Main Street, Buffalo, Erie County, New York
The Blues Project played in the afternoon. Also on the bill (supposedly in the evening): Allen Ginsberg, Nina Simone, The Four Seasons, Kingston Trio, and others.
Thursday, March 31 - Monday, April 11, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Richie Havens.
Saturday, April 2, 1966: 'Benefit for S.N.C.C. (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee)', Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, b/w 6th Avenue and Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Reverend Gary Davis, 'Spider' John Koerner, Richie Havens. One show, started at 8:15pm.
April 1966
The Blues Project’s debut album, 'Live at the Cafe Au Go Go featuring Tommy Flanders' (Verve Folkways FV 9024 (Mono) / FVS 9024 (Stereo); Side A: 1. Goin’ Down Louisiana (Muddy Waters) / 2. You Go And I’ll Go With You (Willie Dixon) / 3. Catch The Wind (Donovan) / 4. I Want To Be Your Driver (Chuck Berry) / 5. Alberta (Public Domain) / 6. The Way My Baby Walks (Andy Kulberg) - Side B: 1. Violets Of Dawn (Eric Andersen) / 2. Back Door Man (Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon) / 3. Jelly Jelly Blues (Billy Eckstine, Earl Hines) / 4. Spoonful (Willie Dixon) / 5. Who Do You Love (Bo Diddley)), was released only in the US. The album sold 22,000 copies in the first month of release and went on to sell more than 100,000 over time, and peaking as high as No. 77 on the Billboard’s album chart. The album was reissued several times on CD format, and these versions included six previously unissued bonus tracks: 1. Hoochie Coochie Men (Willie Dixon) / 2. Parchman Farm (Mose Allison) / 3. Alberta (Alternate Version) (Public Domain) / 4. Have You Ever Had The Blues? (Bill Jennings, Juanita Lenoir) / 5. Bright Lights, Bright City (Jimmy Reed) / 6. Who Do You Love (Alternate Version) (Bo Diddley). As mentioned above, all titles were recorded live at the Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, on November 24-27, 1965 (with Tommy Flanders) and on January 29-30, 1966 (without Tommy Flanders), so the exact lineup which played on each tracks is: Danny Kalb: Lead Guitar, Vocals (A1, A2, A5, A6, B3, CD3), Steve Katz: Rhythm Guitar, Harp, Vocals (A3), Andy Kulberg: Bass, Flute, Roy Blumenfeld: Drums, Al Kooper: Organ, Keyboards, Vocals (A4), and Tommy Flanders: Vocals (B1, B2, B4, B5, CD1, CD2, CD4, CD5, CD6). The cover photo was shot on stage at the Cafe Au Go Go supposedly in January 1966. Jerry Schoenbaum, who produced the album and wrote the liner notes, was also the then president of Verve Folkways Records.
April 1966
The Blues Project’s second single, 'Catch The Wind (Donovan) / I Want To Be Your Driver (Chuck Berry)' (Verve Folkways KF 5013), was released only in the US. Both songs were taken from the band’s debut live album. 'Catch The Wind' was later included also in the band’s anthology album, 'Al Kooper, Roy Blumenfeld, Danny Kalb, Tommy Flanders, Steve Katz, Andy Kulberg Of The Blues Project' (April 1969), while 'I Want To Be Your Driver' was later included also in the band’s anthology album, 'Best Of The Blues Project' (1969).
Monday, April 11, 1966: 'Clay Cole’s Diskotek', WPIX-TV (Channel 11), The Daily News Building (aka 11 WPIX Plaza), 220 East 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York (filmed date)
Supposedly taped today, this episode of the show, that which also featured Johnny Tillotsen, The Vogues, Gary US Bonds, The James Boys, and Kim Weston, was broadcast on Saturday, April 16, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.
Friday, April 15 - Sunday, April 17, 1966: '5th Annual S.F. State Folk Festival', San Francisco State College, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as 'The Blues Project Blues Band' on the festival poster. Also on the bill: Dick and Mimi Farina (backed up by The Blues Project), Dan Hicks, Guy Carawan, Doc Watson and Clint Howard and Fred Price, The Moving Star Hall Singers, Malvina Reynolds, Mark Spoelstra.
The Blues Project played in the afternoon. Also on the bill (supposedly in the evening): Allen Ginsberg, Nina Simone, The Four Seasons, Kingston Trio, and others.
Thursday, March 31 - Monday, April 11, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Richie Havens.
Saturday, April 2, 1966: 'Benefit for S.N.C.C. (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee)', Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, b/w 6th Avenue and Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Reverend Gary Davis, 'Spider' John Koerner, Richie Havens. One show, started at 8:15pm.
April 1966
The Blues Project’s debut album, 'Live at the Cafe Au Go Go featuring Tommy Flanders' (Verve Folkways FV 9024 (Mono) / FVS 9024 (Stereo); Side A: 1. Goin’ Down Louisiana (Muddy Waters) / 2. You Go And I’ll Go With You (Willie Dixon) / 3. Catch The Wind (Donovan) / 4. I Want To Be Your Driver (Chuck Berry) / 5. Alberta (Public Domain) / 6. The Way My Baby Walks (Andy Kulberg) - Side B: 1. Violets Of Dawn (Eric Andersen) / 2. Back Door Man (Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon) / 3. Jelly Jelly Blues (Billy Eckstine, Earl Hines) / 4. Spoonful (Willie Dixon) / 5. Who Do You Love (Bo Diddley)), was released only in the US. The album sold 22,000 copies in the first month of release and went on to sell more than 100,000 over time, and peaking as high as No. 77 on the Billboard’s album chart. The album was reissued several times on CD format, and these versions included six previously unissued bonus tracks: 1. Hoochie Coochie Men (Willie Dixon) / 2. Parchman Farm (Mose Allison) / 3. Alberta (Alternate Version) (Public Domain) / 4. Have You Ever Had The Blues? (Bill Jennings, Juanita Lenoir) / 5. Bright Lights, Bright City (Jimmy Reed) / 6. Who Do You Love (Alternate Version) (Bo Diddley). As mentioned above, all titles were recorded live at the Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, on November 24-27, 1965 (with Tommy Flanders) and on January 29-30, 1966 (without Tommy Flanders), so the exact lineup which played on each tracks is: Danny Kalb: Lead Guitar, Vocals (A1, A2, A5, A6, B3, CD3), Steve Katz: Rhythm Guitar, Harp, Vocals (A3), Andy Kulberg: Bass, Flute, Roy Blumenfeld: Drums, Al Kooper: Organ, Keyboards, Vocals (A4), and Tommy Flanders: Vocals (B1, B2, B4, B5, CD1, CD2, CD4, CD5, CD6). The cover photo was shot on stage at the Cafe Au Go Go supposedly in January 1966. Jerry Schoenbaum, who produced the album and wrote the liner notes, was also the then president of Verve Folkways Records.
April 1966
The Blues Project’s second single, 'Catch The Wind (Donovan) / I Want To Be Your Driver (Chuck Berry)' (Verve Folkways KF 5013), was released only in the US. Both songs were taken from the band’s debut live album. 'Catch The Wind' was later included also in the band’s anthology album, 'Al Kooper, Roy Blumenfeld, Danny Kalb, Tommy Flanders, Steve Katz, Andy Kulberg Of The Blues Project' (April 1969), while 'I Want To Be Your Driver' was later included also in the band’s anthology album, 'Best Of The Blues Project' (1969).
Monday, April 11, 1966: 'Clay Cole’s Diskotek', WPIX-TV (Channel 11), The Daily News Building (aka 11 WPIX Plaza), 220 East 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York (filmed date)
Supposedly taped today, this episode of the show, that which also featured Johnny Tillotsen, The Vogues, Gary US Bonds, The James Boys, and Kim Weston, was broadcast on Saturday, April 16, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.
Friday, April 15 - Sunday, April 17, 1966: '5th Annual S.F. State Folk Festival', San Francisco State College, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, California
The band was billed as 'The Blues Project Blues Band' on the festival poster. Also on the bill: Dick and Mimi Farina (backed up by The Blues Project), Dan Hicks, Guy Carawan, Doc Watson and Clint Howard and Fred Price, The Moving Star Hall Singers, Malvina Reynolds, Mark Spoelstra.
Friday, April 22 - Saturday, April 23, 1966: Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: The Great Society. Lights and stuff by Tony Martin. These shows, which started at 9:00pm each day, were presented by Family Dog, a production company run by the great late Chet Helms, manager of Big Brother and The Holding Company.
Tuesday, April 26 - Sunday, May 1, 1966: Doug Weston’s Troubadour Club, 9081 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California
Also on the bill: Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee.
Los Angeles Times (April 28, 1966)
Saturday, April 30, 1966: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3911 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California
Also on the bill: Sonny and Cher, Peter and Gordon, Cannibal and The Headhunters, The Premiers, Little Ray and His Revue, The Beau-Jives, The Ambertstones. This afternoon show took place from 2:00pm to 6:00pm and initially was to be held in the stadium of the East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park, but the location was changed at the last minute. Al Kooper took sick that day so The Blues Project played without keyboards and with Steve Katz doing Al’s vocals part.
Late April/Early May 1966: ‘New American Bandstand,’ ABC TV, Stage 54 or 55, The Prospect Studios (aka ABC Television Center), 4151 Prospect Avenue at Talmadge Street, Los Feliz, Central Los Angeles (filmed date)
Lip-synching to ‘I Want To Be Your Driver,’ ‘Catch The Wind,’ and ‘Jelly, Jelly, Blues,’ the Blues Project appeared on Dick Clark’s popular midday weekend show which was aired nationally on the ABC television network on Saturday, June 11, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm (East Coast) and from 1:30pm to 2:30pm (West Coast). Also appeared on the same episode Roy Head and the Traits, plus Petula Clark who was interviewed by Dick Clark over the phone for the “hot line” segment.
Tuesday, May 3 - Sunday, May 8, 1966: Doug Weston’s Troubadour Club, 9081 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California
Also on the bill: Larry Hankin.
Wednesday, May 4, 1966: unknown recording studio, Los Angeles, California
The Blues Project recorded 'Flute Thing', 'Mean Old Southern', and 'Fly Away'. 'Flute Thing' and 'Fly Away' were later included in the band’s second album, 'Projections' (1966), while 'Mean Old Southern' was later included (with overdubbed applause) in the band’s third album, 'Howard L. Solomon Presents The Blues Project Live At Town Hall' (1967). 'Flute Thing' was also included later on the band’s anthology album, 'Best Of The Blues Project' (1969). 'Mean Old Southern' and 'Fly Away' were included later as well on the band’s anthology album, 'Al Kooper, Roy Blumenfeld, Danny Kalb, Tommy Flanders, Steve Katz, Andy Kulberg Of The Blues Project' (April 1969). Initially Jack Nitzsche, the Verve appointed producer, was brought in, but it didn’t work out, and Al Kooper brought in Billy James who produced the night session with the assistance of Jeff Chase, the band’s manager. When the tracks appeared on the various albums, the production credit went to Marcus James, Billy’s seven-year-old son. Billy was contractually unable to use his own name.
Wednesday, May 11, 1966: unknown recording studio, Los Angeles, California
The Blues Project recorded 'Wake Me, Shake Me (1° version)', 'Two Trains Running (1° version)', and 'Love Will Endure'. 'Wake Me, Shake Me' and 'Two Trains Running', both still in their early “stage”, remain unreleased, while 'Love Will Endure' was later included (with overdubbed applause) in the band’s third album, “Howard L. Solomon Presents The Blues Project Live At Town Hall” (1967). The session was produced again by Billy James.
Thursday, May 12, 1966: 'Robert Scheer For Congress Benefit', Pauley Ballroom, 4th floor of MLK Student Union Building, U.C. (University of California) Berkeley campus, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
One show, started at 8:30pm.
Friday, May 13 - Saturday, May 14, 1966: 'The Laugh Cure Dance Concert', Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Quicksilver Messenger Service, Sons Of Adam. Lights by Bill Ham. These shows, which started at 9:00pm each day, were presented by Family Dog.
Monday, May 16, 1966
At 12 noon, The Blues Project did a promotional visit to Discount Records Inc., a record store located at 2309 Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, to sign copies of their first album.
Friday, May 20 - Saturday, May 21, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Muddy Waters and His Blues Band featuring Otis Spann, John Lee Hooker.
Saturday, May 21, 1966: 'The Blues Bag', Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, Westchester County, New York
Also on the bill: Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Bob Gibson, Judy Roderick, Jesse Colin Young. One show, started at 8:30pm.
Friday, May 27, 1966: unknown recording studio, New York City, New York
The Blues Project recorded 'Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire' with Emmaretta Marks and The Tokens (Jay Siegel, Hank Medress, Mitch Margo, and Phil Margo) as backing vocalists, and Wally Gold as producer. The track was later released as the band’s third single, and also included (with overdubbed applause) in the band’s third album, 'Howard L. Solomon Presents The Blues Project Live At Town Hall' (1967).
Friday, May 27 - Tuesday, May 31, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Bo Diddley, The Youngbloods.
Saturday, May 28, 1966: 'Class of 1967 Junior Prom', Cafeteria, Staples High School, 70th North Avenue, Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut
The show was presented by The Junior Class and The SSO (Staples Student Organization). The Screamers and The Triumvirate, two local bands, played the breaks between four The Blues Project sets. The decorating committee went to great lengths to transform the cafeteria into a underground lair with stelagtites, stalagmites, and a four-tier waterfall. Over 200 students attended out of the 555-member-class. According to an article in a Westport newspaper, Emmaretta Marks would be singing lead with The Blues Project that night, so apparently she was still in the band by the time. However Emmaretta was fired from the band soon after (she later became an original cast member of both off-Broadway and Broadway productions of the musical Hair).
THE BLUES PROJECT #5 (aka #3) (JUNE 1, 1966 - MAY 19, 1967)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Al Kooper
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Al Kooper
Wednesday, June 1 - Sunday, June 19, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Bo Diddley (1-5), Fred Neil (3-19), The Youngbloods (6-19).
June 1966
The Blues Project’s third single, 'Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire (Al Kooper, Bob Brass, Irwin Levine) / Goin’ Down Louisiana (Muddy Waters)' (Verve Folkways KF 5019), was released only in the US (and was also the only band’s single that was released with a picture sleeve at that time). 'Goin’ Down Louisiana' was taken from the band debut live album and was later included also on the band’s anthology album, 'Al Kooper, Roy Blumenfeld, Danny Kalb, Tommy Flanders, Steve Katz, Andy Kulberg Of The Blues Project' (April 1969).
Friday, June 24, 1966: La Cave, 10615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Also on the bill: Phil Ochs.
Also on the bill: Bo Diddley (1-5), Fred Neil (3-19), The Youngbloods (6-19).
June 1966
The Blues Project’s third single, 'Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire (Al Kooper, Bob Brass, Irwin Levine) / Goin’ Down Louisiana (Muddy Waters)' (Verve Folkways KF 5019), was released only in the US (and was also the only band’s single that was released with a picture sleeve at that time). 'Goin’ Down Louisiana' was taken from the band debut live album and was later included also on the band’s anthology album, 'Al Kooper, Roy Blumenfeld, Danny Kalb, Tommy Flanders, Steve Katz, Andy Kulberg Of The Blues Project' (April 1969).
Friday, June 24, 1966: La Cave, 10615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Also on the bill: Phil Ochs.
Thursday, June 30 - Sunday, July 3, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: The Youngbloods (30), Paul Butterfield Blues Band (1-3), Big Joe Williams (1-3). According to Al Kooper, on the last day of July 3, the show was closed with a late night jam session between members of The Blues Project and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
The Blues Project with Michael Bloomfield - Cafe Au Go Go, July 3, 1966
Monday, July 4, 1966: 'Clay Cole’s Diskotek', WPIX-TV (Channel 11), The Daily News Building (aka 11 WPIX Plaza), 220 East 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York (filmed date)
Supposedly taped today, this episode of the show, that also feature Jerry Lewis, Brook Benton, Jose Feliciano, The Ronettes, and Evie Sands, was broadcast on Saturday, July 9, from 6:00 to 7:00pm.
Early July 1966: Melody Fair Theatre, just off Niagara Falls Boulevard, North Tonawanda, Niagara County, New York
The theatre originally housed under a big-top tent next to the old Wurlitzer jukebox plant. While they were there, The Blues Project toured the plant for promotional purposes.
Friday, July 15, 1966: ‘1st Annual The Rheingold Central Park Music Festival,’ Wollman Memorial Skating Rink, 5th Avenue and 59th Street, South Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Tom Rush, Jesse Colin Young & The Youngbloods. Club owner and musician Hilly Kristal co-founded this summer music festival (which lasted from July 1 to September 5 (46 nights)) with producer and concert promoter Ron Delsener. The festival was sponsored by the local Rheingold Breweries Inc. (hence the name). One show, started at 8:30pm.
Daily News (June 26, 1966)
Friday, July 22, 1966: ‘1st Annual The Rheingold Central Park Music Festival,’ Wollman Memorial Skating Rink, 5th Avenue and 59th Street, South Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Jimmy Reed, The Dirty Shames. One show, started at 8:30pm.
Daily News (July 22, 1966)
Sunday, July 24, 1966: ‘8th Annual Newport Folk Festival,’ Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
The Blues Project - together with Eric Andersen, Hazel Dickens, Alice Foster, Betty May Fykes, Tom Rush, Andrew & Paul Tracey, Richie Havens, Allen Damron, Rosalie Sorrels, Mitch Greenhill & Jeff Gutcheon, Ali Akbar Khan, Sandy & Jeanie - played during the ‘New Directions’ concert which started at 2:30pm (originally 2:00pm) during the last day of this 4-day folk festival (July 21-24) produced by George Wein. Reportedly, more than 8,000 sun-baked patrons attended the ‘New Directions’ concert.
Newport Daily News (July 5, 1966)
The Broadside (July 6, 1966)
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The Broadside (July 20, 1966)
Newport Daily News (July 22, 1966)
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Monday, July 25, 1966: 'Clay Cole’s Diskotek', WPIX-TV (Channel 11), The Daily News Building (aka 11 WPIX Plaza), 220 East 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York (filmed date)
Supposedly taped today, this episode of the show - which also featured Sam The Sham and The Pharaohs, Stephanie and Janis, and Barbara Mason - was broadcast on Saturday, July 30, from 6:00 to 7:00pm.
Monday, July 25 - Monday, August 8, 1966: Phone Booth, 152 East 55th Street, b/w 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue, East Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Toward the end of the first night of the 25th, Al Kooper was rushed to the hospital with mononucleosis and he was there for a few weeks. For the remaining shows at the Phone Booth, he was replaced on organ by his old friend Paul Harris from Eric Andersen’s backing band.
Tuesday, August 30 - Tuesday, September 6, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Robbie Basho. The Blues Project's performances from the September 1 and 5 shows were recorded, and the September 1 live tape was released in the 1990s on the bootleg CD, 'Live At The Matrix' (tracklist: 1. Louisiana Blues / 2. Steve’s Song / 3. I Can’t Keep From Cryin’ Sometimes / 4. Caress Me Baby / 5. Flute Thing / 6. Wake Me, Shake Me / 7. The Way My Baby Walks / 8. Love Will Endure / 9. Jelly, Jelly Blues / 10. Chery’ls Going Home / 11. You Can’t Catch Me / 12. Shake That Thing / 13. Catch The Wind / 14. You Can’t Judge A Book / 15. Hoochie Coochie Man / 16. If You Don’t Come Back).
San Francisco Chronicle (September 1, 1966)
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San Francisco Chronicle (September 2, 1966)
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San Francisco Chronicle (September 3, 1966)
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San Francisco Examiner (September 3, 1966)
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Wednesday, September 7 - Thursday, September 15, 1966: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Larry Hankin. According to The Blues Project's road manager Don Johnston, one night Joan Baez showed up with her sister, Mimi Farina. Joan and Mimi started to do an opening act using some fictitious name like The Smorgasbord Sisters (or The Kitchen Sisters according to Steve Katz). Some people in the audience listened and curiously looked until it dawned on them who were on stage. The word spread quickly and before this gig was over, there were lines around the block for the second show each evening. By the way, The Blues Project's performance from the September 7 show was recorded and released in the 1990s on the CD bootleg, 'Bleecker Street Blues' (tracklist: 1. Goin’ Down Louisiana / 2. Steve’s Song / 3. I Can’t Keep From Cryin’ Anymore / 4. Caress Me Baby / 5. Flute Thing / 6. Wake Me, Shake Me / 7. Kerri’s Shuffle / 8. Jelly, Jelly Blues / 9. You Can’t Catch Me / 10. Shake That Thing / 11. You Can’t Judge A Book / 12. Hoochie Coochie Man / 13. If You Don’t Come Back).
San Francisco Chronicle (September 9, 1966)
San Francisco Chronicle (September 10, 1966)
Sunday, September 11, 1966: 'A Dance Picnic', Brazilian Room, Tilden Regional Park, Wildcat Canyon Road at the intersection of Shasta Road, Berkeley Hills, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
An afternoon show (2:00 to 6:00pm) with Country Joe and The Fish also on the bill.
September 1?, 1966: Grinnell Community High School, 1333 Sunset Street, Grinnell, Poweshiek, Iowa
According to The Blues Project's road manager Don Johnston, the band played here right after The Matrix gigs.
Friday, September 23 - Friday, September 30, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Junior Wells (23-27), Larry Hankin (28-30).
Wednesday, September 28, 1966: Regent Sound Studio’s Inc., 25 West 56th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The Blues Project recorded 'I Can’t Keep From Crying (1° version)', 'Steve’s Song' (originally titled 'September Fifth', this was the first song that Steve Katz ever wrote), 'You Can’t Catch Me', 'Two Trains Running (2° version)', 'Wake Me, Shake Me (2° version)', 'Cherry’s Going Home', and 'Caress Me Baby'. All of them were later released on the band’s second album, 'Projections' (1966). 'Steve’s Song' was later released as the band’s fifth single and, with 'Cherry’s Going Home', also on the band’s anthology album, 'Best Of The Blues Project' (1969). 'You Can’t Catch Me', 'Two Trains Running (2° version)', 'Wake Me, Shake Me (2° version)', and 'Caress Me Baby' were later included on the band’s anthology album, 'Al Kooper, Roy Blumenfeld, Danny Kalb, Tommy Flanders, Steve Katz, Andy Kulberg Of The Blues Project' (April 1969). The session was produced by Tom Wilson.
Saturday, October 1 - Friday, October 7, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Larry Hankin (1-6), Times Square Two (1-2, 7), Phil Ochs (3), Judy Roderick (3), David Blue (3), Jim and Jean (3).
Saturday, October 8, 1966: 'Upbeat', WEWS TV (Channel 5), WEWS Television Studios, 3001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (broadcast date)
Typically the show would be rehearsed from about 9:00am until noon, working on the technical aspects like blocking and lighting. After that, the production team and talent would break for lunch and come back at 1:00pm to do the taping. It would take two to three hours to tape the one-hour show. This episode - that also feature The Blues Magoos, Bob Seger, Gene Pitney, The Hollies, Terry Knight and The Pack, The Good Times, and The Bossmen - was broadcast today at 3:00pm (although usually the show always ran at 5:00pm), supposedly on the same day of the taping.
Saturday, October 8, 1966: Memorial Gymnasium, Kent State University campus, 1025 Risman Drive, Kent, Portage County, Ohio
The show, which started at 8:00pm, awas presented by IFC and PAN - HEL. Also on the bill: Jay and The Americans. Apparently future The Eagles' guitarist Joe Walsh, which attended Kent State Univertisy back then, was in the audience for what seems to have been the first rock concert that he saw in person.
Sunday, October 9, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Eric Andersen, Judy Roderick, Jim and Jean.
Monday, October 10, 1966: 'Clay Cole’s Diskotek', WPIX TV (Channel 11), The Daily News Building (aka 11 WPIX Plaza), 220 East 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York (filmed date)
Taped today, this episode of the show, which also featured The Byrds, The Cashmeres, Maxine Brown, The Zephrys and, from the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team, George “Meadowlark” Lemon, was broadcast on Saturday, October 15, from 6:00 to 7:00pm.
Saturday, October 15, 1966: Ben Light Gymnasium, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca College, Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York
Also on the bill: The Cyrcle. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was presented by Ithaca College I.F.C.
Thursday, October 20, 1966: unknown recording studio, New York City, New York
The Blues Project recorded a new second version of 'I Can’t Keep From Crying' that was later released as the band’s fourth single. The session was produced by Tom Wilson.
Thursday, October 27, 1966: Bushnell Memorial Hall, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut
Also on the bill: Simon and Garfunkel. The show was presented by Collegiate Sound Productions.
Hartford Courant (October 28, 1966)
October 1966
The release of The Blues Project’s fourth single, 'Fly Away (Al Kooper) / Wake Me, Shake Me (2° version) (Al Kooper)' (Verve Folkways KF 5028) was shelved at last minute.
Tuesday, November 1 - Sunday, November 6, 1966: La Cave, 10615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Cleveland Plain Dealer (November 4, 1966)
Saturday, November 5, 1966: 'Upbeat', WEWS TV (Channel 5), WEWS Television Studios, 3001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (broadcast date)
This episode - that also featured The Happenings, Terry Knight and The Pack, Ike and Tina Turner, The McCoys, The Bossmen, ? (Question Mark) and The Mysterians, The Chicago Loop, Jay and The Americans, and The Panderas - was broadcasted today at 5:00pm, supposedly on the same day of the taping.
Early November 1966
The Blues Project’s second album, 'Projections' (Verve Folkways FT 3008 (Mono) / FTS 3008 (Stereo); Side A: 1. I Can’t Keep From Crying (1° version) (Blind Willie Johnson) / 2. Steve’s Song (Steve Katz) / 3. You Can’t Catch Me (Chuck Berry) / 4. Two Trains Running (Muddy Waters) - Side B: 1. Wake Me, Shake Me (Al Kooper) / 2. Cheryl’s Going Home (Bob Lind) / 3. Flute Thing (Al Kooper) / 4. Caress Me Baby (Jimmy Reed) / 5. Fly Away (Al Kooper)), was released only in the US. According to Jerry Schoenbaum, head of Verve Folkways Records, the album sold about 10,000 copies per week in the first month of released, and peaked as high as No.58 on the Billboard’s album chart.
San Francisco Examiner (January 15, 1967)
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Barnard Bulletin (March 1, 1967)
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Friday, November 11, 1966: Bristol Gymnasium, Hobart and William Smith Colleges (collectively, The Colleges of the Seneca), 300 Pulteney Street, Geneva, Ontario County, New York
Also on the bill: Jay and The Americans, Ullet and Hendra. One show, from 8:30pm to 11:00pm.
Saturday, November 19, 1966: 'The Blues Bag', Gymnasium, S.U.N.Y. (State University of New York) campus, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, Long Island, New York
The show was promoted by Verve / Folkways Records & Cavalier Magazine In Association with Howard Solomon. Also on the bill: Judy Roderick, Muddy Waters Blues Band, John Lee Hooker, Richie Havens, Otis Spann, Dave Van Ronk, David Blue, Big Joe Williams, Izzy Young (MC). Two shows a day, 8:30pm and 11:30pm. The Blues Project’s performance was recorded by Verve Folkways and two songs, 'I Can’t Keep From Crying' and 'Wake Me, Shake Me', were later included in the band’s third album, 'Howard L. Solomon Presents The Blues Project Live At Town Hall' (1967), and also on the band’s anthology album, 'Best Of The Blues Project' (1969).
Monday, November 21 - Monday, November 28, 1966: 'The Blues Bag', Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
These shows were promoted by Verve / Folkways Records & Cavalier Magazine In Association with Howard Solomon. Also on the bill: Judy Roderick, Muddy Waters Blues Band, John Lee Hooker, Richie Havens, Otis Spann, Dave Van Ronk, David Blue, Big Joe Williams, Izzy Young (MC). Initially these shows were advertised from November 21 to November 27.
November 1966
The Blues Project’s fourth single, 'I Can’t Keep From Crying (2° version) (Blind Willie Johnson) / The Way My Baby Walks (Andy Kulberg)' (Verve Folkways KF 5032), was released in the US. The single was later released also in the UK on January 13, 1967 (as Verve Folkways VS 1505), and in Japan in June 1969 (as Verve DV-1020, but with a different song as side-B, Bob Lind’s 'Cheryl’s Going Home').
Early December 1966: Gymnasium, Ridgewood High School, 627 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, Bergen County, New Jersey
Saturday, December 10, 1966: Shapiro Athletic Center, Brandeis University campus, 415 South Street, Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Also on the bill: Simon and Garfunkel.
Friday, December 16, 1966: Irwin B. Clark Memorial Gymnasium, S.U.N.Y. (State University of New York) campus, 345 Main Street, Buffalo, Erie County, New York
One show, started at 9:00pm (or 9:30pm) and presented by the Concert Committee. There was a 'Bye bye Blues Project' party after the concert at the Theta Chi Fraternity house.
Saturday, December 17, 1966: 'Upbeat', WEWS TV (Channel 5), WEWS Television Studios, 3001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (broadcast date)
This episode - that also featured Bobby Goldsboro, Keith, The Lost Souls, Peaches and Herb, The Rare Breed, The Shadows of Knight, The Stair Steps, Cannibal and The Headhunters, Everyman, The O'Jays, The Youngbloods, ? (Question Mark) and The Mysterians, and Jay and The Americans - was broadcast today at 5:00pm, supposedly on the same day of the taping.
Saturday, December 17, 1966: Ridgewood High School, 627 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, Bergen County, New Jersey
Also on the bill: The Lost Sound. The student-only affair concert was sponsored by Ridgewood High School’s Student Council. Also the Domestic Exchange raised money during the concert for its trip to Wisconsin by selling refreshments. Reportedly, originally the high school had voted to have the McCoys, but a petition circulated by a group of students sparked a revote in which the Blues Project won by a wide margin.
Ridgewood Herald News (December 29, 1966)
Monday, December 19 - Saturday, December 24, 1966: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Ian and Sylvia (20-24), Richie Havens (20-24).
Tuesday, December 20, 1966: ‘Bach and Roll,’ TV Show, Channel 13 (broadcast date)
Broadcast today from 8:30pm to 10:00pm, Bach and Roll was a 90-minute potpourri of the music scene from Bach to rock ‘n’ roll featuring interviews, improvisation, performance and song and dance. Leading the list of participants are concert pianist Lorin Hollander, composer David Amram, musical satirist Peter Schickele, critics Richard Goldstein and Alan Rinzler, and a rock group called the Blues Project. According to Steve Katz, the New York Rock and Roll Ensemble also appeared on this show.
Wednesday, December 28, 1966: unknown recording studio, New York City, New York
The Blues Project recorded 'No Time Like The Right Time', that was released as the band’s fifth single, and was later included (with overdubbed applause) in the band’s third album, 'Howard L. Solomon Presents The Blues Project Live At Town Hall' (1967), and also in the band’s anthology album, 'Best Of The Blues Project' (1969). The session was produced by Tom Wilson.
1966: Hamilton College, 198 County Road 13, Clinton, Oneida County, New York
1967: North Shore High School, 450 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Head, Long Island, New York
1967: Memorial Chapel, Union College, 807 Union Street, Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York
Monday, January 2, 1967: 'Clay Cole’s Diskotek', WPIX TV (Channel 11), The Daily News Building (aka 11 WPIX Plaza), 220 East 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York (filmed date)
Supposedly taped today, this episode of the show, that also featured The Spencer Davis Group, Sonny and Cher, The Critters, and Chris Montez, was broadcasted on Saturday, January 7, from 6:00 to 7:00pm.
Tuesday, January 10 - Sunday, January 15, 1967: La Cave, 10615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Cleveland Plain Dealer (January 6, 1967)
Saturday, January 14, 1967: 'Upbeat', WEWS TV (Channel 5), WEWS Television Studios, 3001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (broadcast date)
This episode - that also featured Len Barry, The Boss Blues, Al Martino, New Colony Six, The Shangri-Las, Dick Whittington's Cats, Les Classels, and The Jordan Brothers - was broadcast today at 5:00pm, supposedly on the same day of the taping.
Saturday, January 21 - Saturday, February 4, 1967: 'Dancing Concert - Listen Dance To Love', Steve Paul’s The Scene, 301 West 46th Street, Theatre District, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Tiny Tim.
Friday, February 3, 1967: 'Folk and Rock Marathon presented as part of Angry Arts Week', NYU (New York University) Loeb Student Center, 566 LaGuardia Place, Manhattan, New York City, New York
A Folk and Rock Marathon from 4pm to 11pm, which also featured Guy Carawan, Children Of Paradise, Barbara Dane, The Fugs, Gene & Francesca, Janis Ian, Jim & Jean, Emmett Lake, Phil Ochs, Pennywhistlers, Don Sear, Jacqueline Sharpe, Jerry Silverman, and many others. Lights by Gene Youth.
February ??, 1967
The Blues Project’s fifth single, 'No Time Like The Right Time (Al Kooper) / Steve’s Song (Steve Katz)' (Verve Folkways KF 5040), was released only in the US. The single, a classic, was the first and only by the band, that entered the Billboard’s Top 100 single chart (peaking as high as No.72). The single was also released in Japan in October 1969 (as Verve DV-1025, but with a different song as side-B, Willie Dixon’s 'Spoonful').
Friday, February 10 - Sunday, February 12, 1967: Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, The Stu Gardner Trio. Lights by Headlights. These shows, which lasted from 8:00pm to 2:00am on Friday and Saturday, and from 2:00pm to 7:00pm on Sunday, were promoted by Bill Graham Presents In San Francisco.
Monday, February 13 - Thursday, February 16, 1967: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Wildflower. One show each day, from 9:30pm to 2:00am. Three live tapes survives for the Blues Project's performances on February 14, 15, and 16. By the way, Jefferson Airplane showed up to jam on one day.
Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 19, 1967: Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Canned Heat Blues Band (17-19), The Mothers Of Invention (17-19), The All Night Flight (19), The Wheel (19). Lights by Headlights. These shows, which lasted from 8:00pm to 2:00am on Friday and Saturday, and from 2:00pm to 7:00pm on Sunday, were promoted by Bill Graham Presents In San Francisco.
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Monday, February 20 - Thursday, February 23, 1967: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
One show each day, from 9:30pm to 2:00am.
Friday, February 24, 1967: ‘The Songmakers,’ ABC TV (broadcast date)
Broadcasted today from 9pm to 10pm or from 10pm to 11pm (it depends on the various US states), The Songmakers was a one-hour television documentary screened in color on the ABC television network. Produced by Stephen Fleischman (who also wrote and directed it together with jazz historian Fred Ramsey Jr., and also with the help of George Simon of the Record Academy who served as program consultant) and sponsored by the 3M Company, the documentary focuses on the driving motivation of the song industry and its efforts to tap popular taste to turn out a hit tune. The show examines popular songs from the 1920s right up to the present. Several songwriters of the old guard are interviewed such as Hal David, Burt Bacharach, Henry Mancini, Sammy Fain and Johnny Mercer, while other artists are seen in rehersal sessions as well as in actual performances: The Blues Project (which closed the show performing ‘Flute Thing’), The Byrds, Dionne Warwick, Judy Collins, Tom Paxton, Butterfield Blues Band, The Mama’s and The Papa’s, Simon and Garfunkel, Arvella Gray, Buddy Guy, and Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.
The Post Crescent (February 24, 1967)
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Albany Student Press (March 3, 1967)
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Thursday, March 2, 1967: 'Grammy Awards’ Dinner and Presentations', Hilton Hotel, 569 Lexington Avenue at East 51st Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Tony Randall, Tony Bennett, Woody Herman and His Orchestra.
Saturday, March 4 - Sunday, March 5, 1967: Where It's At, 1106 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts
One show, started at 8:30pm (on Saturday) and at 4:00pm (on Sunday). Also on the bill: The Orphans.
Wednesday, March 8, 1967: ‘2nd Annual People For Peace Concert,’ Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts
One show, started at 8pm. Also on the bill: Judy Collins, Tom Paxton, The Fugs, David Blue and The American Patrol, Mike Seeger, The Lords & Ladies, and others.
Saturday, March 11, 1967: Colden Auditorium, Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Queens College campus, Reeves Avenue, Flushing, Queens, New York City, New York
Friday, March 17 - Friday, March 24, 1967: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: The Gary Burton Jazz Quartet. These shows were initially advertised from March 17 to 26.
Village Voice (February 23, 1967)
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Saturday, March 25 - Sunday, April 2, 1967: 'Murray the ‘K’ presents Live In Person Music in the Fifth Dimension', RKO Proctor’s 58th Street Theatre, 154 East 58th Street at Lexington Avenue, east side of Manhattan, New York City, New York
Five shows a day from 10:15am to past midnight, but only a four-minute time slot for which of the scheduled artists . Also on the bill: The Who (25-2), Cream (27-2), Phil Ochs (25), Mitch Ryder with The Mitch Ryder Show (27-2), Wilson Pickett (25-2), The Hardly-Worthit Players (25-2), Jim and Jean (25-2), Jackie and The “K” Girls (25-2), The Chicago Loop (25-2), Mandala (25-2), The Blues Magoos (28), The Young Rascals (26, 2). Smokey Robinson and The Miracles (26-27) and Simon and Garfunkel (27) were scheduled to appear as well, but dropped out at last minute (Smokey Robinson because of a payment controversy between himself and Murray the K). Cream was scheduled to appear also on March 25 and 26, but because of visa trouble they were unable to leave London on March 23. They flew out to New York City only two days later on March 25 and missed the opening day of their engagement. On March 26 Cream were due to start but refused to go on because of inadequate equipment.
Monday, March 27, 1967: 'Clay Cole’s Diskotek', WPIX TV (Channel 11), The Daily News Building (aka 11 WPIX Plaza), 220 East 42nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York (filmed date)
Supposedly taped today, this episode of the show, that also featured The Doors, New Christy Minstrels, John Gary, Ruby and The Romantics, and Every’s Mother Son, was broadcast on Saturday, April 1, from 6:00 to 7:00pm.
Saturday, April 8, 1967: Merritt Hall, S.U.N.Y. (State University of New York) campus, Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, New York
One show, started at 2:00pm.
Friday, April 14, 1967: 'Two Folk-Rock Concerts', Village Theatre, 105 2nd Avenue at East 6th Street, East Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Two shows, 4:00 to 8:00pm and 9:00pm to 1:00am. Also on the bill: The Magicians, Dave Van Ronk, Free Spirits, Judy Wieder, Penny Whistlers, Robin Roberts, Mitchell Trio, Barbara Dane, Gene and Francesca, Children Of Paradise, Izzy Young (MC).
Sunday, April 16, 1967: 'Sophomore Weekend', campus theatre, S.U.N.Y. (State University of New York), 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, Albany County, New York
Two sold-out shows (the theatre had 6,000 seat), 2:00pm and 4:00pm, presented by The Class of 1969.
Albany Student Press (April 4, 1967)
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Albany Student Press (April 7, 1967)
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Friday, April 21, 1967: 'Perlich Project', WCLV (95.5 FM) Radio Show, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
From 11:15pm to 6:30am, The Blues Project were interviewed by deejay and classically trained musician Martin Perlich on his weekly radio show, a mixture of classical music with early selections of progressive rock, poetry, radical comedy and jazz, along with Perlich's own personal comments and editorials on events of the day. His show was one of the earliest such shows on commercial radio and a model for the progressive rock medium.
Cleveland Plain Dealer (April 21, 1967)
Friday, April 21 - Sunday, April 23, 1967: La Cave, 10615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Two evening shows on Friday and Saturday, and an afternoon show (2:30pm) and an evening show (8:30pm) on Sunday.
Cleveland Plain Dealer (April 19, 1967)
Cleveland Plain Dealer (March 24, 1967)
Cleveland Plain Dealer (April 6, 1967)
Cleveland Plain Dealer (April 14, 1967)
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Cleveland Plain Dealer (March 31, 1967)
Cleveland Plain Dealer (April 7, 1967)
Cleveland Plain Dealer (April 21, 1967)
Cleveland Plain Dealer (April 23, 1967)
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Monday, April 24, 1967: Mershon Auditorium, Ohio State University campus, 1871 North High Street, Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio
Two shows sponsored by La Cave's owners Stanley Kain and Nelson Karl.
Thursday, April 27, 1967: 'Expo ’67 Unofficial Opening Super Party', Concordia Hall, Place Bonaventure, 800 De La Gauchetière Street, Downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Also on the bill: Lothar and The Hand People, Tiny Tim. According to Al Kooper, the audience threw whiskey bottles at them as they left the stage.
Friday, April 28, 1967: 'A Benefit Of A Day Camp Serving Less Privileged Youngsters On The Main Line (aka Benefit Serendipity Day Camp)', Alumni Memorial Field House, Haverford College campus, 370 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
One show, started at 8:30pm. Also on the bill: The Monks, The Grand Ave. Cookie Club.
Saturday, April 29, 1967: 'Upbeat', WEWS TV (Channel 5), WEWS Television Studios, 3001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (broadcast date)
This episode presented by Don Webster and that also featured: King Coleman, The Duprees, Aretha Franklin, Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels, The Turtles, Jackie Wilson, Bobby Goldsboro, Tommy James and The Shondells, The Rationals, The Outsiders, The Riddles, The Toys, and Johnny Tillotson, was broadcasted today at 5:00pm, supposedly on the same day of the taping.
May 1967: 'Rockland Community College's Spring Weekend', Suffern High School, 49 Viola Road, Suffern, Rockland County, New York
Tuesday, May 2 - Thursday, May 4, 1967: 'Abolafia Cosmic Love-In', Village Theatre, 105 2nd Avenue at East 6th Street, East Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Eric Andersen, Alec Leonhardt, Allen Ginsberg, Timothy Leary, Richie Havens, Paul Krassner, Free Spirits, Children Of Paradise, Elaine White, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and many more. The great late Greenwich Village's artist, social activist, and folk figure Louis Abolafia running for President in 1968, and as a kind of campaign kickoff a Love-In was being held for three days at the Village Theatre from 10:00am to 2:00am.
Friday, May 5, 1967: Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, b/w 6th Avenue and Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, New York
One sold-out show started at 8:30pm. The show was promoted by H.L. Solomon Presents. The Blues Project’s performance was recorded by Verve Folkways. Howard Solomon’s 'Introduction' and the song '(Electric) Flute Thing', were later included in the band’s third album, 'Howard L. Solomon Presents The Blues Project Live At Town Hall' (1967).
Sunday, May 7, 1967: 'Angry Arts Festival - A Blues-Rock Concert', Town Hall, 150 North Broad Street at Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The show, which started at 7:30pm, was presented by Batoff & Warfield. Opening for The Blues Project tonight was Ralff, and Woody’s Truck Stop, the latter a local blues-rock band with the not yet famous Todd Rundgren on lead guitar and backup vocals. Rundgren had already decided to leave the band but wanted to play on this show because it was a high profile gig and he wanted to smash his guitar like his idol Pete Townshend of The Who. Woody’s Truck Stop threw fruit into the audience and at the end threw pies at each other, then the audience threw fruit back at them so by the end they were completely covered in pie and fruit. When The Blues Project came out of their dressing room and saw the band they got scared and thought the Philly crowd wouldn’t like them (!!).
The Philadephia Inquirer (May 6, 1967)
The Philadelphia Inquirer (April 30, 1967)
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Courier Post (April 28, 1967)
The Philadelphia Inquirer (May 7, 1967)
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Friday, May 12, 1967: 'Spring Weekend - The Union College Festival of Entertainment', Memorial Chapel, Union College campus, 807 Union Street, Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York
Thee show, which started at 9:00pm, was presented by The Classes of 1967 and 1968.
Saturday, May 13, 1967: 'Spring Dance Weekend', St. Paul’s School, 325 Pleasant Street, Concord, Merrimack County, New Hampshire
St. Paul's School was an all-boys (back then) private school, and their annual 'Spring Dance Weekend' was the biggest event of the year. A student band called The Loudest Noise opened that evening, and there was also a performance by an ersatz student doo-wop group called The Eleganzas.
Friday, May 19, 1967: Auditorium, Staples High School, 70th North Avenue, Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut
The show, which started at 7:30pm, was presented by The Staples Student Organization. The great late Richie Havens was the opening act for The Blues Project, and also, according to The Staples Student Organization’s president Dick Sandhaus, when The Blues Project was detained in New York City finishing a recording session, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs drove up to do a very long set until The Blues Project arrived (the faculty and parent chaperones were miffed by the violation of the 10:00pm concert curfew). Supposedly Al Kooper’s last gig with The Blues Project. As with Tommy Flanders, there were several reasons for Al’s departure. His ulcers had flared up, making him clinically sick, and his (admittedly minimal) use of LSD had induced some kind of mental breakdown. All of it was probably exacerbated by his situation in the band. The last straw, seemingly, was when Danny vetoed Al’s suggestion to add horns to the band, if only for recording purposes. Danny felt, probably correctly, that the band had a lot more it could do within its existing format. Equally, the set had barely changed in over a year, so something needed to happen. "My taste were changing, and I was bringing it into the band and it was bouncing off the wall in the band because they weren't into the new thing that I was into," recalled Al Kooper in an interview with Dave Wilson for Broadside magazine on November 20, 1968. "I wanted horns, and they didn't want horns, and it got to the point where I was bringing all this material in and it was just being turned away. It was very frustating. So I left, semi-amicable (later amicably)."
THE BLUES PROJECT #6 (MAY 20, 1967 - JUNE ?, 1967)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
Monday, May 22 - Saturday, May 27, 1967: The New Penelope, 378 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (canceled)
The Blues Project were scheduled to appear here, but they canceled at last minute because Al Kooper had left the band just a few days earlier and they had not yet found a replacement.
June ?, 1967
John McDuffy (b. 1946), known for some reason as ‘John-John,’ joined the Blues Project as their new singer and organ player. He was formerly of The King Bees, an r&b band who were also Village regulars. “As I remember it, was either Danny Kortchmar or Joel O’Brien [both former members of the King Bees] that recommended John-John,” recalls Steve Katz. “Danny and Joel played with James Taylor in the Flying Machine at the time and we played the Night Owl together. But I don’t remember who asked who or when.” Reportedly, and probably before McDuffy, another organ player named Peter Jermyn, by then a member of Luke & The Apostles, a Canadian r&b band who was in New York to play at the Cafe Au Go Go at the time, was asked to join the Blues Project, but the draft condition in the US left him with a cold feeling and he decided to stay in relatively warm Canada. “I don’t remember him at all,” points out Steve Katz, and so this means that it was probably the band’s manager Don Johnston or someone related to him that make that offer to Jermyn without telling the musicians.
The Blues Project were scheduled to appear here, but they canceled at last minute because Al Kooper had left the band just a few days earlier and they had not yet found a replacement.
June ?, 1967
John McDuffy (b. 1946), known for some reason as ‘John-John,’ joined the Blues Project as their new singer and organ player. He was formerly of The King Bees, an r&b band who were also Village regulars. “As I remember it, was either Danny Kortchmar or Joel O’Brien [both former members of the King Bees] that recommended John-John,” recalls Steve Katz. “Danny and Joel played with James Taylor in the Flying Machine at the time and we played the Night Owl together. But I don’t remember who asked who or when.” Reportedly, and probably before McDuffy, another organ player named Peter Jermyn, by then a member of Luke & The Apostles, a Canadian r&b band who was in New York to play at the Cafe Au Go Go at the time, was asked to join the Blues Project, but the draft condition in the US left him with a cold feeling and he decided to stay in relatively warm Canada. “I don’t remember him at all,” points out Steve Katz, and so this means that it was probably the band’s manager Don Johnston or someone related to him that make that offer to Jermyn without telling the musicians.
THE BLUES PROJECT #7 (JUNE ?, 1967 - JULY 8, 1967 / JULY 31, 1967)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) John McDuffy (aka 'John-John') organ, vocals
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) John McDuffy (aka 'John-John') organ, vocals
Friday, June 9, 1967: Action House, 50 Austin Boulevard, Island Park, Nassau County, New York
Also on the bill: Eric and The Smoked Ponies, Billy Gibson. Supposedly John McDuffy’s first gig with The Blues Project.
Sunday, June 11, 1967: 'Wor/Stereo 98.7 FM Birthday Party', Village Theatre, 105 2nd Avenue at East 6th Street, East Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
This was the first anniversary bash for the famous New York City’s WOR-FM radio station. Two shows (7:00pm and 9:45pm scheduled start times) produced by Sid Bernstein and Fred Weintraub. Also on the bill: The Doors, Janis Ian, Chambers Brothers, Richie Havens, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs, Jim Lounsbury (MC), Johnny Michaels (MC), Scot Muni (MC), Murray The K (MC), Rosko Mercer (MC).
Sunday, June 18, 1967: 'Monterey International Pop Festival', Pattee Arena, Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey, California
Also on the bill: Ravi Shankar, Big Brother and The Holding Company, The Group With No Name, The Grateful Dead, Buffalo Springfield, The Who, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Mama’s and The Papa’s, Scott McKenzie. The Blues Project were the first act of the evening show and were introduced on stage by Paul Simon. The Blues Project’s set was recorded and the song 'Wake Me, Shake Me' was released in 1992 on the 'Monterey International Pop Festival' (Rhino Records R2 70596) box set compilation. The band’s set was also filmed and a video footage of them doing 'Flute Thing' exists and was included in 'The Complete Monterey Pop Festival' (The Criterion Collection MON320), a 2002's 3-DVD box set reissue (with bonus footages) of the original 1968’s film of the festival (where The Blues Project were not seen originally).
Also on the bill: Eric and The Smoked Ponies, Billy Gibson. Supposedly John McDuffy’s first gig with The Blues Project.
Sunday, June 11, 1967: 'Wor/Stereo 98.7 FM Birthday Party', Village Theatre, 105 2nd Avenue at East 6th Street, East Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
This was the first anniversary bash for the famous New York City’s WOR-FM radio station. Two shows (7:00pm and 9:45pm scheduled start times) produced by Sid Bernstein and Fred Weintraub. Also on the bill: The Doors, Janis Ian, Chambers Brothers, Richie Havens, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs, Jim Lounsbury (MC), Johnny Michaels (MC), Scot Muni (MC), Murray The K (MC), Rosko Mercer (MC).
Sunday, June 18, 1967: 'Monterey International Pop Festival', Pattee Arena, Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey, California
Also on the bill: Ravi Shankar, Big Brother and The Holding Company, The Group With No Name, The Grateful Dead, Buffalo Springfield, The Who, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Mama’s and The Papa’s, Scott McKenzie. The Blues Project were the first act of the evening show and were introduced on stage by Paul Simon. The Blues Project’s set was recorded and the song 'Wake Me, Shake Me' was released in 1992 on the 'Monterey International Pop Festival' (Rhino Records R2 70596) box set compilation. The band’s set was also filmed and a video footage of them doing 'Flute Thing' exists and was included in 'The Complete Monterey Pop Festival' (The Criterion Collection MON320), a 2002's 3-DVD box set reissue (with bonus footages) of the original 1968’s film of the festival (where The Blues Project were not seen originally).
Danny Kalb and Andy Kulberg, Monterey, June 18, 1967
Wednesday, June 28, 1967: Tompkins Square Park, 500 East 9th Street, East Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
A free outdoor concert which started at 7:30pm and that was presented by Lescia.
Sunday, July 2, 1967: ‘14th Annual Newport Jazz Festival,’ Festival Field, Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
Also on the bill: Marilyn Maya, Bill Evans Trio, Miles Davis Quintet with Tony Williams - Herbie Hancock - Wayne Shorter, Max Roach Quintet with Freddie Hubbard, Woody Herman and His Orchestra. The Blues Project, whose performance was waxed by the rain, were the first act of the evening show, which started at 8:00pm and was emceed by Billy Taylor. The 4-day festival (June 30-July 3) was produced by George T. Wein.
Boston Globe (July 9, 1967)
Early July 1967: 'The Steve Paul Scene', WNEW Metromedia TV (Channel 5), WNEW Television Studios 1, Central Park West, Manhattan, New York City, New York (filmed date)
The Steve Paul Scene was a two-hour television special on pop music produced by Steve Paul and broadcasted in colour on Monday, September 4, from 8:00 to 10:00pm, on the WNEW network in New York and also syndicated across the country. The Blues Project filmed their appearance in a television studio in early July and performed 'Wake Me, Shake Me', 'Steve’s Song', and 'Flute Thing'. The same day of The Blues Project, Moby Grape, Aretha Franklin, and The Staples Singers also filmed their performances. Also appearing on this television special but filmed in different locations and different dates were The Chambers Brothers, Janis Ian, and The Young Rascals. The show was re-broadcasted on Thursday, August 8, 1968 and again on Thursday, August 29, 1968.
Friday, July 7, 1967: 'Explosion', Malibu Shore Club, 1500 Lido Boulevard, Lido Beach, Long Island, New York
Also on the bill: The Who. The show was presented by Don Friedman.
Saturday, July 8, 1967: 'Explosion', Village Theatre, 105 2nd Avenue at East 6th Street, East Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Supposedly The Blues Project’s last gig. Also on the bill: The Who, Richie Havens, Chrysalis, The New Life, After 3rd World Raspberry. Lights by Psycloramic Lighting. The show, which started at 9:00pm, was presented by Don Friedman.
Sunday, July 9, 1967: Tyrone Guthrie Theatre, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota (canceled)
The Blues Project were scheduled to appeared for a concert there at 8:30pm, but they canceled it 48 hours before, officialy because of the illness of Danny Kalb (he was depressed and suffered a breakdown more severe than the one he had in 1964), but unofficially because they were in the process of breaking up. In fact, the promoter of the show, John M. Ludwig, subsequently attempted to contact the band management to re-scheduled the show at a later date, but he had failed to reached them out because they had disbanded in the meantime.
Sunday, July 9 - Tuesday, July 11, 1967: 'MGM/Verve’s Annual Sales Convention', unknown hotel, Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada (The Blues Project canceled)
The Blues Project were scheduled to appear but canceled again their appearance officially because of the illness of Danny Kalb, but unofficially because they were in the process of breaking up. The Paupers and Mike Kellin were also scheduled to appear and supposedly they did.
Friday, July 21 - Sunday, July 23, 1967: Golden Bear, 306 Ocean Avenue, Huntington Beach, Orange County, California (The Blues Project canceled)
The Blues Project were scheduled to appear, but they breaked up two weeks earlier. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band filled in for them.
Tuesday, July 25 - Sunday, July 30, 1967: Fillmore Auditorium, 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street, Fillmore District, San Francisco, California (The Blues Project canceled)
These shows were promoted by Bill Graham Presentes In San Francisco. Also on the bill: James Cotton Blues Band (25-30), Richie Havens (25-30), The Yardbirds (25-27), The Doors (28-30). The Blues Project were scheduled to appear, but they breaked up two weeks earlier.
Monday, July 31, 1967: unknown recording studio, New York City, New York
The Blues Project recorded 'Lost In The Shuffle' and 'Gentle Dreams'. These tracks were later released as the band’s sixth single. The session was produced by Shadow Morton. This was supposedly the last time the band played together, and then the band had gone their separate ways. Roy and Andy went off to the West Indies, Steve and John stayed in New York City, and Danny went back to San Francisco. Danny’s trip to San Francisco was supposed to be a vacation it didn’t work out that way. To cut a long and painful story short, Danny fell in with the Bay Area’s leading LSD manufacturer, the legendary Augustus Owsley Stanley III, aka 'The Bear'. He gave Danny a huge dose of STP, which was more intense than LSD and a much longer duration. Given his history and then-current mental state, Danny was the last person who should have taken acid. So he flipped out complitely and tripped, more or less continuosly, for over two weeks and ended up in the hospital. It was the start of recurrent psychological difficulties that were to last on and off through the seventies and beyond. While in the hospital, Danny contacted Roy and Andy, and they got him back to New York and found him a place in the country, where he could recover.
Wednesday, August 9, 1967: '2nd Annual The Rheingold Central Park Music Festival', Wollman Memorial Skating Rink, 5th Avenue and 59th Street, South Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Two shows: 8:00pm and 10:30pm. John Lee Hooker was also on the bill but he appeared at the 8:00pm show only. The Blues Project’s classic five piece line-up reconvened for one gig only today. However, Danny Kalb was too sick to play (they paid him anyway), so his younger brother Jonathan Kalb (b. November 2, 194?, Brooklyn, New York City, New York), formerly of The Fugs, filled in for him on vocals and lead guitar.
THE BLUES PROJECT #8 (AUGUST 9, 1967)
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Andy Kulberg
3) Steve Katz
4) Al Kooper
5) Jonathan Kalb vocals, lead guitar
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Andy Kulberg
3) Steve Katz
4) Al Kooper
5) Jonathan Kalb vocals, lead guitar
Sunday, August 13 - Wednesday, August 16, 1967: 'The 20th National Student Congress', University of Maryland, 2108 Mitchell Building, College Park, Prince George's County, Maryland
Also on the bill: The Mothers Of Invention, The Youngbloods, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Bill Evans, The New Lost City Ramblers, and many more. An unusual four piece line-up of The Blues Project (Steve Katz, Roy Blumenfeld, Andy Kulberg, and John McDuffy) reconvened again for these gigs at the University of Maryland and then for a two-week stand at the Cafe Au Go Go.
Also on the bill: The Mothers Of Invention, The Youngbloods, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Bill Evans, The New Lost City Ramblers, and many more. An unusual four piece line-up of The Blues Project (Steve Katz, Roy Blumenfeld, Andy Kulberg, and John McDuffy) reconvened again for these gigs at the University of Maryland and then for a two-week stand at the Cafe Au Go Go.
THE BLUES PROJECT #9 (AUGUST 13, 1967 - SEPTEMBER 4, 1967)
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Andy Kulberg
3) Steve Katz
4) John McDuffy
+
5) Al Kooper (sat-in once at the Cafe Au Go Go in August or September, and filled in once for John McDuffy on August 28)
Monday, August 14, 1967: Eddie Rich’s Colonie Summer Theatre, 1 Mile North of Latham Circle, Latham, Albany County, New York (canceled)
Kingston Daily Freeman (August 7, 1967)
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North Adams Transcript (August 8, 1967)
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Wednesday, August 16 - Monday, September 4, 1967: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs (16-20), The James Cotton Blues Band (23-27). These shows were initially advertised from August 16 to September 9. Their former member Al Kooper sat-in with the band one night, and a video footage of them doing 'I Can’t Keep From Crying' exists and was included in the Cafe Au Go Go’s authorized film documentary, '7 Years Underground: A 60’s Tale' (2011). These were The Blues Project’s last gigs before breaking up again. Roy and Andy moved lock, stock, and barrel to San Francisco, Steve and Al stayed in New York and soon they form a new band called Blood, Sweat and Tears, and John-John disappeared after some gigs as solo artist at the Steve Paul’s Scene Club (Roy actually ran into John-John years later, in Ithaca, New York. At that time, he was Professor of Soul Music at a local university. Sadly he died on Monday, December 5, 2005, in a fire at his Queens, New York City, apartment).
Monday, August 28, 1967: Gibber Hotel, 168 Gibber Road, Kiamesha Lake, Thompson, Sullivan County, New York
Also on the bill: Vanilla Fudge. Two shows, 9:00pm and 11:30pm. According to a person who was in the audience called Tommy Garelick, Al Kooper played with the band that night instead of John McDuffy.
Late August 1967
The Blues Project’s sixth single, 'Lost In The Shuffle (John McDuffy, Joel O’Brien) / Gentle Dreams (Steve Katz, Andy Kulberg)' (Verve Folkways KF 5063), was released in the US. The single was also released in New Zealand that same year (as MGM KF5063, and with the sides reversed).
Early/Mid September 1967
The Blues Project’s third album, 'Howard L. Solomon Presents The Blues Project Live At Town Hall' (Verve Folkways FT 3025 (Mono) / Verve Forecast FTS 3025 (Stereo); Side A: 1. Howard L. Solomon’s Introduction / (Electric) Flute Thing (Al Kooper) / 2. I Can’t Keep From Crying (Blind Willie Johnson) / 3. Mean Old Southern (Public Domain) - Side B: 1. No Time Like The Right Time (Al Kooper) / 2. Love Will Endure (Patrick Sky) / 3. Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire (Al Kooper, Bob Brass, Irwin Levine) / 4. Wake Me, Shake Me (Al Kooper)), was released in the US, Canada, and Germany. The album peaked at No. 71 on the Billboard’s US album chart. Footnote: On the album back cover there are two photos of the band without Al Kooper. Kooper was originally in the photos when they were shot, but was then cropped out later, as he had left the band before the album was edited and released.
September 1967: Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Avenue at 57th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York (canceled)
The show was advertised (without an exact date) four months earlier but in the meantime the band break up, so it was finally canceled.
Monday, September 11, 1967: 'Orientation Concert', Lee Hall, S.U.N.Y. (State University of New York) campus, 262 West 38th Street, Oswego, Oswego County, New York (The Blues Project canceled)
The show, which started at 8:00pm, was promoted by the Oswergo University Student Council. Originally The Buckinghams were booked for this concert but they cancelled because of an upcoming European tour, then The Blues Project were booked but they too had to back out when the group disbanded. Ten days before the orientation, The Doors were finally gotten for the concert.
Thursday, November 23, 1967: ‘Twang! A Hip History of ther Guitar from King David to the Beatles,’ ABC TV (broadcast date)
Broadcasted today from 10pm to 11pm, Twang! was a one-hour television special on the history of the guitar, screened in color on the ABC television network. Produced by Edward Padula and Schwartz Del Sol in association with David B. Fein of WABC-TV (ABC flagship station), the special featured a star-studded array of guitar talents, including: The Blues Project, Chet Atkins, Charlie Byrd, Eddie Condon, Roy Acuff, Oscar Brand, Nancy Ames, Liza Minelli, Luiz Henrique, Justin Tubb, Kenny Burrell, former Louisiana Governor Jimmy Davis, Oscar Ghiglia, the classical Brazilian-Indian Group the Los Indios Tabajaras, and many others. Over 30 guitar acts take part in the program. The special was a roller coaster ride through the fascinating tangled history of the guitar with music all the way.
1967
The Blues Project’s first and only EP (extend play), 'No Time Like The Right Time / I Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes / Steve's Song / The Way My Baby Walks' (Verve Forecast 519 905), was released only in France.
January 1968
When Roy Blumenfeld and Andy Kulberg moved to San Francisco the previous September, their idea was to get a house in rural Marin County, big enough to include Danny Kalb, as and when he was well enough. The plan, ultimately, was to start a completely new version of The Blues Project. They got the house - a rented three-story pad at 407 Monte Vista Avenue in Mill Valley, and Danny finally did come out at the start of the new year. At that point Danny, Roy and Andy reorganized The Blues Project with the addition of a local singer and rhythm guitarist named John Gregory, formerly of The Gordian Knot, and The Mystery Trend.
THE BLUES PROJECT #10 (JANUARY 1968 - APRIL 1968)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) John Gregory vocals, rhythm guitar
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) John Gregory vocals, rhythm guitar
Tuesday, February 6 - Sunday, February 18, 1968: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
Monday, February 19 - Wednesday, February 21, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Sky Blue (19-20), and Rejoice (21). Lights by The Great Northwest Phantasmagoria Light Show.
Wednesday, February 21, 1968: Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Siegal Schwall, Lee Michaels, Youngbloods, Sons Of Champlin, Wildflower. Lights by Electric Wallpaper. The show was presented by Family Dog.
Friday, February 23 - Saturday, February 24, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Maze. Lights by The Great Northwest Phantasmagoria Light Show. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Friday, March 1 - Sunday, March 3, 1968: Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Genesis, and Taj Mahal. Lights by Electric Wallpaper. These shows, which lasted from 9:00pm to 2:00am each day, were presented by Family Dog.
Friday, March 8 - Sunday, March 10, 1968: Like Young, 1335 North Wells Street, Old Town, North Side Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
Saturday, March 9, 1968: 'Upbeat', WEWS TV (Channel 5), WEWS Television Studios, 3001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (broadcast date)
This episode - that also featured Blood, Sweat and Tears, Canned Heat, The American Breed, Bubble Gum Machine, Georgie Fame, The Four Freshmen, The Four Sonics, Bobby Godlsboro, Mortimer's Tree Boys, The Racket Squad, The Short Kuts, The Pack, Debbie Taylor, and The Union Gap - was broadcast today at 5:00pm, supposedly on the same day of the taping.
Tuesday, March 12 - Sunday, March 17, 1968: La Cave, 10615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (canceled)
Monday, February 19 - Wednesday, February 21, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Sky Blue (19-20), and Rejoice (21). Lights by The Great Northwest Phantasmagoria Light Show.
Wednesday, February 21, 1968: Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Siegal Schwall, Lee Michaels, Youngbloods, Sons Of Champlin, Wildflower. Lights by Electric Wallpaper. The show was presented by Family Dog.
Friday, February 23 - Saturday, February 24, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Also on the bill: Maze. Lights by The Great Northwest Phantasmagoria Light Show. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Friday, March 1 - Sunday, March 3, 1968: Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Genesis, and Taj Mahal. Lights by Electric Wallpaper. These shows, which lasted from 9:00pm to 2:00am each day, were presented by Family Dog.
Friday, March 8 - Sunday, March 10, 1968: Like Young, 1335 North Wells Street, Old Town, North Side Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
Saturday, March 9, 1968: 'Upbeat', WEWS TV (Channel 5), WEWS Television Studios, 3001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (broadcast date)
This episode - that also featured Blood, Sweat and Tears, Canned Heat, The American Breed, Bubble Gum Machine, Georgie Fame, The Four Freshmen, The Four Sonics, Bobby Godlsboro, Mortimer's Tree Boys, The Racket Squad, The Short Kuts, The Pack, Debbie Taylor, and The Union Gap - was broadcast today at 5:00pm, supposedly on the same day of the taping.
Tuesday, March 12 - Sunday, March 17, 1968: La Cave, 10615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (canceled)
Cleveland Plain Dialer (March 1, 1968)
Monday, March 18, 1968: Royal Arms, West Utica Street, Buffalo, Erie County, New York
Saturday, March 23, 1968: 'Upbeat', WEWS TV (Channel 5), WEWS Television Studios, 3001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (broadcast date)
This episode - that also featured Classics IV, Wayne Cochran and the C.C. Riders, John Fred and His Playboy Band, The GTOs, Jonna Gault, The Good Earth, The Hello People, The Human Beinz, Chuck Jackson & his band, The Lemon Pipers, The Precisions, ? (Question Mark) and the Mysterians, O.C. Smith, Bobby Vee, The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, and Margo, Margo, Medress and Seigel - was broadcast today at 5:00pm, supposedly on the same day of the taping.
Monday, April 1 - Sunday, April 21, 1968: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York (canceled)
Friday, April 5 - Sunday, April 7, 1968: 'Dance and Concert', Avalon Ballroom, 1268 Sutter Street at Van Ness Street, Polk Gulch, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: It’s A Beautiful Day, Nazz Are Blues Band. Lights by Jerry Abrams Headlights. These shows, which lasted from 9:00pm to 2:00am each day, were presented by Family Dog.
April 1968
Danny Kalb left the band again because it was obvious that he still couldn't play at his level and, in due course, he went back to New York. At that point Roy, Andy and John replaced him with Richard Sanders 'Dick' Greene on violin and strings (b. Monday, November 9, 1942, Los Angeles, California), formerly of Coast Mountain Ramblers, Pine Valley Boys, Mad Mountain Ramblers, Dry City Scat Band, The Bluegrass Band, The Greenbriar Boys, Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys, and the Jim Kweskin Jug Band. At that point, the band also changed their name to Seatrain (sometime spelled Sea Train) but, because they still owed an album to Verve Records, they were contractually obliged to recorded (and sometime played too) still as The Blues Project for some months.
THE BLUES PROJECT #11 (aka SEATRAIN #1) (APRIL 1968 - JUNE 1?, 1968)
1) Roy Blumenfeld now also percussion
2) Andy Kulberg now also piano
3) John Gregory
4) Dick Greene violin, strings
1) Roy Blumenfeld now also percussion
2) Andy Kulberg now also piano
3) John Gregory
4) Dick Greene violin, strings
April or May 1968
McGraw Hill, an American publishing company for educational content, published the Blues Project’s book, The Sound. The book was part of a teenage series called A Week With… which focuses on the fascinating careers of dynamic young people. This particular one was an autobiographical and photographic essay of the “classic” lineup of the Blues Project (Kalb, Kooper, Katz, Kulberg, Bluemenfeld) from 1967, where each musician describes the growing pains of perfecting his unique musical sound, how he learned to play an instrument, what musicians influenced his style, how he met members of the band, and what ideal he was working toward in the group. They discussed their views on the development of ‘mod music,’ electronic instruments, songwriting and how the musical group became famous. The road manager of the band also described the responsibilities and excitement of his job of moving a halfton of equipment around the country for concerts. Last but not least, the book included excellent photographs by Gerald Jacobson.
Saturday, May 4 - Tuesday, May 7, 1968: 'First European International Pop Festival (aka Pop Musica Festival - Primo Festival Internazionale in Europa di Musica Pop)', Palazzo dello Sport, Piazzale Pier Luigi Nervi 1, quartiere Eur, Rome, Italy (The Blues Project canceled)
The Blues Project was one of the 56 international artists originally invited to play on this Italian pop music festival, but they finally declined for some reason unknown to me.
Saturday, May 18 - Sunday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 21 - Thursday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 28 - Wednesday, May 29 and Tuesday, June 4 and Saturday, June 8 and Monday, June 10, 1968: Sierra Sound Laboratories (aka Sierra Sound Studios), 1741 Alcatraz Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The Blues Project began the recording of their fourth and last album for Verve Records, 'Planned Obsolescence'. They also produced and arranged it by themselves! An unknown sessionman named Norman Bellas played (which instrument?) with the band on May 18-19, while their old New York friend and bass player extraordinaire Harvey Brooks played with them on May 23.
June 1?, 1968
The Blues Project added a bass and sax player named Andy Musar.
THE BLUES PROJECT #12 (aka SEATRAIN #2) (JUNE 1?, 1968 - AUGUST 1968 (?))
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Andy Kulberg
3) John Gregory
4) Dick Greene
5) Andy Musar bass, sax
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Andy Kulberg
3) John Gregory
4) Dick Greene
5) Andy Musar bass, sax
Friday, June 14 - Saturday, June 15, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The band was advertised as Seatrain. Also on the bill: Melting Pot.
The band was advertised as Seatrain. Also on the bill: Melting Pot.
Berkeley Barb (June 7, 1968)
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Berkeley Barb (June 14, 1968)
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Friday, June 21 - Saturday, June 22, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The band was advertised as Seatrain. Also on the bill: Congress of Wonders, Ace of Cups.
San Francisco Express Times (June 19, 1968)
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Berkeley Barb (June 21, 1968)
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Wednesday, June 26 - Thursday, June 27, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
'Seatrain (formerly Blues Project)', as they were advertised, were originally scheduled to play there from June 25 to 29, but the club closed on June 25, so they were re-scheduled to play there from June 26 to 29, although they finally played only on June 26 and 27 exactly, because for the last two days (28-29) they were replaced at last minute by a local band called The Crabs. Also on the bill: The Charlatans.
San Francisco Express Times (June 26, 1968)
Monday, July 15 - Sunday, July 21, 1968: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The band was still billed on the poster as The Blues Project for contractual reasons, but for the first time their new name Seatrain was mentioned in the news. Also on the bill: Albert Ayler, Buzzy Linhart. The poster originally scheduled these shows from July 9 to 21, but according to a more contemporary news on The East Village Other dated July 12, the booking actually started on July 15.
The East Village Other (July 12, 1968)
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The East Village Other (July 19, 1968)
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August 1968 (?)
Andy Musar was replaced by a new bass and sax player named Donald 'Don' Kretmar.
THE BLUES PROJECT #13 (aka SEATRAIN #3) (AUGUST 1968 (?) - DECEMBER 1968)
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Andy Kulberg
3) John Gregory
4) Dick Greene
5) Don Kretmar bass, sax
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Andy Kulberg
3) John Gregory
4) Dick Greene
5) Don Kretmar bass, sax
Friday, September 6 - Saturday, September 7, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The band was advertised as Sea Train (formerly Blues Project).
The band was advertised as Sea Train (formerly Blues Project).
Berkeley Barb (September 6, 1968)
Tuesday, September 10 - Sunday, September 15, 1968: Ash Grove, 8162 Melrose Avenue, Fairfax, West Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California
The band was advertised as Sea Train. Also on the bill: Kaleidoscope. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday they played two shows a day, 9:00pm and 11:00pm, while on Friday and Saturday they played three shows a day, 8:30pm, 10:15pm, and 12 midnight.
Los Angeles Free Press (September 6, 1968)
Los Angeles Free Press (September 13, 1968)
Summer/Fall 1968: Sierra Sound Laboratories (aka Sierra Sound Studios), 1741 Alcatraz Avenue, Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The Blues Project completed the recording of 'Planned Obsolescence'.
Tuesday, September 24 - Saturday, September 28, 1968: The Matrix, 3138 Fillmore Street, Marina District, San Francisco, California
The band was advertised as Sea Train. Also on the bill: Petros (24-26), Cleveland Wrecking Company (27-28).
Thursday, October 17 - Saturday, October 19, 1968: Fillmore West, 10 South Van Ness Avenue at 1545 Market Street, San Francisco, California
The band was advertised as Sea Train. Also on the bill: Iron Butterfly, Sir Douglas Quintet plus 2. Lights by Brotherhood of Light. These shows were presented by Bill Graham.
Thursday, October 31, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The band was advertised as Sea Train. Also on the bill: DeSilva & Rondon Ubiquity Trio. One show, started at 9:30pm.
Berkeley Barb (October 25, 1968)
Friday, November 1 - Saturday, November 2, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The band was advertised as Sea Train. Also on the bill: Sky Blue. One show each day, started at 9:30pm.
Berkeley Barb (November 1, 1968)
Friday, December 6 - Saturday, December 7, 1968: New Orleans House, 1505 San Pablo Avenue at Jones Street, near Hopkins and Cedar Streets, West Berkeley, Alameda County, California
The band was advertised as Sea Train. Also on the bill: Jeffrey Cain, Jimmy Sunshine Jug Band.
Berkeley Barb (December 6, 1968)
Thursday, December 12 - Sunday, December 15, 1968: Fillmore West, 10 South Van Ness Avenue at 1545 Market Street, San Francisco, California
The band was advertised as Sea Train. Also on the bill: Country Joe and The Fish, Terry Reid. Lights by Brotherhood of Light. These shows were presented by Bill Graham.
Saturday, December 28 - Monday, December 30, 1968: La Cave, 10615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
The band was advertised as Sea Train.
December 1968
The Blues Project’s fourth album, 'Planned Obsolescence' (Verve Forecast FTS-3046; Side A: 1. If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody (Rudy Clark) / 2. Calypso (Andy Kulberg, Jim Roberts) / 3. Frank ‘n’ Curt: Incensed (John Gregory) / 4. Turtle Dove (Andy Kulberg) / 5. Mojo Hannah (Andre Williams, Barbara Paul, Clarence Paul) - Side B: 1. Niartaes Hornpipe (John Gregory) / 2. Endless Sleep (Dolores Mance, Jody Reynolds) / 3. She Raised Her Hand (Andy Kulberg, Jim Roberts) / 4. Dakota Recollection (Andy Kulberg, Roy Blumenfeld, Don Kretmar, Richard Greene, John Gregory)), was released only in the US. By the way, right after the release of the album, the band was finally free to continued their career as Seatrain but, that's another story...
Broadside (December 17, 1968)
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Oakland Tribune (January 12, 1969)
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August 1969
The Blues Project's posthumous single, 'Wake Me, Shake Me / Love Will Endure' (Verve DV-1024), was released only in Japan.
September 1969
In time Danny Kalb get well enough to play, he reorganized a new version of the band under the name of 'Blues Project II' and with the help of new members: Stan Gage (?), Gary Campbell (?), and jazz veteran Peter Warren (bass and cello; b. Thursday, November 21, 1935, Hempstead, Long Island, Nassau County, New York), formerly of Dionne Warwick, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Chick Corea, Larry Coryell, Herbie Mann, and others.
BLUES PROJECT II (SEPTEMBER 1969 - FEBRUARY 14, 1970)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Stan Gage unknown instrument
3) Gary Campbell unknown instrument
4) Peter Warren bass, cello
1) Danny Kalb
2) Stan Gage unknown instrument
3) Gary Campbell unknown instrument
4) Peter Warren bass, cello
Thursday, October 9 - Sunday, October 12, 1969: Cafe Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
For these shows - two a day, 9:30pm and 11:30pm - the band was advertised as 'Blues Project II Featuring Danny Kalb'. Also on the bill: The McCoys, Waldrop & Round Tree. At that time Danny also survived by teaching guitar other than doing occasional gigs like these.
Sunday, November 23, 1969: Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia, Genesee County, New York
Also on the bill: Ten Wheel Drive, Eric Andersen.
Friday, December 12 - Saturday, December 13, 1969: 'Concert & Dance', Action House, 50 Austin Boulevard, Island Park, Nassau County, New York
The band was advertised as 'Blues Project II featuring Danny Kalb'. Also on the bill: Fat Mattress with Noel Redding.
Friday, December 26, 1969: Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, b/w 6th Avenue and Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The band was advertised as 'Danny Kalb and The Blues Project II'. Also on the bill: Eric Andersen, Linda Ronstadt. Two shows: 8:30pm and 11:30pm. The show was promoted by A City Productions Concert.
Friday, January 2 - Saturday, January 3, 1970: The Boston Tea Party, 15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts
The band was billed as 'Blues Project 2' on the poster. Also on the bill: Mountain, Dion.
Friday, January 9 - Saturday, January 10, 1970: Electric Factory, 2201 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (The Blues Project II canceled?)
The Blues Project II possibily canceled and were replaced by the Allman Brothers Band. Also on the bill: Stockyard.
Saturday, February 14, 1970: Onondaga County War Memorial, 800 South State Street, Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York
Also on the bill: Chambers Brothers. The Blues Project II disbanded shortly after and Danny Kalb goes solo.
Early 1971
It was at one of Danny Kalb’s solo gigs that Roy Blumenfeld met Danny again. Roy had stuck with Seatrain only as far as mid-69, leaving around the time their first album was released. He virtually quit music and spent nearly a year working as a lumberjack in Colorado, during which time he contacted Danny and eventually decidedto return to New York. Roy thought it would be fun to play with Danny again and, with the addition of former Blues Project/Seatrain Don Kretmar, they formed what they hoped would be a really dynamic three piece. For better or worse, they too became The Blues Project. Things went well. They gigged around New York and signed a deal with Capitol Records, who were very keen on the band. Somehow or other the deal with the label including a trip to London, England. While there, they were supposed to have recorded an album and played several gigs, but due to work permit problems, they were unable to play live. However, the sessions went well and the band’s new fifth album, 'Lazarus', was recorded under the production of Shel Talmy, an ex-patriot American best known for his early ‘60’s work with The Kinks and The Who. But, according to Danny and Roy, his contribution to the album consisted of little more than wandering into the studio occasionally and saying, “Why noy try that a little slower?” and prompty leaving.
For these shows - two a day, 9:30pm and 11:30pm - the band was advertised as 'Blues Project II Featuring Danny Kalb'. Also on the bill: The McCoys, Waldrop & Round Tree. At that time Danny also survived by teaching guitar other than doing occasional gigs like these.
Sunday, November 23, 1969: Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia, Genesee County, New York
Also on the bill: Ten Wheel Drive, Eric Andersen.
Friday, December 12 - Saturday, December 13, 1969: 'Concert & Dance', Action House, 50 Austin Boulevard, Island Park, Nassau County, New York
The band was advertised as 'Blues Project II featuring Danny Kalb'. Also on the bill: Fat Mattress with Noel Redding.
Friday, December 26, 1969: Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, b/w 6th Avenue and Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The band was advertised as 'Danny Kalb and The Blues Project II'. Also on the bill: Eric Andersen, Linda Ronstadt. Two shows: 8:30pm and 11:30pm. The show was promoted by A City Productions Concert.
Friday, January 2 - Saturday, January 3, 1970: The Boston Tea Party, 15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts
The band was billed as 'Blues Project 2' on the poster. Also on the bill: Mountain, Dion.
Friday, January 9 - Saturday, January 10, 1970: Electric Factory, 2201 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (The Blues Project II canceled?)
The Blues Project II possibily canceled and were replaced by the Allman Brothers Band. Also on the bill: Stockyard.
Saturday, February 14, 1970: Onondaga County War Memorial, 800 South State Street, Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York
Also on the bill: Chambers Brothers. The Blues Project II disbanded shortly after and Danny Kalb goes solo.
Early 1971
It was at one of Danny Kalb’s solo gigs that Roy Blumenfeld met Danny again. Roy had stuck with Seatrain only as far as mid-69, leaving around the time their first album was released. He virtually quit music and spent nearly a year working as a lumberjack in Colorado, during which time he contacted Danny and eventually decidedto return to New York. Roy thought it would be fun to play with Danny again and, with the addition of former Blues Project/Seatrain Don Kretmar, they formed what they hoped would be a really dynamic three piece. For better or worse, they too became The Blues Project. Things went well. They gigged around New York and signed a deal with Capitol Records, who were very keen on the band. Somehow or other the deal with the label including a trip to London, England. While there, they were supposed to have recorded an album and played several gigs, but due to work permit problems, they were unable to play live. However, the sessions went well and the band’s new fifth album, 'Lazarus', was recorded under the production of Shel Talmy, an ex-patriot American best known for his early ‘60’s work with The Kinks and The Who. But, according to Danny and Roy, his contribution to the album consisted of little more than wandering into the studio occasionally and saying, “Why noy try that a little slower?” and prompty leaving.
THE BLUES PROJECT #14 (EARLY 1971 - AUGUST 1971 (?))
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Don Kretmar
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Don Kretmar
Early/Spring 1971: St. George's Theatre, 35 Hyatt Street, Staten Island, New York City, New York
Tuesday, June 15 - Wednesday, June 16, 1971: The Main Point, 874 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Saturday, July 3, 1971: 'Outdoor Rock Festival', Grandstand, Michigan State Fairgrounds, 1120 West State Fair Avenue, Detroit, Wayne County County, Michigan
Also on the bill: The J. Geils Band, Savage Grace, Mutzie. The two-day (July 3-4) festival, which lasted from 2:00pm to 11:00pm each day, was An Eastown Theatre Production.
Wednesday, July 7, 1971: Atlanta Municipal Auditorium, 30 Courtland Street, downtown Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
The Blues Project opened for Black Sabbath. One show, started at 7:30pm.
August 1971 (?)
The Blues Project decided that the trio format wasn’t working (this, after being thrown off a Black Sabbath tour for reasons still unknown), and they expanded the line-up with organ player David Bennett Cohen (b. Tuesday, August 4, 1942, Brooklyn, New York City, New York), formerly of Country Joe and The Fish.
Tuesday, June 15 - Wednesday, June 16, 1971: The Main Point, 874 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Saturday, July 3, 1971: 'Outdoor Rock Festival', Grandstand, Michigan State Fairgrounds, 1120 West State Fair Avenue, Detroit, Wayne County County, Michigan
Also on the bill: The J. Geils Band, Savage Grace, Mutzie. The two-day (July 3-4) festival, which lasted from 2:00pm to 11:00pm each day, was An Eastown Theatre Production.
Wednesday, July 7, 1971: Atlanta Municipal Auditorium, 30 Courtland Street, downtown Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
The Blues Project opened for Black Sabbath. One show, started at 7:30pm.
August 1971 (?)
The Blues Project decided that the trio format wasn’t working (this, after being thrown off a Black Sabbath tour for reasons still unknown), and they expanded the line-up with organ player David Bennett Cohen (b. Tuesday, August 4, 1942, Brooklyn, New York City, New York), formerly of Country Joe and The Fish.
THE BLUES PROJECT #15 (AUGUST 1971 (?) - NOVEMBER 1971 (?))
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Don Kretmar
4) David Bennett Cohen organ
September 1971
The Blues Project’s fifth album, 'Lazarus' (Capitol Records ST-782; Side A: 1. It’s Alright (J. Tumer, P. Johnson) / 2. Personal Mercy (Roy Blumenfeld) / 3. Black Night (Trad. Arr. Danny Kalb) / 4. Vision Of Flowers (Danny Kalb) / 5. Yellow Cab (Tim Hardin) - Side B: 1. Lazarus (Trad. Arr. Danny Kalb) / 2. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (Chuck Berry) / 3. Reachings (Danny Kalb) / 4. Midnight Rain (Roy Blumenfeld) / 5. So Far, So Near (Don Kretmar)), was released in the US. The album was later released also in Greece (with a different cover), and in Netherlands.
Saturday, October 2, 1971: War Memorial Stadium (aka The Rockpile), 285 Dodge Street, Buffalo, Erie County, New York
Also on the bill: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The J. Geils Band, Sha-Na-Na, Boz Scaggs, Taj Mahal. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Saturday, October 9, 1971: 46th Street Theatre, 46th Street & New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn, New York City, New York
An early ad billed the band as 'The Blues Project featuring Danny Kalb' (that same early ad also wrongly dated the gig as October 10). Also on the bill: The Butterfield Blues Band. One show, started at 10:00pm.
Saturday, October 16 - Monday, October 18, 1971: unknown venue, Rochester, Monroe County, New York
November 1971 (?)
The Blues Project’s original lead singer Tommy Flanders rejoin the band, after they somehow contacted him while he was somewhere in Europe.
The Blues Project’s fifth album, 'Lazarus' (Capitol Records ST-782; Side A: 1. It’s Alright (J. Tumer, P. Johnson) / 2. Personal Mercy (Roy Blumenfeld) / 3. Black Night (Trad. Arr. Danny Kalb) / 4. Vision Of Flowers (Danny Kalb) / 5. Yellow Cab (Tim Hardin) - Side B: 1. Lazarus (Trad. Arr. Danny Kalb) / 2. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (Chuck Berry) / 3. Reachings (Danny Kalb) / 4. Midnight Rain (Roy Blumenfeld) / 5. So Far, So Near (Don Kretmar)), was released in the US. The album was later released also in Greece (with a different cover), and in Netherlands.
Saturday, October 2, 1971: War Memorial Stadium (aka The Rockpile), 285 Dodge Street, Buffalo, Erie County, New York
Also on the bill: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The J. Geils Band, Sha-Na-Na, Boz Scaggs, Taj Mahal. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Saturday, October 9, 1971: 46th Street Theatre, 46th Street & New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn, New York City, New York
An early ad billed the band as 'The Blues Project featuring Danny Kalb' (that same early ad also wrongly dated the gig as October 10). Also on the bill: The Butterfield Blues Band. One show, started at 10:00pm.
Saturday, October 16 - Monday, October 18, 1971: unknown venue, Rochester, Monroe County, New York
November 1971 (?)
The Blues Project’s original lead singer Tommy Flanders rejoin the band, after they somehow contacted him while he was somewhere in Europe.
THE BLUES PROJECT #16 (NOVEMBER 1971 (?) - JANUARY or FEBRUARY 1972)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Don Kretmar
4) David Bennett Cohen
5) Tommy Flanders
Friday, November 12 - Saturday, November 13, 1971: Eastown Theatre, 8401 Harper Avenue, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan
Also on the bill: Procol Harum, King Crimson.
Saturday, December 4, 1971: Student Union Building, Gettysburg College campus, 300 North Washington Street, Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania
Also on the bill: Yes.
Thursday, December 9, 1971: Gymnasium, Bryant College, 1150 Douglas Turnpike, Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island
Also on the bill: Yes.
January or February 1972
The Blues Project added guitarist Willet 'Bill' Lussenden, formerly of The Canterburys, and the Crystal Lion. They are now a six-piece again, just like the good ol' days.
Also on the bill: Procol Harum, King Crimson.
Saturday, December 4, 1971: Student Union Building, Gettysburg College campus, 300 North Washington Street, Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania
Also on the bill: Yes.
Thursday, December 9, 1971: Gymnasium, Bryant College, 1150 Douglas Turnpike, Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island
Also on the bill: Yes.
January or February 1972
The Blues Project added guitarist Willet 'Bill' Lussenden, formerly of The Canterburys, and the Crystal Lion. They are now a six-piece again, just like the good ol' days.
THE BLUES PROJECT #17 (JANUARY or FEBRUARY 1972 - JULY 12, 1972)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Don Kretmar
4) David Bennett Cohen
5) Tommy Flanders
6) Bill Lussenden guitar
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Don Kretmar
4) David Bennett Cohen
5) Tommy Flanders
6) Bill Lussenden guitar
Thursday, January 27, 1972: Embassy Theatre, 7212 Bergenline Avenue, North Bergen, Hudson County, New Jersey
Also on the bill: The J. Geils Band.
Sunday, February 13, 1972: Alumni Hall, Providence College, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, Rhode Island
Also on the bill: King Crimson. Lights by Fantasma. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Sunday, March 19, 1972: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California
Also on the bill: Fairport Convention, King Crimson. The show, which started at 8:30pm, was presented by KRLA / Concert Associates.
Friday, March 24 - Saturday, March 25, 1972: Winterland, 2000 Post Street at Steiner Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Mahavisnhu Orchestra with John McLaughlin, Emerson, Lake & Palmer. These shows, which started at 8:00pm each day, were promoted by Bill Graham Presents In San Francisco.
May 1972
The Blues Project’s sixth album, 'Blues Project' (Capitol Records SMAS-11017; Side A: 1. Back Door Man (Willie Dixon) / 2. Danville Dame (Tim Hardin) / 3. Railroad Boy (Trad. Arr. The Blues Project) / 4. Rainbow (Tommy Flanders) / 5. Easy Lady (Gilbert Peltz) - Side B: 1. Plain And Francy (Tommy Flanders) / 2. Little Rain (Ewart G. Abner Jr., Jimmy Reed) / 3. Crazy Girl (Danny Kalb) / 4. I’m Ready (Willie Dixon)), was released in the US, UK, and Germany. The album was recorded at The Sound Factory recording studio, 6357 Selma Avenue, Los Angeles, and was produced by Gabriel Mekler who also played organ, piano, and marimba in some tracks.
Also on the bill: The J. Geils Band.
Sunday, February 13, 1972: Alumni Hall, Providence College, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, Rhode Island
Also on the bill: King Crimson. Lights by Fantasma. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Sunday, March 19, 1972: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California
Also on the bill: Fairport Convention, King Crimson. The show, which started at 8:30pm, was presented by KRLA / Concert Associates.
Friday, March 24 - Saturday, March 25, 1972: Winterland, 2000 Post Street at Steiner Street, San Francisco, California
Also on the bill: Mahavisnhu Orchestra with John McLaughlin, Emerson, Lake & Palmer. These shows, which started at 8:00pm each day, were promoted by Bill Graham Presents In San Francisco.
May 1972
The Blues Project’s sixth album, 'Blues Project' (Capitol Records SMAS-11017; Side A: 1. Back Door Man (Willie Dixon) / 2. Danville Dame (Tim Hardin) / 3. Railroad Boy (Trad. Arr. The Blues Project) / 4. Rainbow (Tommy Flanders) / 5. Easy Lady (Gilbert Peltz) - Side B: 1. Plain And Francy (Tommy Flanders) / 2. Little Rain (Ewart G. Abner Jr., Jimmy Reed) / 3. Crazy Girl (Danny Kalb) / 4. I’m Ready (Willie Dixon)), was released in the US, UK, and Germany. The album was recorded at The Sound Factory recording studio, 6357 Selma Avenue, Los Angeles, and was produced by Gabriel Mekler who also played organ, piano, and marimba in some tracks.
Austin American (June 10, 1972)
Friday, May 5 - Sunday, May 7, 1972: My Father’s Place, 19 Bryant Avenue, Roslyn, Nassau County, New York
Also on the bill: We The People.
Monday, May 15, 1972: University of Miami, 1320 South Dixie Highway, Coral Glabes, Miami-Dade County, Florida
Friday, May 19 - Saturday, May 20, 1972: Gaslight Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Moogie & The Rhythm Kings, Thulcandra.
Sunday, May 21, 1972: Sunshine In, Asbury Park, Monmouth County, New Jersey
Also on the bill: Free. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Sunday, May 28, 1972: Yankee Lake Ballroom, 1814 OH Route 7, Brookfield Township, Trumbull County, Ohio
Also on the bill: Edgar Winter, Piggy Rat. One show started at 8:00pm, promoted by 1390 WFMJ All Hit Music Presents, and produced by A Stonehead Production.
Saturday, June 3, 1972: Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Avenue, Albany, Albany County, New York
The Blues Project, together with Buzzy Linhart, played during a benefit concert for the presidential candidacy of George McGovern held at 8pm at the Palace Theatre.
Wednesday, June 7 - Sunday, June 11, 1972: The Gaslight Au Go Go, 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Also on the bill: Sweet Pie, J.S. Blue.
Saturday, June 10, 1972: Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, Westchester County, New York
Also on the bill: Dave Mason.
Tuesday, June 27 - Sunday, July 2, 1972: Doug Weston’s Troubadour Club, 9081 West Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California
Also on the bill: Alex Richman.
Wednesday, July 12, 1972: '5th Annual The Schaefer Music Festival in Central Park', Wollman Memorial Skating Rink, 5th Avenue and 59th Street, South Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Club owner and musician Hilly Kristal co-founded the festival with producer and concert promoter Ron Delsener. The festival was sponsored by “Schaefer Beer”. One show start at 7:00pm and with Edgar Winter also on the bill. Supposedly this was Danny Kalb’s last gig with The Blues Project, as he ended up leaving the band (even though he felt he was pushed) possibly because he was depressed that the last two albums of the band didn’t particularly sell well.
THE BLUES PROJECT #18 (JULY 13, 1972 - 1972)
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Don Kretmar
3) David Bennett Cohen
4) Tommy Flanders
5) Bill Lussenden
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Don Kretmar
3) David Bennett Cohen
4) Tommy Flanders
5) Bill Lussenden
Saturday, July 22, 1972: Houston Gymnasium, S.U.N.Y. (State University of New York) campus, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, Erie County, New York
Also on the bill: J. Geils Band. The show, which started at 8:00pm, was presented by Buffalo State Summer Activities Committee.
1972
The Blues Project’s seventh (promo only) single, 'Easy Lady (Mono) (Gilbert Peltz) / Easy Lady (Stereo) (Gilpert Peltz)' (Capitol P-3374 / PRO-6549), was released only in the US.
1972
The Blues Project’s eighth single, 'It's Alright (J. Tumer, P. Johnson) / So Far, So Near (Don Kretmar)' (Capitol CR-2919), was released only in Japan.
1972
The Blues Project’s ninth single, 'Easy Lady (Gilbert Peltz) / Crazy Girl (Danny Kalb)', was released in France (as Philips 6061 246) and in Germany (as Capitol 1C 006-81 287).
1972
The Blues Project breakup again possibly because it just wasn’t the same without Danny Kalb.
Wednesday, June 20, 1973: '6th Annual Temple University Music Festival', Temple Festival Theater, Temple University, 580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
The show, which was attended by 4,000 people, was presented by Electric Factory Concerts. Also on the bill: Electric Light Orchestra. From now on, and almost always billed as 'The Original Blues Project', the band classic five piece lineup would get together from time to time for several reunions gigs.
THE (ORIGINAL) BLUES PROJECT #19 (aka #3, #5) (JUNE 20, 1973 - DECEMBER 1973)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Al Kooper
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Al Kooper
Sunday, June 24, 1973: '6st Annual The Schaefer Music Festival in Central Park', Wollman Memorial Skating Rink, 5th Avenue and 59th Street, South Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Club owner and musician Hilly Kristal co-founded the festival with producer and concert promoter Ron Delsener. The festival was sponsored by Schaefer Beer. The show, initially scheduled to Friday, June 22 but then postponed, started at 7:00pm and The Roche Sisters were also on the bill. The Blues Project’s set was recorded and released on their seventh double-album, 'Reunion In Central Park' (1973).
Early/Mid October 1973
The (Original) Blues Project’s seventh double album, 'Reunion In Central Park' (MCA Records - Sound Of The South MCA2-8003; Side A: 1. Introduction: Ron Delsener / 2. Louisiana Blues (Muddy Waters) / 3. Steve’s Song (Steve Katz) / 4. Introduction: Al Kooper and Andy Kulberg / 5. I Can’t Keep From Crying (Blind Willie Johnson) - Side B: 1. You Can’t Catch Me (Chuck Berry) / 2. Introduction: Al Kooper / 3. Fly Away (Al Kooper) / 4. Caress Me Baby (Jimmy Reed) - Side C: 1. Introduction: Andy Kulberg / 2. Catch The Wind (Donovan) / 3. Wake Me, Shake Me (Al Kooper) - Side D: 1. Introduction: Danny Kalb / 2. Two Trains Running (Muddy Waters) / 3. Closing - Audience), was released in the US. The album was also released in vinyl format in Italy (1974), Australia (1974), Germany (January 1, 1987), and Greece (1987; this version was released as a single album with all the nine tracks of the Side A and B + 'Catch The Wind' and 'Wake Me, Shake Me'), and also in CD format in Germany (1990; this version was released as a single compact disc with all the “songs” tracks but without the “introduction” tracks) and in the US (January 1, 1996). The double album was credited to 'The Original Blues Project' and was recorded live (using the Record Plant Studios Mobile Unit) at the '6th Annual The Schaefer Music Festival in Central Park' on June 24, 1973. The live recordings were later mixed at Studio One, Doraville, Georgia, and mastered at the Sterling Studios, New York City. The cover photo was shot on stage at the aforementioned festival. Line-up: Danny Kalb: Lead Guitar, Vocals (A2, B1, B4, D2), Steve Katz: Rhythm Guitar (all titles except B1, B3), Percussion (B3), Harp (A2, B1, B3), Vocals (A3, C2), Andy Kulberg: Bass, Flute , Roy Blumenfeld: Drums, Al Kooper: Organ Hammond, Clavinet Hohner, Mellotron (A3), Synthesizer (A5), Rhythm Guitar (B1, B3), Vocals (A5, B3, C3). Al Kooper also produced (with Andy Kulberg), mixed, arranged (only A5, C3), and edited (with Rodney Mills) the album by himself or almost.
Wednesday, October 31, 1973: Avery Fisher (Philarmonic) Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Inc., 65 Street Columbus Avenue, New York City, New York
Two shows: 8:00 and 11:00pm. Also on the bill: Lynyrd Skynyrd (8:00pm show only), Jake and The Family Jewels (11:00pm show only). These shows were presented by Ron Delsener.
December 1973
The (Original) Blues Project’s tenth (promo only) single, 'Fly Away (Mono) (Al Kooper) / Fly Away (Stereo) (Al Kooper)' (MCA-40154), was released only in the US.
December 1973
The (Original) Blues Project’s eleventh single, 'Fly Away (Al Kooper) / Louisiana Blues (M. Morganfield)' (MCA-40154), was released only in the US.
1979
After six years, the band, now billed as Blues Project ’79, reunited again with the original members Danny Kalb, Al Kooper, Andy Kulberg, and Roy Blumenfeld, plus Brian Cummings on guitar.
Club owner and musician Hilly Kristal co-founded the festival with producer and concert promoter Ron Delsener. The festival was sponsored by Schaefer Beer. The show, initially scheduled to Friday, June 22 but then postponed, started at 7:00pm and The Roche Sisters were also on the bill. The Blues Project’s set was recorded and released on their seventh double-album, 'Reunion In Central Park' (1973).
Early/Mid October 1973
The (Original) Blues Project’s seventh double album, 'Reunion In Central Park' (MCA Records - Sound Of The South MCA2-8003; Side A: 1. Introduction: Ron Delsener / 2. Louisiana Blues (Muddy Waters) / 3. Steve’s Song (Steve Katz) / 4. Introduction: Al Kooper and Andy Kulberg / 5. I Can’t Keep From Crying (Blind Willie Johnson) - Side B: 1. You Can’t Catch Me (Chuck Berry) / 2. Introduction: Al Kooper / 3. Fly Away (Al Kooper) / 4. Caress Me Baby (Jimmy Reed) - Side C: 1. Introduction: Andy Kulberg / 2. Catch The Wind (Donovan) / 3. Wake Me, Shake Me (Al Kooper) - Side D: 1. Introduction: Danny Kalb / 2. Two Trains Running (Muddy Waters) / 3. Closing - Audience), was released in the US. The album was also released in vinyl format in Italy (1974), Australia (1974), Germany (January 1, 1987), and Greece (1987; this version was released as a single album with all the nine tracks of the Side A and B + 'Catch The Wind' and 'Wake Me, Shake Me'), and also in CD format in Germany (1990; this version was released as a single compact disc with all the “songs” tracks but without the “introduction” tracks) and in the US (January 1, 1996). The double album was credited to 'The Original Blues Project' and was recorded live (using the Record Plant Studios Mobile Unit) at the '6th Annual The Schaefer Music Festival in Central Park' on June 24, 1973. The live recordings were later mixed at Studio One, Doraville, Georgia, and mastered at the Sterling Studios, New York City. The cover photo was shot on stage at the aforementioned festival. Line-up: Danny Kalb: Lead Guitar, Vocals (A2, B1, B4, D2), Steve Katz: Rhythm Guitar (all titles except B1, B3), Percussion (B3), Harp (A2, B1, B3), Vocals (A3, C2), Andy Kulberg: Bass, Flute , Roy Blumenfeld: Drums, Al Kooper: Organ Hammond, Clavinet Hohner, Mellotron (A3), Synthesizer (A5), Rhythm Guitar (B1, B3), Vocals (A5, B3, C3). Al Kooper also produced (with Andy Kulberg), mixed, arranged (only A5, C3), and edited (with Rodney Mills) the album by himself or almost.
Wednesday, October 31, 1973: Avery Fisher (Philarmonic) Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Inc., 65 Street Columbus Avenue, New York City, New York
Two shows: 8:00 and 11:00pm. Also on the bill: Lynyrd Skynyrd (8:00pm show only), Jake and The Family Jewels (11:00pm show only). These shows were presented by Ron Delsener.
December 1973
The (Original) Blues Project’s tenth (promo only) single, 'Fly Away (Mono) (Al Kooper) / Fly Away (Stereo) (Al Kooper)' (MCA-40154), was released only in the US.
December 1973
The (Original) Blues Project’s eleventh single, 'Fly Away (Al Kooper) / Louisiana Blues (M. Morganfield)' (MCA-40154), was released only in the US.
1979
After six years, the band, now billed as Blues Project ’79, reunited again with the original members Danny Kalb, Al Kooper, Andy Kulberg, and Roy Blumenfeld, plus Brian Cummings on guitar.
BLUES PROJECT '79 #20 (1979)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Al Kooper
5) Brian Cummings guitar
Wednesday, September 12, 1979: on the grass between behind the Performing Arts and the Visual Arts Buildings, California State University campus, 800 North State College Boulevard, Fullerton, Orange County, California
A free outdoor concert started at 6:30pm and sponsored by AS program Association. Also on the bill: Loose Change, Don Clark.
A free outdoor concert started at 6:30pm and sponsored by AS program Association. Also on the bill: Loose Change, Don Clark.
The Daily Titan (September 12, 1979)
Thursday, September 13 - Saturday, September 15, 1979: Starwood, 8151 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California
The band was advertised as ‘Blues Project ’79 featuring Al Cooper [sic].’ Also on the bill: 707.
1979
The Blues Project disbanded again.
Monday, March 16, 1981: S.I.R. (Studio Instrumental Rentals), 475 10th Avenue, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The Original Blues Project are back after 8 years and rehearsed for the next day show. The rehearsal was also recorded and a few tracks were released posthumously on the bootleg, 'Bond’s International Casino, March 17, 1981'.
THE (ORIGINAL) BLUES PROJECT #21 (aka #3, #5, #19) (MARCH 16-17, 1981) / (DECEMBER 15-21, 1983) / (1984) / (MARCH 18, 1989) / (JUNE 21-23, 1990) / (JUNE 21-23, 1991) / (FEBRUARY 4-6, 1994)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Al Kooper
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Steve Katz
5) Al Kooper
Tuesday, March 17, 1981: Bond International Casino, 1530 Broadway, b/w 44th and 45th Streets, Times Square, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The show was broadcasted live on WLPJ-FM and also released posthumously on the bootleg, 'Bond’s International Casino, March 17, 1981'.
Thursday, December 15, 1983: The Chance, 6 Crannell Street, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York
Billed as 'The Original Legendary Blues Project', the band was back again after two years.
Saturday, December 17, 1983: '12TH Anniversary Show', John Scher’s Capitol Theatre, 326 Monroe Street, Passaic, Passaic County, New Jersey
Also on the bill: Johnny Winter, John Hammond Jr., George Thorogood and The Destroyers.
Sunday, December 18 - Wednesday, December 21, 1983: Bottom Line, 15 West 4th Street, b/w Mercer Street and Greene Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
These shows were advertisted as the band’s '20th Anniversary Tour', but actually that was wrong because they were born only eighteen years before, in 1965.
Saturday, March 3, 1984: Victoria Theatre, 16th Street, San Francisco, California
Monday, July 9, 1984: The Pier, Park & Playground Association Inc., 40 North River Piers Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Saturday, March 18, 1989: Great American Music Hall, 859 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco, California
A quite good recording of the show survive as bootleg.
Thursday, June 21, 1990: Chestnut Cabaret, 3801 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Friday, June 22 - Saturday, June 23, 1990: Bottom Line, 15 West 4th Street, b/w Mercer Street and Greene Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
The first show of 22th was taped for broadcast on NHK Japanese television network.
Friday, June 21 - Sunday, June 23, 1991: Bottom Line, 15 West 4th Street, b/w Mercer Street and Greene Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Friday, February 4 - Sunday, February 6, 1994: Bottom Line, 15 West 4th Street, b/w Mercer Street and Greene Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
These shows were taped for broadcast on NHK Japanese television network, and also were recorded for a CD. Some tracks were released on Kooper’s solo album, 'Soul Of A Man: Al Kooper Live' (1995) (because of a disagreement between Steve Katz and Al Kooper, Kooper’s back-up guitarist Jimmy Vivino later overdubbed all of Katz’s guitar parts).
Friday, September 15 - Saturday, September 16, 1995: Bottom Line, 15 West 4th Street, b/w Mercer Street and Greene Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Another reunion gigs for The Blues Project, with guitarist Jimmy Vivivo credited as "special guest" instead of Steve Katz.
THE BLUES PROJECT #22 (SEPTEMBER 15-16, 1995) / (MARCH 8-9, 1996)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Al Kooper
+
5) Jimmy Vivino guitar ("special guest")
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Andy Kulberg
4) Al Kooper
+
5) Jimmy Vivino guitar ("special guest")
Friday, March 8 - Saturday, March 9, 1996: Bottom Line, 15 West 4th Street, b/w Mercer Street and Greene Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York
Another reunion gigs for The Blues Project, with guitarist Jimmy Vivivo credited as "special guest" instead of Steve Katz.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
On the occasion of the annual 'Record Store Day', Sundazed Records released a limited edition mono single of The Blues Project, 'Parchman Farm (Mose Allison) / Bright Lights, Bright City (Jimmy Reed)' (Sundazed Music S 245). Both tracks were taken from the band’s 1966 debut live album, and also the photo on the cover was also taken from the band’s debut live album cover.
Saturday, November 3, 2012: Steve Katz’s home studio, Kent, Litchfield County, Connecticut
Danny Kalb, Steve Katz, and Roy Blumenfeld reunited The Blues Project again. To complete the band they recruited Danny’s younger brother Jonathan Kalb to play bass (instead of the late Andy Kulberg who died of lymphoma on Monday, January 28, 2002, in Fairfax, Marin County, California), plus singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist John Kruth (b. Sunday, June 19, 1955, New York City) to play flute, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica. The new band lineup rehearsed together for the first time today.
Another reunion gigs for The Blues Project, with guitarist Jimmy Vivivo credited as "special guest" instead of Steve Katz.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
On the occasion of the annual 'Record Store Day', Sundazed Records released a limited edition mono single of The Blues Project, 'Parchman Farm (Mose Allison) / Bright Lights, Bright City (Jimmy Reed)' (Sundazed Music S 245). Both tracks were taken from the band’s 1966 debut live album, and also the photo on the cover was also taken from the band’s debut live album cover.
Saturday, November 3, 2012: Steve Katz’s home studio, Kent, Litchfield County, Connecticut
Danny Kalb, Steve Katz, and Roy Blumenfeld reunited The Blues Project again. To complete the band they recruited Danny’s younger brother Jonathan Kalb to play bass (instead of the late Andy Kulberg who died of lymphoma on Monday, January 28, 2002, in Fairfax, Marin County, California), plus singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist John Kruth (b. Sunday, June 19, 1955, New York City) to play flute, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica. The new band lineup rehearsed together for the first time today.
THE BLUES PROJECT #23 (NOVEMBER 3-17, 2012)
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Steve Katz
4) Jonathan Kalb bass
5) John Kruth vocals, flute, mandolin, banjo, harmonica
1) Danny Kalb
2) Roy Blumenfeld
3) Steve Katz
4) Jonathan Kalb bass
5) John Kruth vocals, flute, mandolin, banjo, harmonica
Wednesday, November 7, 2012: Sellersville Theater, 24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
First gig of The Blues Project’s East Coast reunion tour. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Thursday, November 8, 2012: Infinity Music Hall & Bistro, Route 44, Norfolk, Litchfield County, Connecticut
One show, started at 8:00pm.
Friday, November 9, 2012: Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan Street, Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts
One show, started at 8:00pm.
Saturday, November 10, 2012: Historic Chapel, Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25TH Street, Brooklyn, New York City, New York
One show, started at 7:30pm (supposed to be two, but the other one that would have to start at 9:30pm was finally cancelled). The show was sold out, as ticket holders for the cancelled 9:30pm show were told to come earlier.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012: 'Daniel Pearl World Music Days Harmony for Humanity concert', Catherine Cummings Theatre, Cazenovia College, 16 Lincklaen Street, Cazenovia, Madison County, New York
The show, which started at 7:30pm, was presented by Live Space Entertainment.
Thursday, November 15, 2012: Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road, Londonderry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
One show, started at 8:00pm.
First gig of The Blues Project’s East Coast reunion tour. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Thursday, November 8, 2012: Infinity Music Hall & Bistro, Route 44, Norfolk, Litchfield County, Connecticut
One show, started at 8:00pm.
Friday, November 9, 2012: Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan Street, Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts
One show, started at 8:00pm.
Saturday, November 10, 2012: Historic Chapel, Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25TH Street, Brooklyn, New York City, New York
One show, started at 7:30pm (supposed to be two, but the other one that would have to start at 9:30pm was finally cancelled). The show was sold out, as ticket holders for the cancelled 9:30pm show were told to come earlier.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012: 'Daniel Pearl World Music Days Harmony for Humanity concert', Catherine Cummings Theatre, Cazenovia College, 16 Lincklaen Street, Cazenovia, Madison County, New York
The show, which started at 7:30pm, was presented by Live Space Entertainment.
Thursday, November 15, 2012: Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road, Londonderry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
One show, started at 8:00pm.
Saturday, November 17, 2012: Bearsville Theater, 291 Tinker Street, Woodstock, Ulster County, New York
The show, which started at 9:00pm, was the last of The Blues Project’s East Coast reunion tour. The band break up again right after.
Saturday, March 9, 2013: Steve Katz’s home studio, Kent, Litchfield County, Connecticut
After one year, Steve Katz and Roy Blumenfeld reunited The Blues Project again. To complete the band they recruited again John Kruth and also new members Kenny Margolis on keyboards and accordion, formerly of Mink DeVille, Lucky 7, Joe Hurley & The Gents Rogue’s March, Elliot Murphy, Camper Van Beethoven, The Smithereens, The Silos, Willy DeVille, and Cracker, and Joseph 'Joe' Bouchard (b. Tuesday, November 9, 1948, Watertown, Jefferson County, New York) on bass and guitar, formerly of Soft White Underbelly, Blue Oyster Cult, The Spencer David Group, Deadringer, Fabienne Shine and His X Brothers, and BDS. The new band lineup rehearsed together for the first time today.
THE BLUES PROJECT #24 (MARCH 9, 2013 - 2013)
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Steve Katz
3) John Kruth
4) Kenny Margolis keyboards, accordion
5) Joe Bouchard bass, guitar
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Steve Katz
3) John Kruth
4) Kenny Margolis keyboards, accordion
5) Joe Bouchard bass, guitar
2013
After few rehearsals and no live gigs, The Blues Project disbanded again.
Monday, September 30, 2019: Red Room Sound Studio, Cathole Road, Litchfield, Connecticut
After six years, Steve Katz and Roy Blumenfeld reunited The Blues Project again with three complitely new members: Mick Connolly on lead guitar, Jesse Williams on bass, and Ken Clark on keyboards and vocals. The new band lineup rehearsed together for the first time today.
THE BLUES PROJECT #25 (SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 - OCTOBER 6, 2019)
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Steve Katz
3) Mick Connolly lead guitar
4) Ken Clark vocals, keyboards
5) Jesse Williams bass
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Steve Katz
3) Mick Connolly lead guitar
4) Ken Clark vocals, keyboards
5) Jesse Williams bass
The Blues Project #23, September 30, 2019, Red Room Sound Studio - from left: Mick Connolly, Steve Katz, Roy Blumenfeld, Jesse Williams, and Ken Clark
The Blues Project #23, September 30, 2019, Red Room Sound Studio - from left: Steve Katz, Roy Blumenfeld, Jesse Williams, Mick Connolly, and Ken Clark
Steve Katz
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Steve Katz
|
Roy Blumenfeld
|
Roy Blumenfeld
|
Wednesday, October 2, 2019: Sellersville Theater, 24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
First gig of The Blues Project’s East Coast reunion tour. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Thursday, October 3, 2019: My Father’s Place, Roslyn Hotel, 1221 Old Northern Boulevard, Roslyn, Nassau County, New York
One show, started at 8:00pm.
Friday, October 4, 2019: Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island
First gig of The Blues Project’s East Coast reunion tour. One show, started at 8:00pm.
Thursday, October 3, 2019: My Father’s Place, Roslyn Hotel, 1221 Old Northern Boulevard, Roslyn, Nassau County, New York
One show, started at 8:00pm.
Friday, October 4, 2019: Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island
The Blues Project #23, Chan's, October 4, 2019 - from left: Mick Connolly and Steve Katz
Roy Blumenfeld, Chan's, October 4, 2019
Steve Katz, Chan's, October 4, 2019
Steve Katz, Chan''s, October 4, 2019
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Steve Katz, Chan's, October 4, 2019
Roy Blumenfeld, Chan's, October 4, 2019
Steve Katz, Chan's, October 4, 2019
Roy Blumenfeld, Cham's, October 4, 2019
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Saturday, October 5, 2019: The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (aka The Kate), 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook, Middlesex County, Connecticut
One show, started at 8:00pm.
The Blues Project #23 , The Kate, Old Saybrook, October 5, 2019 - from left: Mick Connolly, Steve Katz, Roy Blumenfeld, Jesse Williams, and Ken Clark
Sunday, October 6, 2019: Jalopy Theatre and School of Music, 315 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, New York City, New York
The show, which started at 8:00pm, was the last of The Blues Project’s East Coast reunion tour.
Thursday, July 2, 2020: Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, New York (cancelled)
First gig of The Blues Project’s East Coast 2020 tour, that was eventually cancelled at all due to the coronavirus.
Friday, July 3, 2020: Jamey's House of Music, 32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, Delaware County, Pennsylvania (cancelled)
Saturday, July 4, 2020: The Guthrie Center, 2 Van Deusenville Road, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts (cancelled)
Thursday, July 9, 2020: Jonathan's Ogunquit, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit, York County, Maine (cancelled)
Friday, July 10, 2020: Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A Street, Derry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire (cancelled)
Saturday, July 11, 2020: My Father’s Place, Roslyn Hotel, 1221 Old Northern Boulevard, Roslyn, Nassau County, New York (cancelled)
Last gig of The Blues Project’s East Coast 2020 tour, that was eventually cancelled at all due to the coronavirus.
Saturday, May 1, 2021: Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A Street, Derry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire (cancelled)
One show, started at 8:00pm.
Summer 2021
After a couple of years, Steve Katz and Roy Blumenfeld reunited The Blues Project again with Ken Clark from the latest lineup, plus two new members: Chris Morrison on lead guitar and vocals, and Scott Petito on bass and vocals.
THE BLUES PROJECT #26 (SUMMER 2021 - NOVEMBER 14, 2021)
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Steve Katz
3) Ken Clark
4) Chris Morrison lead guitar, vocals
5) Scott Petito bass, vocals
1) Roy Blumenfeld
2) Steve Katz
3) Ken Clark
4) Chris Morrison lead guitar, vocals
5) Scott Petito bass, vocals
Thursday, November 4, 2021: Jonathan’s, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit, York County, Maine
First gig of The Blues Project’s 2021 reunion tour.
Friday, November 5, 2021: Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, New York
Saturday, November 6, 2021: Latchis Theatre, 50 Main Street, Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont (cancelled)
Saturday, November 6, 2021: Bearsville Theater, 291 Tinker Street, Woodstock, Ulster County, New York
Wednesday, November 10, 2021: Don Odell’s Legends, 1659 North Main Street, Palmer, Hampden County, Massachusetts
The Blues Project filmed a video for promotional use at Don Odell’s Legends studio in front of a small invited audience of 30 or so people.
Thursday, November 11, 2021: Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A Street, Derry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Friday, November 12, 2021: Barnum Ballroom, 4060 Austin Boulevard, Island Park, Nassau County, New York
Saturday, November 13, 2021: Jamey’s House of Music, 32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Sunday, November 14, 2021: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Last gig of The Blues Project’s 2021 reunion tour.
