Joe Cocker - Mad Dogs & Englishmen

The rock & roll road show never really caught on, which is surprising given that Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen revue showed tour dogs how it's done. Recorded live at New York's Fillmore East in the spring of 1970, this CD (as well as a film of the same name) documents a slapdash extravaganza (the whole thing was conceived, organized, and abandoned over the course of two months) that overflows with big, brassy, rockin' soul. Front and center is Joe Cocker, a spastically charismatic Brit soul shouter. The bandleader is Leon Russell, playing some of the best rock piano ever waxed. And the crack company (boasting 21 singers and players) features the Rolling Stones' future horn section and Derek & the Dominoes' rhythm-section-in-waiting. Cocker shines on "Cry Me a River," "Give Peace a Chance," "The Letter," and a slew of other covers that benefit greatly from the volcanic arrangements whipped up by Russell and Chris Stainton. It may have been the Ray Charles revue for the Woodstock Generation, but, shockingly, the Genius himself hasn't made too many records that surpass this one. --Steven Stolder Amazon.com

Mad Dogs and Englishmen

Being older, sometimes has its advantages. I saw this production, here in Phila., at the Academy of Music. There were dogs and children running around on the stage, and all those folks on the stage. It was unreal
As far as rating this album, it is my Number 1, all time favorite. Basically, there is not a bad song in the bunch. I am buying as many albums now, for Christmas presents. The normal Cocker hits of Came in through the bathroom window,The Letter, and Delta Lady, goes Soul with
Cry me a river, and the Blues Medley offered.Leon Russells tribute to Dylan in North Country is right there, and Give Peace a Chance, rocks October 31, 2008

Mad Dogs & Englishmen

Mad Dogs & Englishmen is a live album with Joe Cocker that was recorded in 1970 and features a blend of rock and soul. Cocker is here in his prime and we hear him sing with alot of covers. Here we have Cocker singing rocksongs written by Beatles, Roling Stones, Traffic and Bob Dylan. He also sings bluescovers by Ray Charles, Sam and Dave and Otis Redding. The book-let is quite remarkable. J.P. Bean has written a very poignant, informative and well-written essay about the tour. To think that Cocker was more or less forced to play on this tour to be able to work in America again is so strange and bewildering. The inside also includes many strange photos and I do not quite understand what they are supposed to represent. 4/5. October 13, 2008

Fabulous

This is one of the best live albums ever recorded. The first track which is called 'Introduction' and lasts 41 seconds tells you a lot. A punchy brass section, and a great drummer (either Jim Gordon or Jim Keltner) who drives everything along. Straight into track 2 which is a stonking cover of the Stones 'Honky Tonk Woman'. Joe Cocker sounds like he's singing through broken glass, and the band rock in way that few bands can these days.

Another reason why this album was such a success was the appearance of Leon Russell whose presence is felt throughout the album on Piano and Guitar. If you've ever seen the film of this tour you'll know that he virtually stole the show from everybody with his Top Hat and huge white beard (not so out of place in 1970!). You can hear his distinctive Piano on the intro to another superb cover; 'Cry me River'. This track like all the uptempo tracks on this album has that gospel feel because of the backing choir and Joe Cocker's broken singing voice.

The other well known members of the band are:
Chris Stainton - frequently Claptons regular keyboard player
Bobby Keys - Tenor Sax
Rita Coolidge - Vocals

When listening to the band introductions and the interludes between the songs it becomes rather obvious that a lot of the band were either very stoned or had drunk a huge quantity of alcohol! Its also worth saying that this was recorded 37 years ago now, so for those used to crystaline modern recording techniques this probably sound horrible. However if you prefer your music carved from Rock rather than made in the studio by a computer, you want some soul, a big gospel influence and some driving rock 'n' roll this can't be beaten.
January 4, 2008

You need more stars to rate this one!

This was the first album I had ever purchased at age 15. I bought it because "She Came in Through The Bathroom Window" was popular at the time. I listened and loved the whole album at the time. As a 50 something now, I just purchased the cd and have listened with new ears. The thing that I never knew or appreciated was that Leon Russell not only performed on the album, but he arranged all the music, and conducted this group of musicians. To one whose eyes have only recently been opened to the musical genius of Russell, it was a true epiphany. It was not only Joe Cocker I loved as a teen...it was Leon Russell! September 2, 2007

Remembering The 70's

This album brings back alot of memories of my days in Syracuse after returning home from Vietnam. To think of all the artist on the CD are now 35 plus years older, and Joe, Leon, Rita are still out there making music.I still rate this as one of my all time favorites. January 12, 2007

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