“Cold Blood” by Cold Blood - album review

features in: Album Chart of 1969 ● Album Chart of the Decade: 1960s

A highly stylish debut album from the soulful Californian rockers, fronted by Lydia Pense whose impassioned vocal style fairly drew many comparisons with Janis Joplin. A prominent horn section competes strongly for attention with the standard guitar, drum and bass. An organist and TWO saxophonists help complete the highly musical picture. This was a big band, funky on the bass, sharp on the horns with a lead singer that could belt ‘em out with a fair degree of panache. Highlights include the stirring opener “I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free)” (Billy Taylor Trio, 1963), the Joplin-esque take of “Let Me Down Easy” (Betty Lavette, 1965) and the sultry “If You Will”, which is the album’s sole original, written by keyboard player Raul Mote. Good job…

The Jukebox Rebel
07–Dec–2008

Tracklist

A1	[05:58] Cold Blood - I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free) (Dick Dallas, Billy Taylor) Soul
A2	[05:32] Cold Blood - If You Will (Raul Matute) Soul Ballad
A3	[05:45] Cold Blood - You Got Me Hummin’ (Isaac Hayes, David Porter) Soul
B1	[05:12] Cold Blood - I Just Want To Make Love To You (Willie Dixon) Soul
B2	[03:01] Cold Blood - I’m A Good Woman (Barbara Lynn) Blues Rock / Soul Rock
B3	[05:27] Cold Blood - Let Me Down Easy (Wrecia Holloway, James McDougal) Soul Ballad
B4	[05:26] Cold Blood - Watch Your Step (Bobby Parker) Soul

ratings by TJR