Dreams of a Kitten by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Dreams of a Kitten

Page 208

management and recording contracts on the grounds that she had

entered into them while still a minor. Geffen became her

manager, and the two established a publishing company, “Tuna

Fish Music,” under which the proceeds from her future

compositions would be divided equally between them. Geffen also

arranged Nyro's new recording contract with Clive Davis at

“Columbia Records,” and purchased the publishing rights to her

early compositions. In his memoir “Clive: Inside the Record

Business,” Davis recalled Nyro's audition for him: She had

invited him to her New York apartment, turned off every light

except that of a television set next to her piano, and played

him the material that would become “Eli and the Thirteenth

Confession.” Around this time, she considered becoming lead

singer for Blood, Sweat and Tears after the departure of founder

Al Kooper, but was dissuaded by Geffen. Blood, Sweat and Tears

went on to have a hit with a cover of Nyro's "And When I Die.”

The new contract allowed Nyro more artistic freedom and control.

In 1968, Columbia released “Eli and the Thirteenth Confession,”

her second album, which received high critical praise for the

depth and sophistication of its performance and arrangements,

which merged pop structure with inspired imagery, rich vocals,

and avant-garde jazz. It is widely considered one of her best

works. It was followed in 1969 by “New York Tendaberry,” another