“The album is Laura Nyro's legendary “Eli and the Confession”.

I bought it when I was 16 years old when I first heard her music on FM which was new to to my area....New York metro area.

I couldn’t believe her voice, then once I bought the album and saw the musicians - all the famous jazz musicians of my time that sealed it.

I believe it was my very first album that I purchased. Prior to 1967 I bought all 45s that’s all that was really available.

I started driving in ’71 I got the 8 track, then I got the cassette then I got a CD when they came out, I almost wore everything out.

My daughter - my adult daughter got me the new remastered CD that just came out with 2-extra songs which I continue to listen to - in the car it’s always right next to me.

Fast forward to 5 years ago Charlie Carello who was writing his memoirs approached me to be his literary agent and Charlie produced and arranged all the music on the album so for me it was a dream come true just to be working with him. The reat is history.

We’re still friends, I still love Laura Nyro music and whenever Charlie’s in town I do the promotions for him on the book.

I’ve met so many of the musicians that played on all the albums not just Laura’s - Brecker Brothers, Michael passed away, Will Lee, Euan Mchracken, Roy McCurdy was a friend of mine - he played drums on a few of her albums.

It’s a great family of musicians making a great album - which is my favourite of Laura Nyro - I love all her albums (but) - that is the One LP

I've met , and I am friends with many of the musicians that Charlie Calello used to record "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" (1968) and "Smile" (1976)..”

Piano, vocals, harmonies Laura Nyro

Acoustic guitar Ralph Casale & Chet Amsterdam

Electric guitar Hugh McCracken

Bass Chuck Rainey & Chet Amsterdam

Drums, vibes Artie Schroeck

Drums Buddy Saltzman

Percussion Dave Carey

Trumpet Bernie Glow, Ernie Royal & Pat Calello

Saxophones Zoot Sims & George Young

Saxophone, flute Joe Farrell

Piano Paul Griffin

Tom Mulligan: Roxy Hotel, New York City, 13 September 2022

Laura Nyro: Eli and the Thirteenth Confession released 1968

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