STINGRAY [the forgotten Cocker classic]

Stingray was the last album Joe Cocker ever released for A&M Records in April of 1976. This much overlooked album[which A&M failed to promote adequately]ranks as a favorite among his musical peers. Joe turns in some unbelievable vocal performances on such tunes as "The Jealous Kind", "A Song For You", "She is My Lady" and "The Worrier"[which Features Eric Clapton on guitar]. The soulful rhythm section is anchored by Joe's then backup band Stuff with lead guitarist Eric Gale providing flawless guitar solo's throughout. Great backup vocals are provided by Patti Austin, Deniece Williams and Bonnie Bramlet. The late Peter Tosh makes a cameo as well on the Dylan tune "The Man in Me". If you like Joe Cocker this is a must have import[never released domestically]which is very reasonably priced. It's been said by a prior review of this album many years ago by James Chrispell"Stingray is full of gems worth seeking out".

The best of all his albums

I think this the best of all Cocker's albums, although I must admit to a bias toward soul/R&B as opposed to straight rock. His voice is much mellower on this record than on others, but what sets it apart for me is the backing band. Eric Gale, Cornell Dupree, Steve Gadd and Richard Tee etc (see the same band on Paul Simon's One Trick Pony). I have owned the album since the mid 70's and am finally getting round to buying it on CD. Amazed it was never released here.