Blood Sweat & Tears

Biography

Blood, Sweat & Tears (BS&T) was formed in 1967 in New York City by Al Kooper, a keyboardist and producer known for his work with Bob Dylan, along with Steve Katz (guitar), Bobby Colomby (drums), Jim Fielder (bass), Fred Lipsius (alto saxophone), Randy Brecker (trumpet), Jerry Weiss (trumpet), and Dick Halligan (trombone). The band emerged from the ashes of The Blues Project, with Kooper envisioning an experimental expansion of rock incorporating jazz, blues, classical, and folk elements. Their debut album, Child Is Father to the Man (1968), produced by John Simon, peaked at No. 47 on the Billboard charts but showcased Kooper's songwriting and eclectic style, including covers of songs by Randy Newman and Carole King.

Fun Facts

• The band was forced by the U.S. State Department on a controversial $40,000 goodwill tour of Eastern Europe (Romania, Poland, Yugoslavia) in 1970, which they hated but undertook to support their vocalist.
• Jaco Pastorius joined BS&T for only three months in 1975-1976 before moving to Weather Report, where he became world-famous; Colomby had produced his debut solo album.
• Saxophonist Gregory Herbert died of a cocaine overdose in Amsterdam in 1978 after a European tour concert, leading to the band's breakup.
• Over 175 musicians have played in the band across its history, reflecting constant lineup changes.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Buckinghams - Main influence on Katz and Colomby for blending jazz and rock (LP 'Time and Changes')

Key Collaborators

• Al Kooper - Founder, leader, keyboards, vocals (Child Is Father to the Man (1968)) [1967-1968]
• Steve Katz - Co-founder, guitarist from Blues Project (Original lineup, Child Is Father to the Man) [1967-1970s, guest 2008-2010]
• Bobby Colomby - Co-founder, drummer with jazz roots (Original lineup, multiple albums) [1967-1970s]
• David Clayton-Thomas - Lead vocalist from 1969 onward, multiple returns (Blood, Sweat & Tears (1968), multiple albums) [1969-1970s, 1975+]
• Jaco Pastorius - Bass player briefly recruited by Colomby (Live performances) [Late 1975 - early 1976]

External Links

• Spotify