In the space of 10 years between 1967-77, singer-songwriter Bert Sommer released four studio albums, collaborated with the Left Banke and the Vagrants with Mountain’s Leslie West, performed in the first stage musical of Hair, appeared at Woodstock, and was part of Kaptain Kool and the Kongs on TV’s The Krofft Supershow for one season.
Sommer also continued to write, record, and perform music until his untimely death in 1990 at the age of 41. He was a phenomenally talented charismatic singer and songwriter, and was gone way too soon. I had the rare pleasure of talking with his son Jesse Bert Sommer for a Something Else! Sitdown focusing on father’s music and career.
by Steve Elliott, January 8, 2020
"Inside" was his second solo album, released not long after his appearance at the Woodstock festival – his performance did not make the film, although his performance of Paul Simon’s ‘America’ was hugely appreciated and this is the only track on the album not written wholly, or in part, by Bert. The album is not a normal singer/songwriter album, as it has significantly varied genres. This variety is the USP of the album, although it may have restricted the commercial impact the album had.
Tracks
1. Smile - 3:06
2. It's A Beautiful Day - 3:02
3. Eleuthera - 2:20
4. The Grand Pianist (Mike Brown) - 2:24
5. Uncle Charlie - 2:29
6. I've Got To Try / Zip Zap Medley (Dan Sullivan) - 4:58
7. America (Paul Simon) - 3:21
8. Mama, If You're Able - 2:11
9. Friends - 3:19
10.On The Other Side - 4:37
11.Here In The Timeless Life - 2:44
12.We're All Playing In The Same Band - 3:21
All compositions by Bert Sommer except where stated
Personnel
*Bert Sommer - Vocals, Guitar
*Joe Mack - Bass
*Jimmy Calvert - Electric Guitar
*Specs Powell - Percussion
*Ron Frangipane - Piano, Organ
*Hugh McCracken - Electric, Acoustic Guitar
