BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS

I'm honestly not sure why this album hasn't received more attention on PA, given how important it was to the development of jazz fusion. That said, "proto prog" might be a better way to refer to this album, as it's a little more focused on R&B and country than your average jamfest. In truth, that's one of the things that works to it's strength: It has a very unique sound, with David Clayton-Thomas' gruff, soulful vocals contrasting with and anchoring the big band horn arrangements and Bobby Colomby positively ripping the skins up in what has to be one of the most underrated drum performances on an album from the '60s. There's versatility here, too: The band channels some classical influences on their opening and closing songs and "And When I Die" seems to be aping Ennio Morricone in places. It's rare to hear a band with such a unified sound that manages to craft such distinct songs, but Blood, Sweat and Tears does it here without a sweat.

It's not a perfect album-it's downright hokey in places and "Blues Part II" drags on for too long- but it's distinct, expertly preformed and a whole hell of a lot of fun. In my mind, those are grounds for being called an "excellent addition to any prog rock music collection" any day of the week.