Blood, Sweat and Tears-Blood, Sweat & Tears 3 (1970)

Almost two years after their historic and acclaimed second album, the American band Blood, Sweat & Tears recorded their next album, generically titled "Blood, Sweat & Tears 3". While considered one of their best albums, it didn't reach the commercial heights of its predecessor, despite reaching number one on the American and Canadian charts. If the band had previously showcased a solid jazz-rock sound with elements of soul, blues, and classical music, this third release features a style slightly more influenced by rhythm and blues, always under the umbrella of jazz and rock. As before, here too they flood their repertoire with covers adapted to their brass rock style, showcasing Clayton-Thomas's original and powerful voice, Steve Katz's effective guitar work, and the punchy horn section comprised of Dick Halligan, Fred Lipsius, Lew Soloff, Jerry Hyman, and Chuck Winfield, all anchored by the vigorous rhythm section of Bobby Colomby and Jim Fielder. This album contains anthems like "Hi De Ho", a Carole King cover featuring Clayton-Thomas delivering one of his finest performances; the improvised jam "Sympathy For The Devil" by The Rolling Stones; and the dynamic "40,000 Headmen" by Traffic. These, along with their own compositions, "The Battle" and "Lucretia MacEvil", and the magnificent "He's a Runner" (another cover, this time of Laura Nyro), are the highlights of this superb work.

Blood Sweat and Tears-Blood Sweat and Tears (1969)

"Blood, Sweat & Tears" was the second album by the band of the same name, considered a masterpiece of jazz-rock, and was released in 1968. Its style was closer to jazz-rock than other predominant styles of the time, but it contained just the right amount of commercial appeal that propelled it to the top of the American charts for weeks and even earned it the title of best album of the year. Led by Al Kooper, the band had recruited the powerful David Clayton-Thomas, and other members included Steve Katz and Jim Felder. They recorded this historic gem, creating a work that includes legendary tracks such as "You've Made Me So Very Happy", a Motown classic, "Spinning Wheel", and "When I Die", all fused with powerful rock, blues influences, and great jazz arrangements.