Live at P.J.'s

Kool & The Gang’s second consecutive live album in as many years proved that the eight-man ensemble was determined to hone its craft in front of audiences in packed, sweaty venues. Recorded on May 29th, 1971, at P.J.’s — located at the intersection of Santa Monica and Crescent Heights in West Hollywood — this is a slightly more mannered performance than the previous year’s Live at the Sex Machine (recorded in West Philadelphia). This time the group appears intent on sharpening the complexity of its arrangements and tightening its jazz chops. The songs don’t so much punch and shuffle as they slide and float. The exceptions are “The Penguin,” “Ronnie’s Groove” and “N.T.,” all of which sport slick, nut-cracking rhythms. (“N.T.” has become a perennial favorite of hip-hop producers.) At this stage in their career, Kool & The Gang mostly avoided slow tracks, which is too bad because “Ricksonata” and the medley of “Ike’s Mood” and “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” prove how effective they were when they explored their brooding side. The medley includes strings that were overdubbed after the fact, but for once the addition doesn’t detract — it’s a majestic performance.