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"Joplin in Concert" is a vibrant 2LP vinyl album showcasing the electrifying performances of Janis Joplin alongside The Big Brother and Holding Co. and Full Tilt Boogie Bands. Recorded live, it captures the raw energy and soulful essence of Joplin's iconic stage presence. A testament to her unparalleled talent, this double album is a must-have for any music aficionado.
In the vibrant tapestry of rock and roll history, Janis Joplin remains an iconic figure. Her raspy, soulful voice and electric stage presence made her an enduring symbol of counterculture and the power of music. While her studio albums are legendary, it's her live performances that truly captured the essence of her artistry. "Janis Joplin in Concert", a double LP vinyl album released in 1972, stands as a testament to her raw talent and captivating stage charisma.
The Making of the Album
The Performances
"Janis Joplin in Concert" is a remarkable collection of live recordings from various concerts featuring two of Joplin's influential bands: Big Brother & The Holding Company and Full Tilt Boogie. This double LP showcases her ability to command a stage and enthrall audiences, transcending the boundaries of genre and gender.
The album's performances were carefully curated and assembled by Elliot Mazer, a prominent figure in the world of music production. Mazer's meticulous selection of tracks captures the essence of Janis Joplin's live experience, showcasing her range, emotion, and connection with the crowd.
The Engineers
Behind the scenes, the album's production involved a team of skilled engineers who ensured that every note and nuance was faithfully captured. Don Puluse, Larry Keyes, and Tim Geelan worked their magic to bring the live energy of Joplin's performances to vinyl, preserving the authenticity of the concerts.
The Bands
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Janis Joplin's early years in the music scene were marked by her collaboration with Big Brother & The Holding Company. The band's bluesy, psychedelic rock sound provided the perfect backdrop for Joplin's powerful vocals. The members of Big Brother & The Holding Company who contributed to this album include:
- James Gurley: Guitar
- Sam Andrew: Guitar
- Peter Albin: Bass
- Dave Getz: Drums
Together, they created a unique sonic landscape that allowed Joplin's voice to shine.
Full Tilt Boogie
As Janis Joplin's career evolved, so did her band. The Full Tilt Boogie Band brought a more refined and polished sound to her music. For this album, the members of Full Tilt Boogie who accompanied Joplin on stage included:
- John Till: Guitar
- Richard Bell: Keyboards
- Ken Pearson: Organ
- Brad Campbell: Bass
- Clark Pierson: Drums
Their tight-knit musicianship provided a platform for Joplin to express herself in new ways, and the chemistry between them is evident in the live recordings on this album.
The Vinyl Experience
"Janis Joplin in Concert" is not just an album; it's a journey through the electrifying world of a rock and roll legend. From the searing guitar solos to the heartfelt ballads, this double LP vinyl captures the essence of Janis Joplin's artistry like no other medium can.
Janis Joplin’s I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! has been issued in multiple pressings over the years, but one of the most noticeable differences between versions lies in the color of the CBS record label. Vinyl collectors and audiophiles often debate the significance of these variations, with the orange label representing the original 1969 pressing and the red label indicating a later reissue. But what exactly changed between these two editions? Let’s break it down.
For collectors, the orange label pressing is the most sought-after, as it represents the first European release of I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!. Its historical value and authenticity make it a prized addition to any vinyl collection. However, the red label reissue offers a more affordable way to enjoy the album on vinyl while still retaining its vintage charm.
Whether you’re a dedicated collector chasing the original 1969 pressing or just looking for a great-sounding copy of Janis Joplin’s soulful, blues-drenched classic, understanding these label differences will help you make an informed decision.
| In Brief: A Double Live Album of Janis Joplin with both The Big Brother and Holding Co and Full Tilt Boogie Bands |
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Music Genre: Psych, Acid, Progressive Rock, Blues Music |
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Production info: Songs Collected and assembled by Elliot Mazer. Sound Engineers: Don Puluse, Larry Keyes, Tim Geelan. Photography: David Gahr Album Cover Design: Bob Cato for Squadra Galileo |
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Album Production Information: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) when open a double page photo of Janis Joplin |
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Record Labels & Catalognr: CBS S 67241 / 64792 / C2X 31160 (Orange Record Label, STEMRA) CBS 67241 (Red Record Label, BIEM/STEMRA) |
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Media Format: 12" Double LP |
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Year & Country: 1972 Made in Holland |
Band Members and Musicians on: Janis Joplin Joplin in Concert (Double LP) |
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Complete Track Listing of: Janis Joplin Joplin in Concert (Double LP) |
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The cover of Joplin In Concert is an iconic black-and-white portrait of Janis Joplin, radiating an unfiltered, soulful energy. Her face is framed by an untamed mass of wavy, voluminous hair, effortlessly wild, as if she’s forever caught in a breeze of her own making. Feathers intertwine within her locks, adding a touch of psychedelic whimsy.
Janis’ expression is pure, uninhibited joy. She wears her signature round sunglasses, their lenses reflecting a distorted glimpse of the world around her. The faint smirk on her lips, the relaxed posture of her hand resting near her face, all exude a presence that is both commanding and intimately human.
Her fingers are adorned with multiple chunky, silver rings, each a statement of rebellion and raw individuality. Layered bracelets, a mix of woven fabrics and metallic bangles, wrap around her wrist, an embodiment of her bohemian spirit.
The album title, IN CONCERT, runs vertically along the right edge in bold, capitalized red letters, its sharp contrast slicing through the monochrome background. Above it, "JOPLIN" stands defiantly in the same deep red, an unapologetic declaration of her name, her legacy.
The grainy texture of the image amplifies the raw, unfiltered energy of the moment, as if capturing not just her likeness, but the very essence of her music—loud, free, and fiercely alive.
The back cover of Joplin In Concert is a striking juxtaposition of grit and glamour, capturing Janis Joplin against a decayed urban backdrop. A large, worn-out poster peels away in jagged sections, revealing layers of lost messages beneath. The word 'RED' remains defiantly intact at the top left, its bold block letters partially obscured by time. To its right, a speech bubble declares 'PHOOEY!', as if the wall itself is scoffing at the world.
Janis, ever the free spirit, stands effortlessly cool to the right of the image. She’s wrapped in an oversized, luxurious fur coat that cascades over her shoulders, a stark contrast to the tattered background behind her. Her long, flowing skirt brushes the pavement, and her wide-brimmed hat crowns her untamed, bohemian aura. With one foot slightly lifted, she exudes motion—an artist forever on the move. Her radiant smile and casual pose inject warmth into the monochrome chaos around her.
Below this visually arresting scene, the lower portion of the cover is saturated in vibrant red, a signature element that grounds the album's bold aesthetic. The tracklist is meticulously laid out in sharp black text, detailing the album’s four sides. Each side is categorized by the band performing—Big Brother & The Holding Co. and Full Tilt Boogie—offering a roadmap through Joplin’s explosive live performances.
To the far right, the musician credits stand in crisp, capitalized text, honoring the players who brought these recordings to life. Beneath them, a subtle nod to the album’s visual composition appears: "Photography by David Gahr, Design by Bob Cato/Squadra Galileo." The production credits, stamped at the bottom, seal this cover as both a historical artifact and a rebellious work of art.
The inside gatefold of Joplin In Concert presents a striking, full-page portrait of Janis Joplin at her most free-spirited. She leans effortlessly against the edge of a doorway, her untamed hair exploding in wild curls, a halo of rebellious energy framing her face. Her signature round, wire-rimmed sunglasses sit at an angle, partially obscuring her eyes but failing to hide her mischievous, radiant smile.
Her outfit is an eclectic mix of textures and patterns, a perfect encapsulation of her bohemian essence. A loosely draped tank top is adorned with cascading necklaces—strings of beads, shells, and charms that swing with her every movement. Over her shoulders, a crocheted vest glistens slightly, catching the light. Her left hand is confidently placed on her hip, thick bangles and bracelets stacked high on her wrist, jingling with stories of the road. Her right hand, raised just above her chest, bears an inked tattoo—a simple, yet bold emblem of her fearless individuality.
The lower portion of the gatefold is dominated by a vivid red panel, providing contrast to the monochrome image. Across this section, a block of text flows, recounting the indelible impact of Joplin’s music and stage presence. The words, set against the bold red backdrop, echo the emotions that her music evoked—intensity, passion, and an unwavering dedication to self-expression.
This iconic image immortalizes Joplin not just as a performer but as a cultural force, capturing the very essence of her raw, unapologetic artistry. The combination of her piercing gaze, uninhibited style, and the poetic reflections beneath make this a visual and emotional centerpiece of the album’s design.
Janis Joplin’s live album Joplin In Concert has been released with different CBS label designs, most notably the orange label (original pressing) and the red label (later reissue). These differences reflect changes in CBS branding, manufacturing techniques, and distribution practices. Here’s what sets them apart.
- Orange Label: The original 1972 European pressing, featuring the classic burnt-orange CBS design used from the late 1960s to early 1970s.
- Red Label: A reissue from the mid-to-late 1970s, when CBS transitioned to a bright red label, which became the standard into the 1980s.
- Orange Label: Uses a thinner, more spaced-out font for track listings and features the CBS "Walking Eye" logo enclosed in a rectangular box.
- Red Label: Displays a bolder, more compact font, and the CBS logo is larger and no longer enclosed in a box.
- Orange Label: Lists "CBS S 67241" along with secondary references like "S 64792" and "C2X 31160."
- Red Label: Uses "CBS 67241" but may have updated matrix codes in the dead wax, indicating a later pressing.
- Orange Label: Displays "STEMRA," the Dutch copyright organization.
- Red Label: Updated to "BIEM/STEMRA," reflecting broader European licensing changes.
- Orange Label: Matte finish with a slightly more textured print.
- Red Label: Glossy print, reflecting CBS’s updated production techniques from the late 1970s onward.
- The Orange Label is the original 1972 pressing and is more sought-after by collectors.
- The Red Label is a later reissue, more common, and usually less expensive, but still valuable for completists.
While both versions contain the same incredible live recordings, the Orange CBS label represents the first pressing and is considered the most collectible. The Red CBS label is a reissue, reflecting CBS’s evolving branding and manufacturing updates. For serious collectors, the orange label is the preferred edition, though both versions remain prized among vinyl enthusiasts.
This close-up of the CBS Orange label from Joplin In Concert (Side One) highlights the distinct aesthetics of early '70s CBS vinyl pressings. The label’s background is a deep burnt orange, a hallmark of CBS records from this era, contrasted with bold black text that provides all essential album details.
Centered near the top, the CBS logo stands prominently, encasing a black-and-white eye design, with the letters "CBS" boldly printed above. Below the logo, the album title Joplin In Concert appears in capital letters, followed by the designated play speed, "33 ⅓ RPM."
The track listing is neatly formatted in black ink, featuring four songs performed by Big Brother & The Holding Co.: Down On Me (Arr. Joplin), Bye, Bye Baby (P. St. John), All Is Loneliness (L. Hardin), and Piece of My Heart (J. Ragovoy-B. Berns). Each track is accompanied by its respective duration and publishing rights information.
On the right-hand side, boxed text displays the catalog number "S 67241," followed by additional catalog references "(S 64792) (C2X 31160)." Below, a copyright notice reads "Ⓟ 1972 CBS, Inc.," confirming the pressing date. The lower edge of the label carries the small but significant marking "Made in Holland," indicating its country of origin.
Encircling the outer rim, fine print warns against unauthorized public performance, broadcasting, and duplication—standard legal text present on most vinyl releases. The clean, professional layout and sharp typography ensure readability while maintaining the classic CBS label aesthetic.
The label itself remains in excellent condition, with crisp, well-defined text and no visible signs of wear. The spindle hole at the center is precisely punched, surrounded by the deep black vinyl grooves that house the raw, electrifying live performances of Janis Joplin and her band.
This close-up of the CBS Red label from Joplin In Concert (Side One) showcases the later pressing design adopted by CBS in the mid-to-late 1970s. The background is a deep, striking red, with contrasting white and black text that ensures legibility while maintaining a bold, minimalist aesthetic.
Dominating the top section is the CBS logo in crisp white, centered above the album title Joplin In Concert, which is printed in bold black uppercase letters. Just below, the play speed "33 ⅓ RPM" is clearly stated, with "STEREO" printed beside it.
The track listing appears neatly aligned, detailing four songs performed by Big Brother & The Holding Co.: Down On Me (Arr. Joplin), Bye, Bye Baby (P. St. John), All Is Loneliness (L. Hardin), and Piece of My Heart (J. Ragovoy-B. Berns). Each title is followed by its publishing rights and track duration.
On the right side, a large bold number "1" indicates Side One, accompanied by the "BIEM/STEMRA" logo for copyright and licensing. The catalog number "CBS 67241" is displayed prominently, with an additional reference "(64792)" below.
A fine-print ring encircles the outer edge of the label, issuing a legal disclaimer regarding unauthorized duplication, public performance, and broadcasting. At the bottom, a small imprint states "Ⓟ 1972 CBS Inc.," signifying the year of release. The phrase "Made in Holland" is also visible, confirming the origin of this pressing.
The label exhibits a smooth, glossy finish, characteristic of later CBS vinyl production methods. The spindle hole is perfectly centered, ensuring precise alignment on a turntable. The record itself appears to be in pristine condition, with no visible scratches or wear around the label area.
Janis Joplin is a classic figure, the woman who has been kicked around and, having lost her innocence so long ago she's forgotten it and having lost her self-respect, she sings merely to keep herself in liquor
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