Tom Scott & The L.A. Express - Tom Cat (1975)

"Tom Cat" was the second album for the brief-lived Tom Scott & The L.A. Express. Larry Carlton and Joe Sample left after the recording of the group's debut and the sessions backing up Joni Mitchell on her "Court And Spark" album. Robben Ford took over from Carlton on Guitars, and Larry Nash replaced Sample as pianist. "Tom Cat" proved popular and sold well. Highlight tracks included "Rock Island Rocket," "Tom Cat," "Keep On Doin' It" and "Refried." Scott left the band to perform solo after this album, after which the remaining L.A. Express recorded two more albums before calling it quits.

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Tom Cat

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Tom Scott & The L.A. Express - Tom Scott & The L.A. Express (1974)

Saxophonist Tom Scott is probably best known for his TV series compositions, including the theme songs for "Starsky & Hutch" and "The Streets of San Francisco." As a teen, Tom led a jazz ensemble called the Neoteric Trio. He was also a "first-call" (high demand) session musician. Over the course of his career, on top of his own solo and lead work, he played back-up to the likes of the Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd and Quincy Jones, among others. In 1973, the L.A. Express formed as Tom's backing band. The original lineup featured Max Bennett, John Guerin, Larry Carlton and Joe Sample. This group was short-lived, recording the album "Tom Scott & The L.A. Express" and playing back-up on a number of tracks on Joni Mitchell's "Court And Spark" album. By the time the group's second album "Tom Cat" was recorded, Carlton and Sample had left. The songs on "Tom Scott & The L.A. Express" are all jazz funk instrumentals, with a heavy sax emphasis. Highlights include "L.A. Express," "Strut Your Stuff" and "Sneakin' In The Back" (from which the opening bass riff was sampled by Massive Attack for the song "Blue Lines").

Album info. available on Discogs:

Tom Scott & The L.A. Express

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(amazon.co.uk) Tom Scott & The L.A. Express