Musicology

Kathy McCord - Kathy McCord 1970

Kathy McCord released a lone self-titled LP in 1970, the first release from Creed Taylor’s CTI Records, and it was a truly odd and unique album featuring a kind of folk-rock acid jazz groove that later made it a highly sought-after rarity for collectors. The album was recorded and engineered by Rudy Van Gelder at his Englewood Cliffs, NJ, studio on November 18, 19, 20, and 24, and December 2, 1969, and featured flute by Hubert Laws, organ by Paul Harris, and arrangements by Don Sebesky. McCord’s dreamy singing approach made the whole project feel like it was recorded in San Francisco with everyone wearing flowers in their hair, but the end result was oddly compelling and absolutely unforgettable. The LP sold poorly and copies were traded for years on the rarities market. A limited-edition CD version was issued in Japan in the 1990s. Then in 2010 Big Beat UK finally packaged the LP with some scattered tracks McCord recorded for the Rainy Day label in 1968, plus a whole second disc of sides she cut in the 1970s but never released, as the double-disc set New Jersey to Woodstock. AMG.

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