Transfusion
Cold Blood was originally signed in 1969 by Bill Graham to his own label and went on to record six albums before disbanding in the late 1970s. The band was revived in the late 1980s and the current lineup started to coalesce in the mid-90s under the direction of guitarist Steve Dunne, which culminated in a triumphant return to the Fillmore in 1998. In 2001, DIG Music releasedVintage Blood: Live! 1973, a previously unreleased powerhouse collection of songs including their signature version ofYou Got Me Hummin, recorded in an intimate studio setting before a live audience.At the same time, former Cold Blood member Skip Mesquite, who had a number of songs hed written and thought would be well- suited for Lydia, came in contact with DIG Music. Armed with these great new songs, a continually improving band, an excited indie label, and with Lydia singing better than ever, the elements were aligned for making a new Cold Blood album a reality.Transfusionis Cold Bloods first studio album on DIG Music, showcasing more of the bands horn-driven rock and soul- drenched sound, and demonstrating that Lydia Penses vocal chops have lost none of their power or feeling. Joining her in the band are former Starship/Elvin Bishop drummer Donny Baldwin, Steve Dunne on guitar, Rob Zuckerman on sax, Rich Armstrong on trumpet, Evan Palmerston on bass, Mike Morgan on percussion and Steve Salinas on keyboards. The new album was produced by Steve Dunne and Skip Mesquite and recorded at Sy Klopps Studio in San Francisco.Special guests onTransfusioninclude Michelle Shocked, who joins Lydia for a vocal duet onDown To The Bone, and Lenny Williams, who sings with Lydia onIt Could Be Me, It Must Be You. Other friends include keyboardist Roger Smith, drummer David Garibaldi and guitarist Jeff Tamelier of Tower of Power, sax player Skip Mesquite, ex-Tower of Power trumpet player Mic Gillette and original Cold Blood keyboard player Raul Matute.