Joe Cocker’s career took off after singing his his amazing interpretation of With a Little Help from My Friends at Woodstock Festival. But did you know that the rest of his Woodstock set remained unreleased? Here’s the whole set, for the first time: the Beatles tune; “Feelin’ Alright; Dear Landlord; Just Like a Woman; I Shall Be Released; I Don’t Need No Doctor” , and more!
It makes one wonder why it took so long for the “Live at Woodstock” series to emerge – maybe copyright issues, who knows. Joe Cocker rose to fame in the late 60s in part, at least, on the back of his performance at the Woodstock festival of August 1969. Until this album only the track “With a Little Help From My Friends”, off the Woodstock set, was released (on the first Woodstock album). Those who know, and like, that track will not be disappointed with this album. For those that don’t know Joe Cocker, his stlye is that of an extravagant front man covering songs of the time in an idiosyncratically soulful style.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3xiuDhn9dE
This set is performed by a band who know what they are doing and are doing it well. It is a tight, well performed set of songs mostly from Cocker’s first album. This incarnation of the Grease Band is really good (really, really good). Like many “overnight” sucesses, that success is founded on years of hard slog. This performance catches a glimpse of Joe Cocker and his band at the top of their game and before drugs, fame and rock and roll have taken their toll.
Why did we have to wait 40 years for this fabulous album to be released? I have always thought Joe Cocker’s performance on the Woodstock film was one of so many highlights but to now be able to hear the full performance is an absolute treat.
It is a staggeringly good performance by Joe Cocker & the Grease Band. They are on absolutely peak form here in August 1969. Joe Cocker’s voice never sounded better than this. The sound is perfect. This is 77 minutes of some of the most powerful and raw rock and soul.
The Fat Angel Sings 