Part 7/13:
Sharing behind-the-scenes stories, Al paints a picture of the improvisational and collaborative atmosphere of 1970s sessions. He describes working with session players like Steve Gadd and Anthony Jackson, highlighting the challenge of capturing magic in just a few takes within tight rehearsal windows.
He vividly recalls recording live concerts, including legendary venues like Carnegie Hall, Atlanta Stadium, and the Newport Jazz Festival. The energy of these performances was palpable, and capturing them on tape required a delicate balance of preparation and spontaneity. The documentary-like recordings of those touring years, including the recent remastering and release of live performances from Scandinavian and European tours, preserve that electric atmosphere.