Naked Songs
Naked Songs is the sixth album by American singer-songwriter Al Kooper for Columbia Records, released in 1973. Two singles were released in the fall of 1972, preceding the album.Background
A contract-fulfilling release, coming months after Kooper had set up the Sounds of the South label through MCA Records, it was quickly recorded at New York City's Record Plant and at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia.
Mixing a heavier dose of gospel into the mix as well as the Arp synthesizer, Kooper effortlessly blended soul, rhythm and blues, rock, country and pop music much as he had on all of his Columbia albums. He continued with his successful formula of original material and select covers.
After this album, Kooper spent three years working with and producing Lynyrd Skynyrd, before resuming his solo career with his next recording, Act Like Nothing's Wrong in late 1976.Track listing
All tracks composed by Al Kooper; except where indicated
- " Be Real" – 3:26
- "As the Years Go Passing By" – 6:03
- "Jolie" – 3:48
- "Blind Baby" – 3:07
- "Been and Gone" – 2:35
- "Sam Stone" – 4:41
- "Peacock Lady" – 3:22
- "Touch the Hem of His Garment" – 4:04
- "Where Were You When I Needed You" – 3:12
- "Unrequited" – 2:52
Personnel
Musicians
With
- John Paul Fetta – electric bass
- Junior Hanley – drums
- Charlie Brown – guitar
- Paul Goddard – bass
- Barry Bailey – guitar
- J. R. Cobb – guitar
- Robert Nix – drums
- Richard Greene – fiddle
- Dean Daughtry – piano
- Stuart Scharf – guitar
- Maruga Booker – percussion
- Linda November, Maeretha Stewart, Tasha Thomas, Eileen Gilbert, Patti Austin, Albertine Robinson, Michael Gately, Robert John – backing vocals
- Jimmy Wisner – string arrangements
Technical
- Al Kooper – producer
- Al Kooper, Charlie Bradley, Don Puluse, Doug Pomeroy, Jerry Watson, Rodney Mills, Wayne Tarnowski – engineers
- Fred Lombardi – photography
- Teresa Alferi – cover design