’60s jazz-rockers blood, sweat & tears are still loving life as they approach their 50th anniversary

by Jon Domenick

Originally formed in 1967 in New York City and comprised of members who have shared stages and studios with the likes of Buffalo Springfield, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen, and Lou Reed, Blood, Sweat & Tears has had over 100 members come and go since its inception 49 years ago. Now, Bobby Columby, original founder and drummer/producer, has fielded a team of the best contemporary musicians to keep that tradition alive. The group’s current No Prim donnas No Passengers world tour stops at the New Jersey State Theatre on December 9. Most notable for fusing rock, blues, pop, and jazz into a hybrid that came to be known as “jazz-rock,”“BS&T” boasts hits that include “Spinning Wheel,”“God Bless the Child,”“And When I Die,” as well as “You Made Me So Very Happy.” Its wailing horn section continues to draw respect and raves from fans and peers alike. The multi-Grammy Award-winning group’s 1968 self-titled second album topped the Billboard charts for many weeks, beating out the Beatles’Abbey Road for the prestigious Album of the Year Grammy. BS&T also advances the cause of education, donating through its Elsie Monica Colomby Scholarship to deserving schools and students, including victims of Hurricane Katrina. During the current tour, Colomby is seeking to develop the ensemble into one that reaches beyond a nostalgic audience. “I no longer want to target just one generation; that would be a mistake,” he said. “With this updated version, I want this band to gain recognition with a wider audience. I want people of all ages to experience what this music has to offer.”Included in Columby’s traveling band of minstrels is Bo Bice. Like fellow American Idol alums Adam Lambert, Katherine McPhee, and Clay Aiken, Bice has found his own post-show success. Since 2014, the season four runner-up has fronted BS&T, rounding out the band’s mainstays. Before joining them, the Alabama native achieved commercial success with his 2005 Gold single “Inside Your Heaven,” which climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Blood, Sweat & Tears New Jersey State Theatre / 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick 732.246.7469 / statetheatrenj.org