{mosimage} The disc opens with the rock and soul of “My Hands Are Tied.” Other highlights include “Keep it To Yourself” and “Get Ready.” At 14 tracks, it’s an ambitious record, but then again, this is Kooper’s first solo recording in 30 years, so he had to make up for lost time. And, make up for lost time he does. Backed by a first-rate brass section known as the Funky Faculty, the musical mensch Kooper conducts this band of musical brothers on a smooth and soulful ride. Black Coffee is aptly titled since these 14 tunes are best listened to while sipping your morning cup of Joe on Saturday morning while reading the paper. Kooper’s soulful and soft delivery provides a great background for casual conversation and it’s easy listening music. Just to keep the listener awake though, there are songs where he turns up the decibel level and lets the Funky Faculty jam it out — most notably the groovy instrumental “Green Onions (Live)” that showcases Kooper’s manic keyboard playing. The most ambitious of these tracks is the funk blues of the other live track “Comin’ Back in a Cadillac,” which clocks in at just under 10 minutes. Overall, Black Coffee shows that like a good caffeine kick, the 61-year-old Kooper shows no signs of slowing down. {mosimage} To purchase this CD or learn more about Al Kooper, visit his website @ http://www.alkooper.com -David McPherson