Discovering Cold Blood: The Underrated Soul of the 70s
Only a band this hot could call itself "Cold Blood"!
One of the most unique bands of the 1970s, in my opinion, was Cold Blood. As a suburban white boy fresh out of high school, this extraordinary nine-piece horn band, led by the fabulous vocals of Lydia Pense, became a significant inspiration as I embarked on my career as a professional musician. Hailing from San Francisco, Cold Blood delivered a rhythm & blues-infused blend of funk, soul, rock, and jazz that was truly unmatched.
During this transformative era, legendary bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, the Bee Gees, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, and Elton John dominated the charts. However, Cold Blood distinguished itself with a unique sound and style that packed a powerful punch. One of their standout tracks, “Funky On My Back,” features a classic soulful groove where Lydia Pense skillfully glides through lyrics and rhythms that never fail to fill the dance floor.
Through this blog, I aim to encourage you to explore and appreciate under-recognized bands that shaped the music scene of the 70s. While I don’t delve into detailed member biographies or discographies - information readily available elsewhere - my goal is to bring the soulful R&B sounds of exceptionally talented musicians and vocalists like Cold Blood into the spotlight.
Instrumentals often fly under the radar, but classic tracks such as Chicago’s “Introductions” and Cold Blood’s “Shop Talk” elevate the instrumental art form to astonishing heights. Let’s face it - most drum solos aren’t everyone’s favorite, but the exhilarating rhythm section in “Shop Talk” will have you feeling like you’re on a runaway train.
Another instrumental gem, “Valdez In the Country” from their album “First Taste of Sin,” showcases a polished mix of pop and jazz that recalls the brilliance of the Chicago Transit Authority at their peak.
"Valdez In the Country"
Next, they unleash their inner “Tower of Power” with the exhilarating track “Down to the Bone.”
Cold Blood first caught the public's attention in 1969 when rock impresario Bill Graham signed them after a captivating audition, leading them to perform at the iconic Fillmore West in San Francisco. Lydia Pense’s vocals have drawn comparisons to the legendary Janis Joplin, who recommended Cold Blood’s audition to Graham -talk about a serendipitous connection! Their influence on the music scene was undeniable and continues to be felt today.
The term "East Bay Grease" aptly describes the San Francisco Bay Area’s signature brass-heavy funk-rock sound of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, with Cold Blood being one of the pioneering bands at the forefront of this vibrant movement (they formed in 1968).
The band breathes new life into the classic Sam & Dave hit “You Got Me Hummin’,” infusing it with their unmistakable energy and flair.
Cold Blood - Last Days at the Fillmore
If you’re already a fan, you know how powerful, creative, and progressive Cold Blood was. I would love to hear your thoughts! Your insights and experiences are valuable to our community. Stay tuned for future blog posts where I’ll explore another underrated group, “Ten Wheel Drive with Genya Raven,” and the talented singer-songwriter Michael Franks.