Sisyphus -- Cold Blood's second release for Bill Graham's San Francisco label -- was a shift to a more aggressive and decidedly funkier sound. Taking their cues as much from James Brown's J.B.'s as from their Bay Area contemporaries and labelmates Tower of Power, Sisyphus is a much more cohesive and concentrated effort compared to their 1969 eponymous debut. The infusion of strong original material certainly did not hurt either -- as five of the disc's six tracks are credited as original band compositions. From the opening edgy/up-tempo instrumental "Shop Talk," the change in Cold Blood's direction is evident. This extended jam showcases the entire ensemble -- sans vocalist Lydia Pense -- including the band's latest addition, Sandy McKee (drums/percussion). The track also features notable assistance from original Santana bandmember Chepito Areas (congas/timbales). The driving rhythms are punctuated by the three-piece brass section, whose contributions are infinitely less obtrusive, especially during the dramatic segue into "Funky on My Back" -- one of Cold Blood's most definitive compositions. Highlighted by Pense's dramatic and sensual vocals, the track recalls the laid-back, soulful style of their first album. Another throwback is the slightly gospel-influenced cover of "Your Good Thing" -- originally performed by Stax diva Mable John -- which also features background vocals from the Pointer Sisters. The second half of Sisyphus consists of up-tempo groovers "Too Many People," "Understanding," and "I Can't Stay," which is not only the hardest-rocking track on the disc, it also features a lead vocal from percussionist McKee. The song actually comes off sounding like an early Santana cut rather than anything else on the album. This probably has to do more with the frenetically inspired fretwork of Larry Fields than the absence of Pense. In 2001 the Collectables label reissued Sisyphus -- along with their first self-titled album -- as part of two LPs on one CD set. Although the release is marred by sloppy mastering, it is recommended as the only place to hear much of these albums. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
Tony Lane (Design), José Chepitó Areas (Timbales), Tony Lane (Cover Photo), Larry Jonutz (Trombone), Fred Catero (Recording), June Pointer (Vocals), Jerry Jonutz (Trumpet), Raul Matute (Organ), Fred Catero (Producer), Herbert Greene (Photography), Bonnie Pointer (Vocals), Anita Pointer (Vocals), The Pointer Sisters (Vocals), José Chepitó Areas (Percussion), Danny Hull (Saxophone), Mic Gillette (Trombone), Fred Catero (Engineer), Raul Matute (Piano), Fred Catero (Mixing), Rod Ellicott (Bass), Larry Jonutz (Trumpet), Danny Hull (Vocals), Raul Matute (Keyboards), Sandy McKee (Percussion), Mic Gillette (Horn), Danny Hull (Flute), Mic Gillette (Trumpet), Rod Ellicott (Percussion), Larry Fields (Guitar), Sandy McKee (Drums), José Chepitó Areas (Conga), Sandy McKee (Vocals), Danny Hull (Sax (Tenor)), Mic Gillette (Flugelhorn), Lydia Pense (Vocals)
